BMW X1 xDrive 20d

What‘s it? It is a test of how small an SUV could be while being considered premium. It is known as BMW X1 and BMW plays upon the 1-series lineage – what using the '1', and the undeniable fact that engines are identical. It is even built on a single production line like the 1-series coupe and convertible inside a relatively new plant in Leipzig. The 1-series link is, however, a small misnomer. The 3-series saloon also rolls down this line and it is the 3-series, instead of the 1-series, with which the X1 shares more in common. To call the X1 a jacked-up 3-series could be mean ; this car is 3 years in development with a price of millions. However the floor is identical, therefore the wheelbase is identical, and just like 3-series, the X1 could be had not simply with four-wheel drive (the 3-series does not understand this inside the UK but it is a popular option abroad ), but additionally with rear-wheel drive. It is the first of BMW's X models (X5, X3 and X6 being the others ) to become offered by having an option that powers only its rear wheels. At present it is a bit short on rivals. The X1 is supposed to provide a far more premium feel than Honda or Toyota's soft-roaders - something the Range Rover LRX and Audi Q3 will both do from 2011. Until probably the VW Tiguan is its closest rival. What is it like? Plenty like you'd expect. The versatility of latest car platforms and architecture implies that carried-over components endow cars having a company's DNA without them having to labor too hard at retaining it. Therefore the cabin layout will look familiar to anyone who has got spent a deal of your time in another small BMW. Fit and finish is pretty good and also the materials choice nearly justifies the 'premium' tag. There will be soft-feel surfaces everywhere you touch regularly, with a few hard plastics thrown in too upon the lower centre console. There will be lots of storage cubbies, though just one front cupholder if you don‘t erect, inside the type of the 6-series, a snap-in additional one upon the passenger side, which feels rather cheap. Ergonomically it is sound and also the driving position is fine ; you are likely to sit somewhere involving the height of a traditional saloon and also a conventional SUV. The X1 seems relatively low, even for any soft-roader. Space inside the back is surprisingly good. Do not come expecting 1-series levels of space here because leg room, naturally enough, appear to mirror the 3-series, while there is lots of head room. The rear seat backrests are adjustable and split and fold 40 / 20 / 40. Having a shorter overall length when compared to a 3-series, though, the boot is really a little smaller. Our test car was an X1 xDrive20d manual, a ridiculously contrived moniker to indicate that it can be an X1 with four-wheel drive (rear-drive cars are sDrive ) and also the 2. 0-litre diesel engine making 174bhp. Just like most BMWs, it gets a choice of Efficient Dynamics ancillaries and returns 51. 4mpg upon the combined cycle, having a CO2 output of 153g / km. We'd only aspire to four-wheel drive if you want it, though ; the drag from the permanent four-wheel drive system via a central clutch, which could apportion power entirely towards the front or rear, helps make the xDrive's economy, while good to the class, worse when compared to a 2WD X1, which returns 53. 3mpg and 139g / km. So what is it prefer to drive? Think tall 3-series with a little more roll and you also won't be far off. At town speeds the ride could possibly be cleverer. The X1 rides on run-flat tyres (optional 40-profile 18-inchers upon the test car ), so it is knobbly over low-speed sharp inputs – expansion joints, drain covers and also the like. It is not particularly compliant. In the speed, though, and it also improves somewhat, as well as the chassis control is fairly tight for any taller car, therefore the X1 turns with sufficient enthusiasm and a good degree of poise. Its steering, hydraulically assisted, is accurate and well weighted. Optional, as upon the X6, is Performance Control, which brakes an inside wheel to chop understeer, a little like an electronic limited-slip differential. The engine is pretty smooth and also has a rapid powerband but is grumblier at idle than we'd like. Otherwise, there is a little wind noise all around the A-pillars, but overall refinement is good. Should I buy one? This is actually the key question, I suppose. The cynic might ask why you'd possess a taller, heavier and fewer efficient car than one BMW already produces. Yet the X1 positions itself quite neatly to counter this argument. It is more costly when compared to a 1-series (and vastly more practical ), yet it is not as expensive like a 3-series Touring. it does not have to feel quite as complete like a 3-series, but for people who need the versatility of their tallness it is worth a punt. BMW X1 xDrive 20d