BMW X1 2012–2015 car dimensions: 4477 mm long, 1798 mm wide and 1545 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,505 kg. Braked towing is 1,700 kg.
The cabin has climate control as standard along with an onboard computer and a sound system with CD player, AUX-IN and five speakers. A dual-zone automatic climate control is optional. Cruise control with braking function, Park Distance Control and a rear-view camera that shows on the iDrive Control Display are available as options or on higher grades. The optional navigation system adds a larger display operated by the iDrive controller.
Boot space measures 420 litres with the rear seats up. The 40:20:40 split rear seatbacks fold to create a nearly flat floor and expand capacity to 1350 litres. Seatback angle adjusts in ten stages, varying load volume between about 360 and 480 litres while seats remain upright.
Braked towing capacity is 1700 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Maximum payload is 550 kg to DIN. A tow bar is available as an option. The car suits light work and leisure towing with its standard rear-wheel drive layout and available all-wheel drive on other variants.
The cabin offers a raised driving position with good forward view and solid build quality from the donor 3 Series platform. Front seats adjust manually as standard for height, reach and backrest angle, with optional electric multi-way versions and memory. Sport seats add electric bolster adjustment. Rear seats split 40:20:40 and tilt in ten steps for flexible load space from 420 to 1350 litres. Standard climate control keeps the interior pleasant, while options like the panoramic glass roof, heated front seats and heated steering wheel add further comfort on longer trips. Materials feel premium with refined surfaces and a driver-focused console.
2.0-litre petrol engine, min RON 91 fuel, combined consumption 7.7 l/100 km manual.
Condition Based Service with oil changes up to 30 000 km or 24 months.
Five-star Euro NCAP crash test result.
Standard six airbags, DSC with ABS DTC CBC DBC, ISOFIX and tyre pressure warning.
The sDrive18i runs a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with Valvetronic and double VANOS. It needs minimum RON 91 fuel and returns a combined figure of 7.7 litres per 100 km with the six-speed manual, rising slightly with the optional automatic. The 63-litre tank supports decent range for a compact SUV of this type.
Servicing follows BMW’s Condition Based Service system. The display calculates oil and filter changes based on driving style, with a maximum interval of 30 000 km or two years. Brake fluid is due every two years. Regular checks keep the Valvetronic system and chain drive reliable over high mileages.
Safety equipment is comprehensive for the class. Six airbags cover front, side and curtain protection for all rows. DSC stability control with ABS, traction control, cornering brake control and brake assist is standard, along with three-point belts, pretensioners, force limiters, crash sensors, tyre pressure warning and two rear ISOFIX points. The car earned five stars in the Euro NCAP test.
Living with the X1 is straightforward thanks to its versatile cabin and solid structure. The adjustable rear seats and large load bay make family or leisure use easy. Keep on top of the CBS reminders and use approved Longlife oil to maintain performance and residual value.
Length 4477 mm, Width 1798 mm, Height 1545 mm, Wheelbase 2760 mm (X1 2012–2015)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Media Information, Specifications BMW X1 sDrive18i, June 2012, valid from July 2012, Rear-wheel drive is the sDrive layout in that launch specification, xDrive is the all-wheel-drive alternative).