Hi Glos Guy (and everyone else) I have the 2017 X1 (25d) and will stick with BMW as they drive so well with a great engine and auto-box – so after much consideration, no Volvo XC40 for me! You mention the X1 has a facelift – is the current X2 as upto date, or is it lagging behind? Did you consider the X2? I will be very happy to grab an X1 or X2 with 2oi engine and xDrive – before they may possibly be removed
Hi David. That’s where I ended up. I think that the X1 and XC40 are both excellent, but suit very different people who want very different things out of their cars. I’m afraid that I can’t answer your question about the X2 as I didn’t look into it as it is a bit smaller and the X1 is already at our limits, size wise. I also wanted the luxury spec of the xLine rather than a Sport model. Joss has one though and can hopefully answer.
The 25d engine is a peach and sadly no longer available, but I have driven a few 18d’s recently and they certainly don’t lack power! I’ve gone for the 20i 4WD one though whilst we are still allowed such indulgences!
I wasn’t taken with the X1 when we last changed in 2018 but the facelift has much improved it, particularly in so far as interior quality is concerned. The leather look dash and lower trim plus the larger iDrive screen both make it look far less budget BMW IMO. I stumbled across a 2018 X1 price list the other day and was surprised to see that the facelift model has around £2,500 of kit as standard now that were all options in 2018. It has lost the sliding rear seat, but thankfully my wife’s wheelchair fits in the boot fine, so no need to add it as an option (the recline function remains as standard).
It’s worth keeping in mind that an all new BMW X1 is currently testing and will be out next year. Doubtless it will have a digital dash and hopefully they will address the road noise on the current X1. However, there’s no guarantee that it will appear on Motability at launch and, as you say, we may not be allowed the top spec trims or engine as we are at present.