BMW X1 hybrid (2019-2022) interior, dashboard & comfort
You may have to pick a few option packs to get the kit you want, but the BMW X1 plug-in has a comfortable cabin and great infotainment
BMW is known for making cars with logically laid-out, well built interiors; the X1 fits the mould, with good-quality materials throughout, decent ergonomics and a great driving position that can be set up low like a BMW saloon or higher for a more commanding view. The overall design is starting to date when viewed alongside the latest 1 Series hatch and 3 Series executive saloon, but all-round visibility is good and BMW's excellent infotainment system is still one of the most intuitive available.
BMW X1 hybrid dashboard
Although it shares more with the previous generation of BMW products in terms of overall design, the X1's dashboard is easy to navigate, properly screwed together and topped with a crisp, clear and easy-to-use 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
Behind the steering wheel, there's a pair of digitised traditional dials, with the surrounding space used for other car information. This approach is starting to feel a bit dated, when compared with the digital instruments found in rivals from Mercedes and Volvo, and in newer models like the BMW iX.
Equipment, options & accessories
The X1 xDrive25e is available in Sport, xLine and M Sport trims, each bringing a slightly higher level of standard equipment. Sport gets cloth seats, gloss-black interior trim, Apple CarPlay, sat nav and BMW's range of Connected eDrive online services, along with 18-inch alloys.
The step up to xLine adds leather seats, extended interior lighting, heated seats, different 18-inch alloys and some extra body cladding, plus anti-dazzle rear-view mirrors and satin aluminium roof rails. M Sport cars get a sportier exterior treatment, including their own alloy-wheel design, plus sports front seats and a wider selection of leather trim options, as well as unique hexagonal aluminium trim inside.
The option packs available across all trim levels are Comfort Pack II, Tech Pack I and Tech Pack II. Comfort Pack II adds keyless entry electric front seats with driver memory plus a heated steering wheel, while the two Tech Packs add adaptive LED headlights, wireless phone charging, a reversing camera, along with BMW Navigation Plus and a head-up display in the more pricey version.
It's also possible to add an upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system and Driving Assistant Plus, which adds adaptive cruise control and collision avoiding technology, along with automatic high-beam headlights.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
The 10.25-inch infotainment screen mounted on the dashboard can be operated either by touch, voice commands or the handily placed rotary dial in the centre console. Either way, the system is slick and feels very responsive, despite no longer being BMW's latest system. It's simple to get to grips with and the graphics are particularly impressive, especially when using the detailed maps in the sat nav. Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto has yet to appear so you’ll need to rely on the car’s system if you’re not an iPhone user.