(Scary music starts playing). Well hello again my fellow readers! And today, I would like to talk about the new BMW that most diehard BMW enthusiasts felt disgruntled with, the BMW F48 X1. By just seeing the car, we all know that this is no longer rear-wheel drive like the old E84 X1. For a Bimmerfag, this was a huge disappointment. However for normal people, maybe not really an issue. The choice, is yours.
If you look at the bright side, BMW wanted to change the whole genre of the X1 for various reasons. It cuts the development costs, adding more practicality and also providing better fuel economy over its enthusiastic-driven predecessor. The X1 currently underpins a BMW UKL platform, which can be found in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer. Also, it also shares most components from the second-generation Mini Clubman.
Let's talk about the exterior, shall we? The newly-designed X1 has a better chic and urban-looking feel compared to the old lame-wagon-shoe-looking-crap-ish design. In my point of view, that was the best-looking design for a crossover. It does add some sporty dynamic look too like most BMW, just to add something to prevent any blandness around it. Besides that, the car is shorter and taller than the E84 to provide extra legroom and headroom. It sheds some front overhang length as well for better visibility.
The rear-end has been redesigned as well to avoid any hatchback look for a crossover like this.
Also, both front headlamps have LEDs as standard over the old Bi-Xenon lights.
Speaking of its powertrain, there are only one engine choice that you can find on the F48 X1, which is the BMW B48 engine that used in every new BMWs starting from 2015. Since it is front-wheel drive, the engine is mounted transversely and it is a part of the UKL platform design especially with the smaller engine bay. Still, it has the same 2 litre TwinPower Turbo which produces around 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, unlike ZF which you can find on rear-wheel driven BMWs.
You do get a new stylish-looking 18" wheels as well.
Like I said previously, the X1 has better rear space compared to the old one. It has 85 liters more than the previous counterpart which has 420 liters. With the rear seats down, you can get 1550 liters of space.
Welcome lights are standard.
Time to look at the interior. By just looking at the dashboard, it does have the minivan vibe like its MPV sibling. The dashboard was way lower than before, and it might be okay for non-Bimmer fags. It does have a red accent across the bottom of the air vents.
It does feel a little cheap and plastic-ish. But somehow, at least it has the car-feel dashboard design over the staircase-looking one in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer duo. That one was, really, really weird for a BMW.
On the top of that, you do get a normal iDrive system with ConnectedDrive, on of the most important feature for every BMW that provides a service called BMW Concierge that enables drivers to be guided around like finding the area when you want to go, like your personal assistant. Also, there's an SOS button on top where you can have an emergency call if you involved in any troubled occasion between you and your BMW.
I did asked with one of the BMW representatives regarding the SOS button wherever is it possible to retrofit with other Beemers. Sadly, the answer is no, as the system is only available as factory-fitted. Hmm....we'll see about that because sometimes impossible things can become possible, right?
Sitting at the backseat is way comfortable that what I've expected. You do get a rear vent to get cool air. The old one don't have this.
That's all for the outlook and the inside view of the X1, and now it's time for a drive.
The Drive
This is the first time I've driven a front-wheel drive BMW. Since I get used to a BMW Z3 which was challenging to drive and tail-happy, the X1 is pretty way too far from its rear-wheel drive models. Overall visibility is way better as the height grows taller and shorter length. At the same time, I did not like the driving position because it feels like I'm driving a minivan even though it is a crossover. Since it is an FF car, I had experienced understeer as well as body roll. I bet the old one do not have this issues. Although it has the torquey inline-4 engine borrowed from the Mini, the acceleration does impressive a little as the body was kinda heavy. Gearshifts of the Aisin 8-speeder is really smooth especially for overtaking and eco-driving. I also do not like how the steering wheel feels like a well. Judging from its electric power steering, it is very soft and artificial. It is very suitable for normal driving by the way, but for performance driving, I don't think you gonna choose this.
Audio system is kinda plain for this BMW as it only has 5 speakers. This is essentially a very small number for a Beemer.
Parking is very easy even there is no reverse camera equipped with as they have a very sensitive parking sensors.
In general, the BMW F48 X1 is considered another game changer by BMW. Since I'm a BMW hardcore fan since young, I don't personally preferred this one as it is not really a challenging car to drive like the golden days. But for those people who have a smaller family with a taste of the brand and a newbie businesswomen out there, I can suggest this one as the perfect car to own. Pricing starts about RM 279,800 for the one and only sDrive20i variant. It is way expensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 but styling wise and power, the X1 is way impressive.
Thanks to BMW Wheelcorp Premium of Setia Alam to provide me making a review of the fresh and spanking-new F48 X1.
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