BMW X1 car lease deals

Performance and features

The entry-level BMW X1 diesel engine is available with a choice of two or four-wheel drive, sDrive and xDrive, while all other engines are limited to front wheel drive. Adaptive dampers are optional on all models to allow drivers to stiffen the suspension to improve cornering in compact cities, or slacken it for added comfort. The lesser powered 18i petrol and 18d diesel engines offer between 140 and 150hp from their respective 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder turbo diesel engines.

The sDrive18i has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while an eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an upgrade. The design is similar to the larger X3 SUV, with a raised ride height and bigger body to increase luggage capacity. There’s also plenty of under-floor storage for families to make the most of the X1’s space. What really places this car a league above the rest is its range of safety features, including Driving Assistant Plus - which utilises automatic emergency braking, rear parking cameras and parking sensors.

Interior technology

Base X1 SE models get Bluetooth, DAB radio and cruise control as standard, while the Sport upgrade ensures sportier styling, including two-colour interior trim and heated seats. There’s an optional heads-up display that allows essential driving information like speed limits and directions to be projected into your line of sight, while upgrading to an M Sport model boasts Alcantara suede seats. Opting for a lower trim doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing luxury - even in the entry-level model the plastics are soft touch and the Oxide Silver dashboard trim offers an underlying sense of quality.