The 2018 version of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon did not change that much compared to the previous model. The chassis is basically identical, and Lenovo only changed some visual details. We like the black logos and hinges, but the new colored X1 logo on the lid takes time getting used to. The 14-inch chassis is extremely mobile with a weight of just 1.1 kg, but this does not really affect the stability. Lenovo reworked the ports, because the Thunderbolt ports and the proprietary network connector at the left act as the new mechanical docking connector.

The optional HDR WQHD panel is one of the two new major features. Lenovo advertises a luminance of 500 nits, and our measurements determine an even brighter panel. The color gamut is also very good and the additional price for the HDR option is very fair. However, we cannot recommend the screen for every user. The biggest problem is the very glossy panel surface, which can also be an issue indoors. There is also a slight red hue depending on the viewing angle. The playback of HDR content has been updated as well and platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon recognize the HDR screen and provide the corresponding quality. The X1 Carbon cannot quite keep up with expensive TVs, but HDR movies still look great on the 14-inch screen.

Intel's new mobile quad-core ULV processor is the second new component. We have already seen many different results from the latest generation of ULV processors, and there are also big changes in Lenovo's own product lineup when it comes to the performance utilization. Last year's X1 Carbon had a pretty conservative temperature limit, but Lenovo leaves much more headroom for the CPU this time. This results in higher surface temperatures under sustained workloads, but you can also use more performance. The performance utilization is decent for a slim device, but it begs the questions whether the Core i7 makes much sense over the Core i5. The high clocks of the i7 (up to 4 GHz) quickly result in high temperatures, so the fan kicks in sooner. Upcoming BIOS updates should help in this respect, though.

Lenovo's optional HDR panel is a very good display, but it is not the right choice for all users due to the very glossy surface. The matte WQHD panel might be the better option if you are often on the road. Every SKU is equipped with an excellent keyboard, and they also come with the combination of modern USB Type-C (TB3) and standard USB Type-A ports.

The battery runtime did not change all that much, but our previous WQHD SKU lasted a bit longer. There is a trend towards slimmer devices with all the good and bad stuff connected with this development, and there are two aspects we really appreciate with this in mind. Lenovo not only includes modern Thunderbolt 3 ports but also includes regular USB Type-A connectors, which makes the handling of USB drives or other peripherals that much more convenient. You also get one of the best keyboards around (not only compared to other slim laptops) and it is a joy to use, especially for frequent writers.

Unfortunately, Lenovo sticks with the complicated situation for the WWAN modules. You have to buy a model with LTE included if you need it, because the required antennas are otherwise not integrated. We would have also liked to see Intel's latest Wi-Fi modules for Lenovo's flagship Ultrabook.