Posted this on the previous iX1 thread but re-posted here as more relevant;
We are 10 months and 9,000 miles into our current X1 ownership (2.0i xDrive XLine Auto) and still love it. Sublime refinement (engine near silent), high quality interior, performance (sh*t off a shovel if you want it to be), economy (mid 40’s mpg average and over 50 on a longer run – better than our previous Tiguan Diesel!), comfort (with the BMW Sports Seats) and first class tech (iDrive etc). Big boot for the wheelchair and, most importantly of all (for me), an absolute joy to drive.
As for the new X1, it addresses the one negative that I have with the current X1 in that it gets AutoHold at last. However, there are some big negatives for me. Firstly, the iDrive rotary controller has gone, replaced by a touch screen only interface. I know that this is the way that car manufacturers are going, but I agree with the motoring press (and many on this forum) that this is a retrograde step and does nothing for safety. Secondly the new model is very expensive for what is, after all, a small SUV (even though Motability call it ‘large’). Even before options, the comparable model to ours would be £45k. PHEV versions (popular with company car drivers and many on this forum) will doubtless be knocking £50k in decent spec. That’s too much for a relatively small car IMHO.
With the decimation of the Motability scheme I’m afraid that I can’t see the new X1 getting on to the scheme (even when the current chip and lead time crisis is resolved) but thankfully we don’t have to make a decision until Spring 2024 so we will know for certain by then. As it stands today we are about 90% certain that we will leave the scheme and get something that we ‘want’ rather than compromise with something that we are ‘allowed’. If we stay with BMW it will be an X3 or X5 or, if my wife finds a car easier than an SUV for access & egress at that stage, a 5 Series Touring. Pigs will fly before any of those appear on the scheme!