BMW X1 xDrive28i

BMW X1 xDrive28i

 Munich - The X1 is the latest in BMW's growing range of Sport Activity Vehicles - please don't be calling them SUVs or sport-brutes. Now, I was impressed after driving the camouflaged mule a year ago - the finished thing is so much more refined and it has the wherewithal to whup some of the other players in the compact-ute segment.

The fact it is based on the 3 Series Touring platform, which means it rides on a 2,760-millimetre wheelbase, brings both substance and plenty of cabin space. The rear seat space is very good and easily up to the task of transporting a pair of adults. It also brings the desired cargo capacity.

With the 40/20/40-split/folding rear seat upright, it will accommodate 14.8 cubic feet. Folding all three portions flat bumps the capacity to 47.6 cu.ft. In other words, it has the utility and flexibility.The tester's cabin was also finished in typical BMW fashion. The materials are top-notch and the amenities are plentiful. In this case, the X1 counted everything from a six-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar and backrest bolster adjustment (great for keeping the driver planted) to a good navigation system with backup camera and a simplified version of BMW's iDrive.

The stand-alone buttons for the climate and audio functions make life so much easier than having to use the central controller. The big question here is just how the X1 will start life in Canada. Well, that's anybody's guess at the moment, but one can expect to find many of the niceties on the options list.

The tester was powered by BMW's sweet 3.0-litre in-line six. With Valvetronic and variable cam phasing along for the ride, it pushes a rewarding 258 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque at a commendable 2,600 rpm. It is a willing operator that propels the X1 to 100 kilometres an hour in 6.8 seconds and accomplishes the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 6.1 seconds. The fact the engine has a pleasant earthy tone to it when it's worked emphasizes the sportier nature of the X1.

From the engine the power is fired to all four wheels through a slick-shifting six-speed manumatic. It is noteworthy for a couple of things - first and second gears are tall (numerically), which brings a strong launch. The rest of the gears are spread out to take advantage of the early performance and then chip in to maximize fuel efficiency. 

BMW X1 xDrive28i

 The second likeable trait is the manual side of the box - it works regardless of whether the shifter is in the drive, sport or manual modes. When pushing on through the twisty roads north of Munich, a quick tug on one of the paddles brought the wanted downshift and engine braking.

Naturally, the X1 features xDrive. In this case, it sends 60% of the drive to the rear wheels and 40% to the front. However, it can modulate the split according to the driving conditions and the available traction. This system also acts as the first level of stability control. If the X1 begins to understeer, xDrive automatically sends more of the drive torque rearward.

This reduces the workload on the front tires, which frees up more grip for the steering. If this action is not enough to counter the wayward trend, the regular stability control and its Performance Control (PC) extension steps to the fore. First, the system applies the brake to the inside rear wheel, which physically turns the vehicle into the corner. At the same time, the PC side ramps up the power being sent to the outside wheel to counter the drag caused by the brake application. It sounds complex, but in reality it is elegantly simple in the manner in which it functions. Even on wet roads (and with the X1 wearing winter tires), it behaved admirably.

BMW X1 xDrive28i

 In the ride department, the X1 drives more like its station wagon donor than a stereotypical sport-brute. There is enough compliance engineered into the suspension to deliver a cosseting ride but without introducing too much body roll. What lean does surface is more perceived than real because of the slightly higher ride height (the X1 has 50 milimetres more ground clearance than the 3 Series Touring). Worthy of note is the steering. The underlying action of the PC and dynamic stability control systems combined with the feel and feedback through the wheel deliver just the right balance between input and expected response.

So, here's the dilemma. Parking the X1 beside an X3 underscored the similarities. The X3 rides a little higher and stands a tad taller, it is about the same length and width, although there is better cargo capacity. As it now stands, the new X1 is set to anchor the bottom end of BMW's SAV range when it finally arrives in 2011.

Its presence in the lineup will force the X3 up-market in terms of size and price. The urgency of BMW's whole shuffle was underscored when I spotted two camouflaged next-generation X3s at BMW's Munich head office. The overwhelming impression was that these engineering mules are a long way down the developmental road. This, and the ready-to-go nature of the X1, will hopefully speed up the whole process. Let's just say the X1 xDrive28i needs to arrive sooner than the planned launch date.

BMW X1 xDrive28i

BMW X1 xDrive28i

BMW X1 xDrive28i