If you take a look at the models in BMW's current X-series, you'll see that the German company has sort of created a size line up that cater to varying demographics. It makes sense to consider the X5 as a 'large', the X6 a 'medium' and the X3 a 'small'. So by logical deduction, the X1 would be considered the 'extra small' in the X-series line up.
Being the smallest SUV in the line up has its advantages though. For starters the X1 has a carbon foot print that would shame its much larger siblings. Although to be honest the X1 also lacks the off-road worthiness of its larger siblings. That is a given considering the X1 is based on the 3-series platform. A rear wheel drive setup also dampens what off-road aspirations potential owners might have.
That however doesn't seem to have any effect on sales of the baby beemer as X1 sales currently make up 20% of BMW's global sales. The boys in Munich can hardly churn them out fast enough to keep up with demand.
Being the smallest SUV in the line up has its advantages though. For starters the X1 has a carbon foot print that would shame its much larger siblings. Although to be honest the X1 also lacks the off-road worthiness of its larger siblings. That is a given considering the X1 is based on the 3-series platform. A rear wheel drive setup also dampens what off-road aspirations potential owners might have.
That however doesn't seem to have any effect on sales of the baby beemer as X1 sales currently make up 20% of BMW's global sales. The boys in Munich can hardly churn them out fast enough to keep up with demand.
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Exterior
On first inspection, the X1 does little to hide its lack of off road credentials. Based on the 3 series platform, the X1 possesses a much lower ride height compared to its more esteemed siblings. That however makes the X1 more suitable for female drivers who prefer not having to climb Mount Kinabalu just to get into the driver's seat. Something that's doubly inconvenient when said driver is in a skirt.
Further observation reveals the X1 takes more inspiration from the 1-series than from its SUV brethrens. From the front the X1 gives a commanding presence with its large headlamps and oversized kidney grilles that give the impression of a snorting bovine.
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Like the current 3 series, the X1 gets a pair of creases on its bonnet to provide interest for the eyes. A rising shoulder line runs along the side to finish on the C-pillar with a familiar kink that's also found on the X3. The rear is kept nondescript and is contoured to keep it neat and tidy.
On a whole, it is obvious that the X1 won't fare well off road considering its limited ground clearance. While this baby beemer isn't the prettiest of the lot, it is well proportioned but could do with slightly larger wheels to complete the SUV effect.
Interior
Inside the X1, you get a decent amount of leather and high quality soft-touch plastics that are typical of BMW. But despite the BMW touch, you still get a sense that this isn't the most premium of BMW interiors. Certain plastics used here still feel a little under par from the usual BMW quality.
The front driver and passenger seats are supportive in the right places. Driver adjustment is a cinch with the rake and reach steering and a comfortable driving position isn't hard to find.
On a whole, it is obvious that the X1 won't fare well off road considering its limited ground clearance. While this baby beemer isn't the prettiest of the lot, it is well proportioned but could do with slightly larger wheels to complete the SUV effect.
Interior
Inside the X1, you get a decent amount of leather and high quality soft-touch plastics that are typical of BMW. But despite the BMW touch, you still get a sense that this isn't the most premium of BMW interiors. Certain plastics used here still feel a little under par from the usual BMW quality.
The front driver and passenger seats are supportive in the right places. Driver adjustment is a cinch with the rake and reach steering and a comfortable driving position isn't hard to find.
The dashboard seems inspired by the 1-series with a storage space at the top of the dashboard where an iDrive system would be on models optioned with it.
Despite the X1's compact size, the rear will accommodate two adults in reasonable comfort. My 1.78m frame unfolded adequately in the rear seats with enough leg room to remain comfortable on a lengthy road trip. Rear seat passengers get the added benefit of a large panoramic moon roof to take in the scenery. The large glass roof also lends the interior an airy atmosphere that neutralizes any sense of claustrophobia on long journeys.
The X1 receives a decent amount of bootspace. While the 480 litres isn't ground shaking by SUV standards, it is more than adequate for your family shopping. But if the need arises, the capacity can be extended further to 1350 litres with the rear seats put away.
The Drive
Though engine capacities for the X1 extend up to 3.0-litres, only the 2.0-litre sDrive18i is currently available here. The straight four you get in the 2.0-litre variant is a similar unit found in the 320i that comes out of the box with 150bhp and a modest 200Nm of torque.
Despite the X1's compact size, the rear will accommodate two adults in reasonable comfort. My 1.78m frame unfolded adequately in the rear seats with enough leg room to remain comfortable on a lengthy road trip. Rear seat passengers get the added benefit of a large panoramic moon roof to take in the scenery. The large glass roof also lends the interior an airy atmosphere that neutralizes any sense of claustrophobia on long journeys.
The X1 receives a decent amount of bootspace. While the 480 litres isn't ground shaking by SUV standards, it is more than adequate for your family shopping. But if the need arises, the capacity can be extended further to 1350 litres with the rear seats put away.
The Drive
Though engine capacities for the X1 extend up to 3.0-litres, only the 2.0-litre sDrive18i is currently available here. The straight four you get in the 2.0-litre variant is a similar unit found in the 320i that comes out of the box with 150bhp and a modest 200Nm of torque.
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While the X1 isn't blazing any trails, it does finish the century sprint with a time of 10.4 seconds. A decent time when you take into account the mini SUV's 1,505kg weight penalty.
In cruise mode, the engine's conservative amount of torque would encourage the driver to time his overtakes perfectly. The engine will respond smoothly to gentle prods of the throttle but get enthusiastic and it starts to sound agricultural in the higher revs.
The X1 maintains BMW's decent handling in the twisty bits with decent feedback from the wheels. Steering is accurate which makes it easy to place the X1 going into a turn.
In cruise mode, the engine's conservative amount of torque would encourage the driver to time his overtakes perfectly. The engine will respond smoothly to gentle prods of the throttle but get enthusiastic and it starts to sound agricultural in the higher revs.
The X1 maintains BMW's decent handling in the twisty bits with decent feedback from the wheels. Steering is accurate which makes it easy to place the X1 going into a turn.
Conclusion
Despite the baby X's lack of a blistering performance, it continues to do well in markets around the world by offering consumers easy entry into the premium SUV segment.
While true SUV buyers will find the X1 a confused attempt at making an entry-level premium SUV, drivers finding the 1-series lacking in practical considerations will be naturally drawn towards the X1.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the baby X's lack of a blistering performance, it continues to do well in markets around the world by offering consumers easy entry into the premium SUV segment.
While true SUV buyers will find the X1 a confused attempt at making an entry-level premium SUV, drivers finding the 1-series lacking in practical considerations will be naturally drawn towards the X1.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
