Overall reader verdict 4 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    3 out of 5 stars

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BMW X1 (09-) 4X4
5 reader reviews for BMW X1 Crossover.

  • sDrive 18d SE 5dr

    Geoff Robins , West Sussex . Date: 13/04/2011
    • Overall verdict
      1 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      43

    My car

    What a disappointment. It seems that BMW rushed the development of this car to cash in on the SUV/crossover market. It is solid and well screwed together but suffers badly from a noisy diesel engine which transmits a lot of vibration through the cabin. Apparently it is the same engine that is used in the 3 Series but in the X1 it sounds and feels like a tractor. There is a continuous vibration through the pedal box which is very wearing on a long trip - like having an electric toothbrush on the sole of your foot. This, and the noise of the engine should have been ironed out at the development stage. The cabin quality is also below par. Some of the plastics, particularly around the centre console and interior door handles are cheap and scratchy. The steering around town is also on the heavy side. Seats are very comfortable and economy is not bad but overall, this is a cynical attempt by BMW to cash in on the booming small SUV market. There are better alternatives out there. I sold mine after three months. Enough said.

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