Used BMW X1 2015-present review

This is where choosing the right BMW X1 for your needs becomes a bit tricky as there are lots of versions available. But that’s okay, we shall now narrow them down for you, starting with the drivetrain options. They are sDrive (front-wheel drive) and xDrive (four-wheel drive). If you consider the road bias nature of the X1, then sDrive is more than sufficient and has the added bonus of better fuel economy.

We’d also suggest you look for an automatic version because the eight-speed unit is smooth in slow-moving traffic, but responds quickly when you need acceleration. It also helps the X1 to keep the revs down when cruising on the motorway and therefore benefits fuel economy.

Of the engines on offer, there is little need to go beyond the 18d, unless you need four-wheel drive. With 148bhp and 0-62mph in 9.2sec, it covers all of your motoring needs. If you only do a limited number of miles a year and it's mostly in town traffic, the only petrol on offer is the xDrive 20i. It is quite a lot thirstier than the diesels which means it only makes sense to those who don’t drive on the motorway often enough to clear a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Due to their rarity on the used market, a petrol X1 costs more as a used buy.

The standard SE specification is more than enough for your needs. It gives you 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, sat nav, USB input and DAB radio.

Sport trim is little more than an appearance package which doesn’t add any useful extra equipment. xLine has plenty of creature comforts but is considerably more than the SE. M Sport has sports suspension fitted as standard and the ride can be rather unforgiving with it in place. BMW did offer to remove it as part of a no-cost optional package to fit SE springs instead. Your local BMW dealer should be able to check the specification of your car if you provide them with the registration and chassis number.

Our favourite BMW X1: X1 sDrive 18d SE