Good though the X1 is, I would also rate the 3 Series much higher. More refined, better (and bigger) seats, more up to date tech and better sound insulation than the X1. It was the best car on the Motability scheme by a mile IMHO and it’s a great shame that it was removed. I don’t think it would have suited us though, as we both find the higher seating position that you get with SUV’s to be far better for us, but it would have been nice to have had the choice and I feel very sorry for those who had their heart set on one.
In my comprehensive research of the X1 (before we managed to drive it) I discovered two things that really surprised me. The boot of the X1 is slightly bigger than the 3 Series Touring boot and the cabin interior dimensions of the X1 are broadly the same as the larger X3 model. That last point really surprised me, as we felt that the cabin of the X1 felt small compared to our Tiguan, but we now think that’s due to the dashboard design. The Tiguan dash is much higher and therefore gives the impression of more space lower down, whereas the X1 dashboard is lower and has a more ‘wrap around’ feel. The X1 is also 3” lower than our Tiguan yet still had loads of headroom and didn’t feel any lower when driving it.