BMW X1 F48 sDrive20i (2015-2022)

Very compact SUV F48 X1 – Bought a used 2020 F48 sDrive20i with 53,000km, for the kids. Still had to pay top dollar from the dealership. Compared the specifications and comfort features with the new Japanese, Korean and European equivalents. I took a punt on a BMW X1 poverty pack. Didn't have any added options. The Good - It's a front wheel drive with a turbo. It glides… Read more

up slight inclines really well. You will notice an additional "surge" from the engine, which i have not experienced with any other car. It's a really nice feel because it is not like i am excessively putting my foot down on the accelerator to achieve that "push". Possibly a combination of the turbo and the dual clutch transmission. WAY WAY better than the CVT's. - It has manual seat adjustments, which suits us fine. One less electrical item to worry about in case it goes wrong. - Being a front wheel drive 20i, there is no rear differential, which means less power, but also one less serviceable item to worry about. - Acceptable audio system. Not great for the money. But does the job. - Seat cushioning only good for metropolitan driving.

The Bad - There is no dipstick to check the engine oil. It's all checked electronically. Not good for old school people. - Very noisy interior when driving. This is the first thing i noticed on the test drive. The run-flat tyres are one contributor. The other is the lack of noise insulation front and rear of the vehicle. You will need to pay someone to add insulation to the outside wheel arches and inside the cabin to achieve a quieter ride. - From a stationary position, when changing gears to reverse or drive, there is that surge from the engine. You need to have your foot planted firmly on the brake to limit the movement of the surge. (Very similar to the above mentioned earlier. - Very difficult to see the front of the vehicle, even whilst elevated as an SUV. Difficult to gauge the distance when parking. Japanese and Korean SUV's have slightly better visibility at the front. - Wireless phone charger not big enough for the Apple iPhone Pro Max size. - Plastic rattles from the door trims and handles when opening and closing the door. Which is expected from a poverty pack vehicle.

Overall, a very compact and zippy SUV to get around the city only.

Absolutely love this car – Bought this car December 2020 as a demonstrator with less than 300kms on the clock. Despite this being the entry level to the X series SUV's it is fully loaded with features and tech. The performance is spectacular. Drives beautifully on 19 inch rims with Goodyear Eagle f1assymetric III tires, gives an exception ride. The 7 speed Dual clutch… Read more

provides lightening fast gear changes, and put into sport mode will rocket you from 0 - 100kph in 7.4 secs. The 2.0 litre twin power turbo is an awesome power plant which delivers 141Kw's (190HP, and 280 Nm torque) but yet, very frugal, we are currently getting 7.2 L/100kms city driving. It is very practical with electric tailgate and 505ltrs space in the boot, the rear seats both recline and move forward with a 40-20-40 split, the centre split is great for long items in the boot. There is extra storage under the boot floor as well. These are just a few of the safety tech in this car: Lane departure warning, cruise control with stop/start function, front collision warning pedestrian and cyclist, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, adaptive head lights and the BMW connected services are great. Love this car and recommend it highly.