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My source at BMW tells me that the X1 PHEV is to join the Motability scheme in Quarter 1, but the AP is ‘from £6,999’. No details on models or included packs (if any).
Glow guy, that’s interesting news! We have a common ground which is our passion for the beautiful X1 haha. However, I had to make a logical decision & finally ordered the Volvo xc40 black edition. I Had a 20 min test drive and decided it’s a comfortable drive, high seating position, similar size and build compared to my current x1. The plus trim has pleasing features such as rear heated seats and blind spot mirror assistance. Time will tell if I’ve made the right decision. I would have liked to visit Mercedes but my health isn’t great to keep galavanting and wanted to order before new prices are released as I predict higher AP’s. how is the Tucson treating you?
Hi @rosie54 I anticipated that the X1 PHEV would join the scheme, and don’t regret not holding on for it. Having had 3 different full days in iX1s of varying types, I really don’t like what BMW have done to their latest iDrive. Having gone from a nigh on perfect setup in the previous model, the rotary controller and favourite buttons have gone and the system is now too complicated and not as intuitive. I knew that the X1 setup was identical. Also, with the inevitable options that I’d want to add, I’d have been looking at around £10k plus the £12k sacrificed benefits for a car that we’d never own. For that sort of outlay I’d rather leave the scheme and get a 3 year old car privately which I’d own.
3,000 miles in, I’d say I have somewhat mixed views on the Tucson. I’m very happy with the build quality (in Ultimate trim the interior is pretty damned close to the BMW and doesn’t feel like a step down), the infotainment system is very good, the boot is bigger than the X1 (which itself was quite big) and I love having all the kit you can dream of as standard. It’s the first Motability car that we’ve not added options to, as we didn’t need to!
Negatives are that it doesn’t have the driver engagement that you get with a BMW (I see it as a functional car, whereas I always enjoyed driving the BMW) and I’m not convinced about the whole PHEV thing. I get why they are popular with company car drivers (as they benefit from lower benefit in kind tax levels) and those who only do local journeys but don’t want an EV, but I’m less convinced in our case. Even though I can charge it easily in my garage, it’s still a job that I have to do after each use which I didn’t have before. I quite like being able to drive it in EV mode, when it’s very economical, but when the battery is depleted it’s very thirsty on fuel due to the weight of the car and relatively small (1.6 litre) petrol engine.
I am monitoring running costs, which is more complicated with a PHEV as you can’t go by the mpg figures in the car as they take no account of charging costs, so I do what the most respected car reviewer does (and several others on here). I add my petrol costs to my charging costs and then work out a total pence per mile running cost. By dividing that figure into the cost of a gallon of petrol, I get an equivalent miles per gallon figure that enables a direct comparison of running costs with an ICE car. I’m averaging around 48.5 mpg equivalent, which is about 6 mpg better than I was getting from the X1. However, as I prioritise convenience over running costs, I’d probably rather have 6 mpg worse consumption and not have to charge the car after every use. I’d certainly much prefer to have the BMW engine back as it was a peach!
BMW seem to be neglecting anything below the 3 lineup, the simple bur, excellent idrive controller has all but gone and the displays are quite a bit smaller, the its bigger brothers.
The PHEV does away with the brilliant 2.0l engines and replaced with the rattly 3 cyl 1.5 ensuring good vibrations lol.
My 220d has served us well but, its really too small for our needs and at at half a decade old its time to go this coming year. If I’m lucky and my Euro millions numbers come up later a shiny new X5 will be sitting on my drive 🤞 but, I’m rarely that lucky!
@kezo Funnily enough, I’ve been finding myself watching a number of YouTube reviews of the latest X5 over the past few days, hoping that they’d list a load of negative issues to finally put me off it. Sadly, they all say it’s absolutely brilliant 😂
The current model, but pre facelift, is now down to around £40k for a good spec one with reasonable mileage. If I’d had my brain in gear 6 months ago, I might have been better to have left Motability and bought one. Running costs over 3 years would probably have put it on a par with our Motability Tucson, but the need for a person hoist spooked me. Now we are used to it, I realise that, in a way, the bigger the car, the easier it is with a hoist, so we may need to revisit again in a few years. It doesn’t help that years ago, when I was convinced I’d treat myself to an X5 when I retired, I acquired the perfect personalised number plate for it (X5 followed by my initials) which is now on retention. My wife says I should just treat myself to one, but it’s just a complete waste of money having two cars, so the Tucson it is 😢😂
To confirm that what my source had told me was indeed correct, the X1 PHEV has joined the scheme this morning. Thankfully it’s the M Sport model (BMW have ruined the look of the X-Line with the new model, which has the most hideous wheels in existence) but it’s a hefty £6,999 for the 25e, but £1,000 more gets you one with the Tech Plus Pack which retails at £3,440, so is well worth adding as it gives you a number of extremely desirable features.
Hi, do motability supply a power supply for these cars too?
Whilst Motability will only pay for a charger installation for a full EV, it’s worth keeping in mind that you don’t need a charger for a PHEV. All you need is a normal plug socket and the charger cable for this is included with the car.
BMW X1 is now fitted with a 18 kWh battery 14.2kWh usable expect an EV range of 40/45 miles in the warmer weather
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally say the wrong thing.
Hi @GlossGuy,
Am I correct to say your local BMW dealer agreed to 15% off options in addition to £500 cashback? My local dealer isn’t budging on discounts for options so trying to find a dealer that will offer something – 15% would be nice! Perhaps you local dealer would like some more business?
Hi @GlossGuy, Am I correct to say your local BMW dealer agreed to 15% off options in addition to £500 cashback? My local dealer isn’t budging on discounts for options so trying to find a dealer that will offer something – 15% would be nice! Perhaps you local dealer would like some more business?
Yes, that’s correct, but that was back in March 2021. When I tested (and discounted) the new iX1 and X1 last summer my contact said that cashback offers were no longer an option as the market was so challenging now (I didn’t discount them for that reason BTW). I’m not 100% sure, but I think they said the 15% off optional extras was now off the table as well (although I strongly suspect that some discount there is still possible). I’d stick with your local dealer, but do establish whether or not they have any immediately available build slot allocations before you place your order. If you don’t ask they won’t tell you, and it can make a difference of 3 or 4 months on your lead time. We got our X1 in 3 months when others on this forum at the time were waiting 6-8 months.
Hi, Thanks the reply, most apprecited. One of the first questions I asked was availability. They have build slots available for March delivery which I was quite surprised by. Neither of my local dealers are willing to do anything off extras hence my search for a dealer that will.
Hi, Thanks the reply, most apprecited. One of the first questions I asked was availability. They have build slots available for March delivery which I was quite surprised by. Neither of my local dealers are willing to do anything off extras hence my search for a dealer that will.
Blimey, that’s unbelievably quick for BMW. Almost all BMWs are factory orders as almost everyone adds optional extras, and a car being delivered in March would be being built in February, which is only weeks away. It sounds to me as though they might have a cancelled order and no private buyers in the queue, so you might be in luck. Spec can be changed up to a few weeks before build, so if you believe that what they are saying is true and you have thoroughly tested the new car (which is very different from the previous X1) then I’d bite their hand off.
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