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Used BMW X1

An entry-level SUV offering a fine all-round comprehensive package that's sure to impress as a used choice 

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Used BMW X1 for sale

SUVs continue to be popular, and when you add in the desire of a BMW badge, well, the result is as desirable as expected.

The BMW X1, which as the name suggests is the most compact SUV in the BMW range, made its first appearance in 2009. Here we are looking at the second-generation version BMW X1, which came about in 2015.

After the success of the BMW X5 back in 1999, which was the first BMW SUV, the German brand have added more X Series models to their SUV line-up over the years.

So, why is the BMW X1 a good used car?

  • It's really good to drive
  • The running costs are surprisingly decent
  • It offers decent practicality
  • It features the premium BMW image

Find out more about the BMW X1 below, and see if it could be the right used car for you.

Engines and Driving Experience

BMW X1 Exterior

Multiple petrol and diesel engines are available in the BMW X1 range, along with a clever hybrid version too. There is also a choice of manual and automatic transmission choices.

For those using their X1 for short urban trips, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 134bhp would make for a sound choice, badged sDrive18i. It comes with front-wheel drive and is good for 0 to 62mph in 9.7 seconds, whilst also delivering an attractive 42mpg economy figure.

For those wanting a more comprehensive all-wheel drive SUV, then the 2.0-litre four-cylinder version, badged xDrive20i offers more shove with 176bhp on tap. It can get from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds whilst achieving 40mpg.

Those looking to have their cake and eat it, getting both great performance and economy will find the xDrive25e X1 hybrid is the version for them. Using a 94bhp electric motor, 10kWh battery and 123bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, this all-wheel drive hybrid can do 0 to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds, whilst able to return an incredible 156mpg.

No matter which engine you choose, the BMW X1 is very good to drive and is surprisingly nimble for an SUV. Steering feel is accurate and there is little body roll when cornering enthusiastically, so to speak. It feels very much like a BMW saloon in some aspects, which is sound praise for an SUV.

Practicality and Running Costs

BMW X1 Boot Space

Being an SUV, practicality is enhanced as expected and there is plenty of interior space which should suit front and rear passengers well.

The X1 now features 85 litres more boot space than that of the previous version, with a total of 505 litres now on offer. Fold the rear seats and you get a capacious 1,550 litres, useful if you're planning a few tip runs here and there.

It's worth noting that if you opt for the hybrid model, you do lose 55 litres of boot space, due to the complex set-up, but you shouldn't lose too much sleep over this, as you'll get a huge spike in economy with the clever hybrid instead.

For a premium SUV, the fact that most X1 models can return over 40mpg is rather impressive. Those wanting to keep their X1 with a full BMW service history can do so by visiting their local Stratstone BMW. Evans Halshaw can also carry out a service on your BMW X1, ensuring servicing can be covered for less cost.

Interior, Technology and Safety

BMW X1 Interior

Those who have sat in a BMW of this era will be familiar with the high-quality, executive fit and finish.

BMW dials have always been clear and crisp, and the later models of the X1 feature a white backlighting effect that makes the instrument cluster seem digital. Older models get the classic orange backlighting.

In the centre of the dashboard is a sharp infotainment screen, which is also a touchscreen in facelifted models, although we'd continue to use the iconic iDrive controller, as it's simple to use and means you won't get finger marks all over the screen.

As for technology and safety, all X1 models come well equipped, with the SE models featuring sat nav as standard. M Sport models are naturally very desirable and feature more dynamic styling and eye-catching details.

A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating was given to the X1. Features such as front and rear parking sensors, Park Assist, cruise control, Active Guard and forward vehicle collision warning ensure the BMW X1 offers a comprehensive all-round safety package.

Is the BMW X1 right for me?

In a world where there are lots of decent compact SUVs, with many textbook answers like the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Captur, the BMW X1 offers a more premium approach with a sharper driving experience.

Of course, the Nissan and Renault will be cheaper to buy, but they cannot match the executive nature of the BMW X1. If you cannot decide if you like the idea of a more upmarket SUV, then the Volkswagen T-ROC could be a perfect compromise, as it offers a more exclusive feel than that of the Nissan and Renault, but just not as much as the BMW.

Other upmarket alternatives include the Range Rover Evoque which is undoubtedly better off-road - it's a Land Rover after all, but it can't beat the Beemer anywhere else. The Audi Q3 is another alternative, which certainly offers a nice interior and badge kudos, but again falls short of the more polished BMW X1.

Why purchase a used BMW X1 through Evans Halshaw?

Find your ideal used car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we have a variety of used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it's inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.

All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we're able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.

We're also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.

If you'd like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you've spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw dealership, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.