The BMW X1 was launched in Fall 2022. Little by little, it has taken our roads over to end up as the best-selling fleet vehicle in Belgium. Recently, we tested its electric version, now comes the PHEV one. Combined power is 326 bhp, making it the most powerful one in the range. However, we’d like to find out where the power is hidden.
BMW just released the X1 sportiest version : the M35i xDrive… quite amusingly, we found out that even with 300 bhp on tap, it’s not the most powerful one in the range. The 30 e we recently tested wins hands down, displaying a meaty 326 bhp. Mind you, as ever with those plug-in hybrids, we’re still wondering where the claimed horsepower is hidden. Which means that the M35i should be more exiting than the 30 e PHEV. Our test car is powered by a small 150 bhp 1500cc 3-cylinder engine backed up by a 176 bhp electric unit. Power is sent to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
I like it
The X1 interior is very similar to the 2 Series Active Tourer one and that’s no surprise as they both share the same platform. Two large screens face the driver. The one in front of the driver displays all the usual information, with the tachometer and rev counter in the middle, along with fuel consumption data, ta sat nav map, the media in use and cruise control. The central one offers a whole selection of widgets that take a while to get into. Some of the rather basic information requires a bit of fiddling, but can be highlighted if required. The floating console includes the tiny automatic box lever, sound control- easily accessible to your passenger- and the driving modes.
Quite clever
Trumping the electrification card, this PHEV is very much in tune with the current times. If you play the electric recharging game sticking to the rules, you will see the petrol stations less often and enjoy a smooth yet fast drive when you need it. Exiting roundabouts and junctions can be made at an impressive pace, using all the torque provided by the electric motor at once. Such liveliness may surprise other drivers, but the grown up child in us found it really funny. When the battery is fully charged, you can expect an average 75 km range, of course depending on the sort of road you use.
I don’t like it
Plug-in hybrids are always disappointing in terms of power and dynamism. Their weight plays a big part in their general lack of dynamism, but what’s the point in claiming 326 combined bhp when we never get the impression that they have more than 200 bhp? Weighing in at 1935 kg, the X1 PHEV has great difficulty in providing any driving pleasure whatsoever.
Why I buy it
Nowadays, some people try hard to sell the electric car as THE solution to all mobility challenges. However, it’s better to get something else to enter large cities where polluting cars are now banned during a few more years. Fortunately, the X1 30e’s electric power can be saved and only used when needed. A bonus point is that you can also take advantage of its increased battery capacity so that visits to the local petrol station could be avoided, if you recharge it at your office and at home as often as possible. For the rest, this PHEV BMW offers the same level of comfort, fit and finish as the ICE models. The perfect driving position, the materials used and the up-to-the-minute large screens will delight any owner on a daily basis. The M Sport version lends this compact SUV a sporty air, but just don’t expect to feel like a racing driver…
Why I don’t buy it
… having almost 2 tons to move about, this battery-powered X1 can’t really compete with ICE models. Its portliness is noticed straight away when negotiating tight bends and winding roads. Being a PHEV also means that the fuel tank has to be small to leave enough space for the batteries… which means frequent stops on petrol stations forecourts if you decide to take it on holiday. Tank capacity may be 47 liters, but the little three-lump’s fuel consumption tends to soar when it is no longer backed by ions. The good point is that boot capacity is still a decent 490 liters. Eventually, if it starts from €53,200, a few extras will easily take it to €65,000… (Translation: Dimitri Urbain)
