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In the UK, the X1 range is powered by a line-up of exclusively diesel powerplants, all using a 1,995cc four-cylinder 16-valve unit, but with a range of three power ratings – 143bhp, 177bhp and 204bhp. Our test car was fitted with the most powerful 204bhp 23d version of the engine. This range-topping flagship has twin turbochargers and a common rail direct injection fuel system, so it’s incredibly smooth, quiet and refined. Performance is excellent, the torquey (peaking at 295lb-ft between 2,000 and 2,250) engine providing plenty of power when required for clean getaways and overtaking. The 0-62mph sprint is achieved in 7.3 seconds – top speed is 127mph – and it feels nippy enough for a small SUV. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which, while perhaps not quite as good as some of the dual-clutch units elsewhere, still offers relatively quick changes (there’s also the option of steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters for use in manual mode).

The xdrive 23d comes fitted with run-flat tyres, so the ride is a little on the firm side, especially in town when it has to cope with speed humps, potholes and the like at low speed. However, at motorway cruising speeds (and we spent a lot of time at these in the X1) this becomes less of a problem and the X1 proves comfortable in this environment. Although lower than a full-size SUV, the X1 is still taller than conventional hatchbacks and saloon cars, so body roll is always going to be issue. BMW’s engineers have reeled it in pretty effectively, however, with a tightly controlled chassis that means that it’s pretty negligible. Steering is accurate and well weighted, with a solid, meaty feel. Power steering is electronically controlled, so there’s not the feedback you get with hydraulic set-ups, but there’s enough to give the driver a good idea of what the wheels are doing on the road.

BMWs look and feel pretty bulletproof, and the company’s products score pretty well in customer satisfaction surveys. For example, the most recent JD Power poll placed the 5-Series and 3-Series in the Top 20 most reliable cars: BMW also came joint ninth in the league table of 29 manufacturers. The X1 seems to continue this reputation, with high levels of perceived quality. The exterior looks and feels solid, with consistent panel gaps and sturdy bodywork. The interior also has a definite premium feel when you step inside: unlike the X3, which has some interior materials that feel cheap for a car from a manufacturer such as BMW, the X1 is what you’d expect from the German carmaker. Soft-touch textured plastic covers the upper parts of the dashboard, doors and centre console and there’s also plenty of sound-deadening fitted to ensure that the cabin is quiet, even at high speed.

The X1 hasn’t yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but we’d expect it to perform at least as well as the company’s other recent models (the 1- and 3-Series have five-star scores, with older models such as X3 and 5-series scoring four). Four-wheel-drive versions of the X1 are fitted with BMW’s xdrive system, which combines an electrically activated multiple-plate clutch that changes drive distribution from axle-to-axle and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system that regulates power to each wheel. The system therefore detects situations in which traction loss is likely and transfers drive to the specific wheels with the most traction. There’s also plenty of active and passive safety equipment fitted as standard, including six airbags (dual-stage front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags) seatbelt pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat attachments, ABS, Brake Force Display to warn drivers behind that the X1 driver is braking sharply and a daytime driving light function.

The X1 is spacious inside, with room in the rear for three adult passengers at a push and enough for three younger occupants. The front seats are also remarkably comfortable and the steering wheel is reach- and rake-adjustable, so the driving position is superb (we drove our test car for 14 hours and felt perfectly fresh at the end). The boot is also surprisingly spacious, with a capacity of 420 litres with the rear seats up and up to 1,350 litres when the 60/40 split rear bench is folded. This is comparable to the 3-Series Touring, making the X1 a good, higher-riding alternative. Storage space in the cabin is also highly practical, with a central area between the front seats, cupholders in the centre console and useful door pockets (we particularly like the angled bottle holder in the doors). There’s also a range of audio/infotainment options, including an excellent (if pricey) optional sat nav system.

This version of the X1 isn’t cheap, starting at £29,055: add some of the options fitted to our test car and you can easily end up with a car costing around £35K. Residual values should also suffer on this range-topping version in comparison with less powerful versions with rear-wheel drive. That said, as this is the only premium SUV crossover on the market for a couple of years, combined with the fact that it’s a BMW, should mean that they’re not disastrous. The xdrive 23d also isn’t the version to opt for if economy is of paramount importance to you, but for a small 4x4, the figures are still pretty impressive. The raft of Efficient Dynamics technologies helps with fuel consumption, enabling 44.8mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions aren’t quite as good, 167g/km being good for a 4x4, but if you opt for a rear-drive X1, you can shave off 30g/km (and reduce road tax from £175 to £120).

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