BMW X1 review

The 20i Sport kicks things off at £34,340, with the 18d Sport starting from £35,425 and the 25e PHEV from £41,980. You can upgrade to the smarter look and better equipment of xLine or M Sport trims for £2k-£5k respectively. 

The 23i petrol, 23d diesel, and 30e PHEV, available in xLine trim upwards, start from £39,330, £40,910 and £46,215 apiece.

Meanwhile, the iX1 costs from £53,295 in xLine trim. Sounds pricey, but it’s pretty much like-for-like with rivals and just shy of ten grand cheaper than the less powerful, RWD-only iX3 SUV, while offering pretty much the same range.

Talk me through the different trims.

BMW has worked hard on simplifying the trim structure; there’s a less bewildering away of options and levels on the configurator, something that’ll certainly help keep that Regensburg line moving along without falter.

There are three trim levels (the iX1 only gets the upper two) that each bring different looks: Sport and xLine have contrasting black wheel arches and bumper details while M Sport makes the whole car one colour and less rugged in appearance. Sport gets 17in wheels as standard while the X-Line gets 18s and the M Sport sits on 19s, but you can also have 20in items optionally for the first time. In our experience these are best avoided, as they make ride and road road worse.

Leatherette trim is available if you’d rather have it over standard leather, but that sticks around too – even if future-generation BMWs will target completely vegan interiors. As the four different power sources suggest, the X1 sits as a stepping stone between the company’s past and future.

What's the best spec?

We’ve made no secret that we consider the iX1 the best to drive – and it’s the one we’d choose based on that alone. As standard the xLine model comes pretty impressively well equipped, though we’d be tempted by the M Sport for the better looks and the adaptive air suspension, which helps smooth the ride out.