sDrive20i M Sport X sDrive 20i dct 7 Auto Start/Stop 5dr

Very well thought out design

My model with 2 litre petrol engine comes only with auto gearbox and is front wheel drive. After nearly 50 years of driving only manual cars the auto has taken some time to accept, however I can’t really fault it. The 7 speed dual clutch box changes up imperceptibly, the only clue being a slight movement from the rev counter. When changing down it is a little more noticeable. My main concern was how it would handle steep gradients, and the performance is faultless, knowing instinctively to hold a gear as up a steep gradient, or at a bend. It also holds the gear when a steep descent requires a low ratio. Apparently all the stored road network maps include the gradient and recommended gear for the location (& speed) so kudos to BMW for doing their homework on selecting the best gear. I still find the lack of a clutch makes for a less engaging driving experience, and the very quiet engine contributes to a sense of being isolated from the road.

The quality of fit and finish is faultless, the minor controls are very well thought out. As I also drive my wife’s Mini I have been grateful for the similarities in the designs and operation, which has spared me part of the steep learning curve.

The satnav and connected drive experience is particularly impressive. This model has a head up display (HUD), the current speed and legal limit are shown in the field of view, and are also kept up to date with temporary changes from road works. The satnav display is excellent, very clear and relays the route instructions to the HUD. Programming from voice commands has been easier than I expected, though I would welcome a more thorough owner’s manual giving a list of commands recognised. Unfortunately Apple Carplay can't be retrofitted on mine, though the BMW mapping works very well.

The car is very comfortable and quiet, the only noise I hear is from the run flat tyres. Most pleasing of all has been the fuel economy. Thanks to the oil price explosion I have been driving more in Eco mode. It has recently averaged 58mpg over the 300 mile journey back from Oban in late summer. For shorter journeys, 50+ mpg is quite possible if driven gently. Outstanding for a 2 litre petrol engine in a 1.4 tonne SUV.

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