Vehicle Tested
| 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i
Base Price: $30,650
At-Tested Price: $44,245
Built in Germany.
Options
M Sport Line
Lighting Package
Premium Package
Technology Package
Navigation
Heated Front Seats
Satellite Radio
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, 220 horsepower
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive
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For 2013, BMW introduces its smallest SUV ever. The X1 shares basic design and powertrains with the premium compact BMW 1-Series cars and have been available in Europe for a couple of years. Though smaller in stature than all direct competitors, the X1 competes with vehicles like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti E37 and Land Rover Evoque.
Available only as a five-passenger four-door wagon, the X1 comes in two basic models: 28i and 35i. The 28i comes with a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four while the 35i gets a 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo straight six. The 28i is available with rear- or all-wheel drive and the 35i comes only with all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine, automatic transmission is standard; the four-cylinder gets an eight-speed unit and the six gets a six-speed unit.
Standard on 28i are automatic climate control, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth cell-phone link, and rain-sensing wipers. The xDrive35i adds power front seats with driver-seat memory, power sunroof, and steering-linked adaptive HID headlights. Standard on models is an ECO PRO drive-mode, which softens throttle response as a way of encouraging more fuel-efficient driving. All 4-cylinder models include engine idle stop/start as a fuel-saving measure.
X1 pricing ranges from $30,800 to $38,600. All models carry an $895 destination charge. While BMW's larger SUVs are built here in the United States the X1 is built in Germany.
Get Up and Go The rear-drive 28i feels quite energetic and has great passing punch on the highway. Most magazines peg the 0-60 mph time at about 6.5 seconds. That's certainly competitive with competitors and impressive considering the 28i makes due with the 2.0-liter engine. Though I haven't had the opportunity to test models with the larger engine, it's certainly sure to provide even better acceleration.
The eight-speed automatic that teams with the turbo four provides seamless upshifts and reasonably quick downshifts. It gets the next generation shifter that's a bit more conventional than BMW's traditional tap lever. Once you get used to its operation you can operate it without looking, no problem.
More of a problem is the X1's ECO PRO driving mode. It changes transmission shift points and numbs the throttle to the point that the X1 frustrates in stop-and-go driving. In addition, you'll find yourself flooring it just to keep up with suburban traffic. Added to that is BMW's crude start/stop technology that shuts off the engine with a shudder at stoplights. Thankfully, both can be disabled.
Fuel economy is a plus. The rear-drive 28i is EPA rated at 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg overall. Those are impressive numbers that are only slightly diminished by the X1's requirement for premium-grade gasoline. Routine suburban commuting will easily net 28 mpg overall, dropping to 25 or so if you have a heavy-traffic commute. Straight highway driving can yield almost 40 mpg overall - quite impressive indeed.
On the Road After a few minutes behind the wheel, there's no doubt that the X1 isn't 100 percent BMW. The ride famously blends comfort and control to instill confidence despite the vehicle's small overall size and tall build. X1's subtly tuned suspension provides a refined ride that's certainly firm but never harsh - even when equipped with the available M Sport Line performance package.
On twisty roads, the X1 quickly gives the driver the confidence to push hard into corners and charge onto freeway off ramps. Typical of BMWs, the suspension allows a bit of lean, but then takes a set and manages to filter out bumps without upsetting the vehicle's balance. Brakes are quite strong and easy to modulate. About the only fly in the ointment is the electrically assisted power steering. It feels numb in parking lots and just doesn't impart a natural feel in quick maneuvers.
The X1 is quieter than most compact crossover SUVs. Occasionally the sport-minded tires will kick up a racket on rough or grooved roads, but wind noise is minimal and the engine provides sweet background music that never grows distracting.
Behind the Wheel The X1's interior is typical BMW, meaning business-like design with dark colors and muted textures. There's some bright work, but even the bling factors like the large video screen are subtly integrated into the dashboard. Materials are more than appropriate for the price point and class.
Driver controls are front and center, as they are in any BMW. The steering wheel features tilt and telescope and the wide spokes that offer a great view of the staple speedo and tach. Climate controls are nicely placed in the center stack. The available iDrive, which combines many vehicle controls into a jog dial and video screen, is likely it's best implementation yet. It's still somewhat daunting to operate, but at least you don't need to open the owner's manual each time you want to change a radio station. After a while, you memorize the different buttons for radio, climate, and navigation and start operating the system without looking down at the jog control.
Front seats are quite firm, but offer lots of adjustments. Both leg and head room are generous and the cabin has an airy feeling that offers excellent outward visibility. Rear seat space is better than you'd expect. Scoot the front seat forward a bit and a couple of six footers can ride in comfort. Head room is fine - even when equipped with the optional sunroof.
Cargo space is just average unless you fold the rear seats. Then you've got a long and flat load floor that offers plenty of space for hauling cargo. Interior storage is modest as the map pockets and glove box are on the small side.
Bottom Line For an automaker like BMW, brand is everything. Slap a BMW label on a vehicle and it's instantly got credibility. That said, the X1 lives up to the BMW billing, delivering refinement, performance and technology. Minor quibbles aside, the X1 should be at the top of the shopping list for urban buyers that need a compact vehicle with a roomy interior and reasonable cargo capacity. Prices are quite affordable if you choose options carefully.
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