Is the BMW X1 good for families? Here’s our verdict.

By Farzana Chaumoo

The BMW X1 is good to drive, it's spacious, it has a practical interior and it also holds onto its value better than some rivals making it a great family car option. 

 

BMW’s X1 was based on the same underpinnings as the 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW's first MPV, and competes against the likes of the Audi Q3 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The X3 is available with a range of petrol engines and there’s a 2.0-litre diesel option.

 

Quality

Newer BMW X1 models have a premium feel and a solid build quality that kids won’t just easily mess or destroy. It's quality you can expect of a premium-badged German vehicle.

Depending on the trim level, you can expect plenty of chrome trim and metal effect inlays which uplift the design. All controls in the X1 operate with perfect precision. The leather steering wheel and leather seats make the interior easy to clean.

 

Front space

Tall adults will have no problem getting comfortable in the X1 especially since there is generous headroom. Keep in mind though, that the X1 is a baby-X model and will not feel as airy as say, a Volvo XC90.

For storage, the pair of cupholders in the front is deep enough to hold large takeaway cups. 1.0-litre bottles and drinks can also be stashed in the door while a 500ml bottles can be stored in the center console storage cubby. You can also store small items in the cubby in front of the gear lever. Phones can be connected through USB or stored in the center console cubby.

 

Rear space

While not as much head or legroom as in a VW Tiguan, there’s still sufficient space in the rear of the X1. Tall passengers won’t have a problem getting comfortable in the back since the rear seats can slide back, which means kids will have more than enough space. And three children in the back seat will be perfectly happy.

Storage space for their items is good too. Behind the front seats, kids can store items in the nets which is broad enough to hold documents. In some markets, BMW also optionally offers a folding tray table that attaches to the back of the front seat.

 

Seat folding and flexibility

Rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration. Versatility and convenience are enhanced through the small levers in the boot that helps with getting the seats down while the ability to have the rear seats slide and recline further improve practicality.

Aside from improving legroom for tall passengers through sliding the rear seat backwards, boot space can also be increased by sliding the rear seat forward.

A folding front passenger seat can also be added to your X1 if you use your vehicle to transport extra-long items.

 

Boot space

While the X1’s boot is a tad bit smaller than the space in a Tiguan, you will fit more luggage in it than in the Q3 or Mercedes GLA. The loading bay is also usefully square with a nice broad opening for prams or sports gear. 

The boot’s flat floor, in combination with an electric tailgate, is particularly convenient when loading or unloading heavy/bulky items

 

Safety

The X1 is fitted with the latest leading-edge technologies meant to provide optimal support in every situation. Safety features include:

• Traffic jam assistant (optional)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• LED headlights
• Airbags for driver and front passenger
• Approach control warning with light city braking function
• Intelligent emergency call
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

 

Recommended: Top 3 things you need to know about the BMW X3