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By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 46

In third generation form, BMW's X1 has become what the X3 used to be; a fully-fledged family SUV. And a much more sophisticated one, thanks to a completely new cabin. There's mild hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-electrification on offer. And a much more credible executive vibe.

Background word count: 169

Once, the X1 was the SUV BMW was somewhat apologetic about. Looking at this very credible MK3 version, is difficult to remember what a botched-together job the first generation 'E84' design from 2009 was, based on an old 3 Series Touring estate. The MK2 'F48' version of 2015 was much better, but still felt rather 'X3-lite'. This replacement MK3 'U11'-series car though, is a model you might well feel like downsizing into from an X3. And if you did, there could even be things about it you might prefer. Like the X3 with its iX3 model, there's an all-electric variant now on offer, the iX1. BMW has expanded and improved the X1's Plug-in Hybrid range too. The cabin won't even be recognisable if you happen to know the old car, thanks to the freshly added 'Operating System 8' tech. That despite the fact that the chassis this MK3 design runs on is still the UKL2 platform that underpinned its predecessor. An interesting confection then. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience word count: 227

As you'd want in a modern small SUV, electrification is very much in evidence across the engine range here, with mild hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-EV powertrains all now represented in the line-up. In addition, 7-speed Steptronic auto transmission is now standardised, as is xDrive 4WD on most models. Not everyone wants to pay the price for electrification and 4WD though, which is why BMW continues to offer a 150hp X1 sDrive18d diesel model at the foot of the range that doesn't feature any of it. Above that though, things really get into gear and 4WD is standardised. The xDrive23i petrol model (218hp) and the xDrive23d diesel variant (211hp) both get 48V mild hybrid tech. Next up is PHEV technology, with two options this time round, the X1 xDrive25e (245hp) and the X1 xDrive30e (326hp), both able to travel up to 55 miles without troubling their 1.5-litre petrol engines. At the top of the range is the powerful M35i xDrive version, which offers 300hp and sprints to 62mph in just 5.4s. Finally, the big news is that there's also now an all-electric variant, the iX1 xDrive30. It's powered by electric motors on both axles which create the AWD system and together deliver a combined output of 313hp. The motors are powered by a 64.7kWh battery which, when fully charged, can take the iX1 up to 272 miles.