Proportionally, it’s taller than the outgoing X1 and thus looks more convincing as an SUV. Signature kidney grills match other X-models on sale, and the headlights utilize the brand’s LED technology. On the outside, the X1 looks right at home with the rest of the BMW family.

That’s right, sporting a transversely mounted 4-cylinder engine and front wheel drive (naturally), at first glance, the apple appears to have fallen far from the tree. Unlike their typical ingredient list which includes a silky smooth straight-six, a balanced chassis, and rear-wheel drive setup, the X1 follows a different formula. Now in its second generation, the X1 is BMW’s smallest crossover in the portfolio yet is also the most diverse from BMW’s not-so-secret formula to success.

With the X3 and X5 foundation, BMW has pretty much unveiled crossover counterparts for its entire sedan lineup, including a trio of SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles) à la X4, X6, and a soon-to-be X2 and X7. BMW has been on a mission to satiate North America’s appetite for crossovers.

Idrive reviews 2018