There are loads of reasons to like the BMW X1.
It's well sized, well equipped and surprisingly fun to drive for a family SUV. If all this makes it come across as a teacher's pet – or you just don't like the way it looks – there are loads of other options in this class.
We've picked 10 BMW X1 alternatives that each bring something a little different to the table. Most are available to buy as nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Mercedes GLA
Hop from BMW to Mercedes and try out a GLA. In the metal, it feels a little smaller than the chunkier X1, helping it feel a little more at home in tight city streets. There's a handy boost in cabin space compared to the A-Class hatch it's based on, with just enough room for a small family and their clobber. Its fizzy 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and standard automatic gearbox make a convincing pairing. The throttle feels a little more reactive than the X1's, although the X1's engine is fractionally quieter.
Shop used Mercedes GLA cars or read our Mercedes GLA review
Audi Q3
Compared to its two main rivals above, the Q3 has crisper lines inside and out, although you'll have to decide whether you're a fan of the piano black panels on the dash. The Q3's infotainment system and 'Virtual Cockpit' digital dials are visually sharp, however, with great contrast making them easier to read and use than equivalent BMW and Mercedes systems. We were a bit underwhelmed by the entry-level Q3 35 petrol and its manual shifter, but pick a 40 model or a diesel with the S Tronic auto and it's a much more effortless experience.
See used Audi Q3 cars or read our Audi Q3 review
Volvo XC40
Step a little further afield than the typical German trio and you'll find the Volvo XC40. Considering it's one of the smaller options in Volvo's SUV range, the XC40 feels like a tall, high-riding car from behind the wheel, giving you a commanding view of the road ahead. There's a trade-off in the form of the XC40's slightly jiggly ride quality over scruffy surfaces, but it doesn't detract from the car's otherwise calm, easygoing setup. Practicality's pretty good too so it should be just as easy for a family to live with as the X1.
Browse used Volvo XC40 cars or read our Volvo XC40 review
Cupra Terramar
Cupra – SEAT's sporty spin-off brand – has recently added the Terramar to the lineup. Despite the somewhat scary name, it shouldn't be a terror to own thanks to its selection of punchy-yet-frugal mild-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid engines. It gets a heavily updated version of VW Group's big-screen infotainment system, similar to that in the latest Tiguan, with a much improved user experience including more obvious on-screen buttons and shortcuts, plus a big boost in processing power for faster reactions to prods and swipes.
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Honda ZR-V
The Honda ZR-V is a relative newcomer to this segment but starts out strong thanks to the brand's excellent full-hybrid setup. This means you get real-world electric driving through stop-start traffic with a fuel-sipping petrol engine for faster driving – all without the faff of having to plug it in to recharge. Build quality is impeccable and there's decent passenger space across both rows, although the boot isn't the biggest in the class. The infotainment screen isn't especially huge either, but the on-screen graphics are still easy enough to read.
Shop used Honda ZR-V cars or read our Honda ZR-V review
Jaguar E-Pace
Compared to the somewhat boxy X1, the Jaguar E-Pace has a much curvier, more organic look, complemented by its bold headlights and snouty front grille. It has a fairly sporty setup with respectable resistance to roll through corners and predictable controls, although the ride isn't quite as soft as some of the more relaxing cars in this class. Like the German cars, the cabin is decked out in high-quality materials to remind you this is a premium experience, and there are just enough physical controls to make it easy to use at a glance.
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Mazda CX-5
Mazda has been nipping at the heels of the premium German brands for the past few years and, if you spend some time in a CX-5, you'll see why. Material quality is superb, with a restrained but stylish design throughout, and we like the fact Mazda's driver's dials still look like typical gauges, rather than the overly fussy graphics most rivals have swapped to. Like the X1, the CX-5 is refreshingly athletic for a high-riding family SUV, with predictable reactions and robust body control, even over undulating road surfaces.
View used Mazda CX-5 cars or read our Mazda CX-5 review
Alfa Romeo Tonale
The traditional German options above are great but rigidly understated so they're as inoffensive as possible to most buyers. In this company, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is a breath of fresh air with graceful bodywork and piercing headlights that flow into the brand's signature shield-shaped front grille. Standard equipment is generous, so there's no need to stray far above the entry-level model unless you fancy a few visual upgrades. There are mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the latter being a good shout for company car drivers.
Check out used Alfa Romeo Tonale cars for sale
Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque has been a massive hit for Range Rover, bringing the brand's stately British style to the popular compact SUV class. It doesn't just trade on its good looks, however, with a fantastically judged driving experience that balances big-car comfort with small-car agility. That's before you consider that the Evoque should be able to outpace the other cars here if you venture off road, thanks to the brand's off-road know-how and optional four-wheel drive. Practicality is average but material quality is impressive.
Browse used Range Rover Evoque cars or read our Range Rover Evoque review
Lexus UX
By several objective measures, the Lexus UX isn't quite up to taking on the BMW X1. Its cabin is tight, with tall adults likely to feel a bit hemmed in if they're sat in the back, and boot space is similarly compromised. Where the brand wins customers back, however, is with its commitment to quality, with legendary reliability and the reassurance of Lexus' service-activated 10-year warranty. You've a choice of a full hybrid, which offers excellent urban fuel economy if you don't have an EV charger, or the battery-powered UX300e if you do.
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Find the perfect premium SUV for less
Motorpoint has a massive range of nearly new and used SUVs for sale. For even more choices, have a look at our picks for the best hybrid SUVs.
