BMW X1 hybrid (2019-2022) boot space & seating

The good news is that even with its battery robbing some space in the boot, the BMW X1 plug-in hybrid is still one of the most practical SUVs in its class. There's plenty of space front and rear, the boot is well shaped and the doors open wide for easy access. 

BMW X1 hybrid interior space, storage & comfort

BMW has done well to package the X1 sensibly. The rear seats offer class-leading space for adults, with the middle one wide enough to accommodate a third without too much trouble. Nods to family life include litre-bottle-size doorbins all round, plus standard nets and tie-down points in the boot and elsewhere in the cabin. 

While class-leading on paper, interior space feels more or less similar to that of the Volvo XC40, albeit without that car's more upright and airy feel. BMW has worked to make sure its suspension delivers a supple ride along with decent body control; whereas the Volvo can feel a little choppy, the X1 will be a little more relaxing for passengers over a long journey. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain also brings the benefit of a reduced noise in the cabin, making the xDrive25e the most refined model in the X1 range.

Boot space

While the standard car has a 505-litre boot, the X1 gives up 55 litres to its battery. This drop in capacity (to 450 litres, some 10 litres less than the XC40) is countered by a large aperture with a standard automatic tailgate, plus underfloor storage for charging cables. There's no real boot lip to complain about either, which should make loading heavier items easier. The rear seats fold with a 40:20:40 split, so you can carry longer items like skis while four-up.