BMWX1

FIRSTDRIVE Updated looks and tech for BMW’s smallest SUV

- Alex Ingram

BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1, has been a hit with buyers since its release in 2015. But while it’s always been at the top of the class when it comes to driving fun and build quality, a huge crowd of talented rivals has popped up over the years.

So, to keep the X1 looking fresh against the likes of the latest Audi Q3, the Volvo XC40, and upcoming Mercedes GLB, the baby BMW SUV has undergone a refresh with a new interior tech, mild styling updates, and tweaks to the engine range.

The most obvious external change is at the front, where BMW’s latest grille design dominates. Fresh headlight graphics mean that the old, round spotlights just beneath the main units have gone, so the bumper design is all-new, too. Around the back, the tweaks are a little more subtle. The taillights get new graphics, ditching the old-school orange elements for clear indicator units. There’s also a new set of wheel designs and a couple of new colors.

Inside, there’s an update to the infotainment. While the previous model came with a screen of up to 8.8 inches in size, this is now the standard unit throughout the range. A 10.25-inch display comes as part of an optional £1,250 Tech Pack, which also adds a head-up display.