In this review
Our recommendations
Which used BMW X1 estate should I buy?
Engines
Of the engines on offer, there is little need to look beyond the 18d, unless you need four-wheel drive. We’d also suggest you look for an automatic version; the X1's 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, to the benefit of fuel economy.
Trims
Entry-level SE specification brings more than enough kit for most needs. It gives you 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, sat-nav, USB input and DAB radio.
You might find it worth looking out the optional packages. Of the many that have been offered, we’d recommend searching for Navigation Plus, Driving assistance, comfort access and Apple CarPlay.
Navigation Plus adds a larger, touch-sensitive screen, a heads-up display and free real-time traffic monitoring to the standard navigation system. The heads-up system is particularly useful because it displays speed and navigation information on the windscreen, meaning you don’t have to adjust your field of vision whilst driving.
Driving assistance includes an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which can apply the brakes automatically to mitigate the risk of a collision. It also gives you a lane-departure warning system, speed-limit recognition and high-beam assistance for the headlights.
Comfort access allows you to lock and unlock the X1 without using the key. Even the electric tailgate can be opened when the key is in close proximity to the car.
Our favourite BMW X1: X1 sDrive 18d SE auto
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