New vs old BMW X1: what are the top 3 differences?

By Martin Pretorius

 

BMW was an early entrant into the premium SUV market when they launched the first X5 way back in 1999. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely, however, as the X5 became a sustained sales success, and prompted this German manufacturer into expanding their range to include smaller models as well. Right at the bottom of their “Sports Activity Vehicle” (BMW-speak for SUV) range, they slotted in the X1, and it also became a successful and profitable venture in its own right.

This success was largely due to the fact that the X1 shared most of its hardware and architecture with its concurrent (E90) 3 Series, which dramatically cut its development costs. But, when the time came to replace this first-generation X1, BMW had to take a slightly different approach: the next 3 Series had grown quite a bit larger, and if the X1 were to follow suit, it would start encroaching on the X3’s territory.

 

1. Different proportions

To solve this problem, BMW looked elsewhere in their empire, and decided to use a platform from their British branch. Out went the 3 Series platform, and in came the front-wheel drive based UKL2 platform, as used in some Mini models. 

As a result, the second-generation X1 has very different proportions to the first one. It’s slightly shorter, but wider and taller, on a noticeably shorter wheelbase. It is however a lot more spacious than the old one, thanks to the superior packaging afforded by the now transversely-mounted engine. It’s also considerably less challenging in the aesthetic department, and shed its predecessor’s tall-but-narrow appearance to emerge as an altogether more athletic-looking car.

 

2. Completely different engine range

Having moved away from the first generation’s longitudinally-mounted engine, the new X1 cannot offer the brilliant 6-cylinder engines of the old car – there simply isn’t enough room under the bonnet to accommodate the bulkier 6-pot powerplants. 

To compensate, the second-generation car features a series of downsized turbocharged engines, all from BMW’s latest modular family. The range opens with the “18i” variants, which can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The "18i" uses a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol mill, which produces 100 kW and 220 Nm. As denoted by its full name (sDrive18i), the “18i” is only available with front-wheel drive.

Next up are the “20i” derivatives, which is only available with front-wheel drive and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 141 kW and 280 Nm. Finally, there’s the “20d” variants, which can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, but only with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. 

The “20d”, whether in sDrive (FWD) or xDrive (AWD) format, produces 140 kW and a staunch 400 Nm, so it probably qualifies to be called the highest-performance derivative. Don’t discount the possibility of an X1 xDrive M35i variant in the future, though – this one will likely have around 225 kW, as seen in the recently revealed and mechanically related X2 xDrive M35i.

 

3. Updated iDrive and connectivity

One of the upsides of using an up-to-date platform is that it puts the latest technology at the engineers’ disposal. This also holds true for the X1: where the first-generation car saw out its days with the dated electronic architecture inherited from its E90 sibling, the new X1 benefits from the thoroughly modern electronic features which come with its newer platform.

This includes the latest version of iDrive and high-resolution colour infotainment display, which are both much improved from the old model’s, as well as a much newer iteration of BMW’s ConnectedDrive suite to take care of internet connectivity, the concierge service, and navigation system. Sure, you won’t find gadgets like gesture control in the X1, but for the rest, it’s very much like any other new-generation BMW inside.

 

In spite of the fundamental changes from the first-generation car, the latest X1 still looks and feels like a proper, modern BMW from the driver’s seat. Yes, some buyers might bemoan the switch from rear- to front wheel drive in the base models, but the driving experience and overall performance represents a nice overall improvement on the earlier car. Seen in this light, it’s definitely worthwhile to rather buy a newer X1 than an older one – unless you really cannot do without that straight-six hum, that is...