BMW X1 BMW Baby SUV
BMW X1 BMW Baby SUV
The BMW X1 was launched in October 2009. At first it was deemed as an early replacement of first generation BMW X3, but when the second generation X3 was launched in 2010, the X1 remained as the entry level model of the SUV market. X1 is in fact a crossover vehicle. The launch of X1 has seen the soft roader market grow. The major rivals are the VW Tiguan, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. The eDrive versions are rear wheel driven while the xDrive models are four wheel driven. The X1 xDrive is the smallest four wheel driven BMW and gives a proper off road experience. The BMW X1 has been given a facelift and new trim levels-Sport and xLine- in 2012. The new BMW X1 has a smoother and softer look. Before it was covered in the black trim and odd styled bumpers now all has been replaced by a bold and sleek design.
The X1’s desirable look makes the Audi Q3 look bad and because it is a BMW, it has a premium appeal than the Volvo XC60. In the cabin, the console has been given a new design which is better than before but some of materials used are not of the high quality the X1 deserves. On paper the X1 falls somewhere between the X3 and BMW 3 Series. The design is based on the 3 series and this shows in driving. It performs better on road than off road. The X1 handles very sharply and has a strong road grip. But on the city roads when speed is low, the steering becomes heavy and comfort goes out of the window and same happens when bigger alloys are used. The optional 8 speed automatic gearbox is the best choice but six speed manual is also a good performer. The former, when mated with the 2.0 litre diesel engine returns an enormous amount of torque even with a slight touch of the foot.
The X1 gets maximum five star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The standard safety features include electric stability control, traction control and six airbags making it very safe to drive. BMW has a great reputation for reliability and the X1 is no exception. The chances of you finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere if driving a X1 are very dim. X1 has 420 litres of boot space which is 40 litres and 155 litres less than the Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque respectively. But if the rear seats are folded, the loading area increases to an enormous 1,350 litres. The rear bench can easily accommodate three adults. The driving position is very comfortable, though it is relatively low as a compared to other smaller SUVs.
The C pillar are very chunky making the reverse parking a bit difficult. BMW has put a lot of effort in keeping the running costs of the X1 to a minimum. The rear drive sDrive with 18d returns an economy of 57.6mpg and emits 128g/km of CO2 which is similar to the same specked Audi Q3. The 20d with EfficientDynamics technology is the top choice giving best performance and economy balance. It manages 62.8mpg with 119g/km of carbon emissions and still does 0-62mph in 8.3 secs. The standard features are reasonable like Bluetooth etc but BMW also offers lots of optional extras, although going for them can increase the buying cost considerably.
