The C40 Recharge, despite sharing much of its mechanical bits and interior design with the XC40 Recharge, is an all-new model for the Volvo lineup.
Pros Peppy acceleration, stylish inside and out, clever interior storage solutions.
Cons Sloped roof creates big blind spots, quirky infotainment interface, driving range isn't groundbreaking.
Pros Powerful dual-motor setup will likely provide impressive acceleration Stylish exterior design Sleek interior with impressive list of standard features
Cons Sloping rear roof makes for limited rear headroom Online-only purchasing limits availability
Pros Looks great on the outside… …and on the inside Blistering electric performance
Cons Terrible rear visibility Not particularly fun to drive Other electric SUVs have better range
By going transverse-engined the X1 has become technically less distinctive, but more useful in the real world.This is the second-generation BMW X1. The smallest BMW SUV. And this time around there’s been a big change. It’s based not on the natively rear-drive platform of the last one, but on the same front-drive/4WD setup as the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV, Mini Countryman and so-on.
Pros Performance, chassis and space, much-improved style
Cons Not cheap, interior a bit old-feeling, slightly brittle ride
"The BMW X1 is an economical, practical and good-to-drive compact SUV that’s better-looking than the model it replaced"There are two petrol engines to choose from, a 138bhp three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered in the front-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i, while the sDrive20i sits on the next rung of the ladder with a 2.0-litre, 189bhp engine, and the four-wheel drive xDrive20i sits above that. The latter is a quick car, reaching 62mph from rest in just over seven seconds, although its fuel economy can't match the less expensive model.
PROS Very good to drive Cheap to run Practical
CONS Expensive to buy Baffling list of optional extras Basic model is two-wheel-drive only
The BMW X1 is a fun-to-drive and well-built alternative to the likes of the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.
Pros Enjoyable to drive High-quality interior Decent cabin space
Cons A little noisy at speed Limited smartphone mirroring Alternatives have bigger boots
