BMW's X1 flagship model is set to sail into the hearts of those who want practicality served with lashings of luxury and a side order of rugged good looks.

The premium compact sport utility vehicle that is the xDrive 25d xLine isn't cheap - with a price-tag in excess of £30,000.

But for many this will mean little as they gain access to four-wheel drive and a pair of turbochargers that work together in sequence to deliver 218bhp and a stunning 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds.

There's no stopping there though as this X1 can hit a top speed of 142mph if you take it somewhere like Silverstone.

A standard six-speed manual transmission is offered on all models but there's also an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic available that provided seamless changes on the car I drove.

BMW ensure all this performance doesn't equal an eco disaster though as clever electronics - including automatic stop/start to save fuel when stationary - helps average fuel consumption to come in at about 50mpg while carbon dioxide emissions are kept in check at 145g/km. And if you choose a rear-wheel drive version of the X1 this drops to below 130g/km.

The X1 is a sight for sore eyes with a dynamic and sporty exterior style featuring snazzy headlamps and indicators which are integrated into the wing mirrors.

The cabin is also well designed with an angled centre console making life easy for the driver while the fit and finish is excellent.

Life is pretty peaceful inside the X1 as wind and road noise are efficiently excluded from eardrums. The engine does intrude when pushed hard but the noise sounded sweet to me.

The driver position isn't as high as in some SUVs but this doesn't prevent all-round vision being good. The seat and steering wheel adjust electronically making it easy to find the ideal driving position.

There's plenty of leg and headroom for all in the cabin while the X1's versatility makes it a good choice for families with an active lifestyle.

The boot is a good shape with more than enough room to swallow the weekly supermarket shopping or a load of hiking gear while the rear seats fold flat when more space is required.

There are four trim levels available - SE, M Sport, Sport and xLine - with even the entry-level model benefiting from 17-inch light-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and a multi-function sport leather steering wheel as well as Bluetooth, USB audio interface, rear parking sensors and black roof rails.

The xDrive 25d xLine adds satellite navigation, all round parking sensors, plus leather upholstery and rugged exterior styling details. BMW's intuitive iDrive control system controls the majority of in-car functions

It is relaxing to drive as it is a refined cruiser that's also composed in bends thanks to a super suspension and a four-wheel drive system that inspires confidence. The steering is well weighted giving a good feel for what is happening on the road.

There is also a stability control system, cornering brake control to help keep you out of trouble and six airbags should an accident prove unavoidable.

It all adds up to a decent package that isn't cheap - but sometimes you do get what you pay for.