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BMW x1 2012 |
The X1's 2,760-millimetre-long wheelbase delivers both substance and plenty of cabin space. Rear-seat space is generous and easily up to the task of supporting a pair of adults in comfort. It also delivers on the utility demanded of an SUV. With the 40/20/40-split/folding rear seat upright, the X1 offers up 14.8 cubic feet of space. Folding all three portions bumps the capacity to a generous 47.6 cu. ft. The cargo area also features a low liftover, needed tie-downs and a privacy cover.
Move forward and the X1 is tastefully attired and loaded with the right kit - almost. The tester arrived with all the desirable power toys, a good navigation system, solid sound system and BMW's iDrive controller. Likewise, the materials are rich - the two-tone finish certainly helps visually - and the front seats are the models of comfort.
Visibility is also surprisingly good and not at all SUV-like. The taller seating position, large mirrors and uncluttered sightlines do away with most of the usual blind spots. Backing up the X1 up provides the only exception as the tall tail all but mandates the need for a backup camera. It proved to be the one deficiency.
At the X1's pre-production preview and, later, at its production preview, all test vehicles were powered by in-line six-cylinder engines. At both events, I was impressed by the power at play and smoothness in which the six delivered its goods - BMW's six-cylinders are still as good as they get. However, when I pressed the start button on the Canadian X1 tester, something was wrong - it was not a six but, rather, a four-cylinder engine that fired up. Gadzooks!
The disappointment lasted just long enough for the transmission to shift from first into second. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder is just as sweet as the six and its power production is every bit as robust. The secret lies in the twin-scroll turbocharger that blows intercooled air into the engine. The 241 horsepower is impressive; the torque generated more so. You see, this little mill twists out 258 pound-feet at just 1,250 rpm. Fire said torque through a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission (six of the gears key on performance, two are overdrives) and the X1 leaps off the line and effortlessly pulls to speed. Testing with the transmission in its Sport mode pegged the zero-to-100-kilometres-an-hour time at 6.8 seconds.
The flip side of the powertrain's personality is unusual to say the least. Drive it as though there's an egg between your right foot and the gas pedal and it slips into its economy mode, with the engine barely pushing the tachometer needle over 1,400 rpm. Even at elevated highway speeds, the four still loafs along at surprisingly low revs. This, perhaps, explains the test average fuel economy of 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres - and it certainly was not being driven with an eye to economy. Power is relayed to the road through BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Under normal circumstances, it sends 40% of the power to the front wheels; the rest goes rearward. As with BMW's other xDrive offerings, the X1's system is both seamless and proficient.
In the ride department, the X1 again succeeds, being more wagon-like than SUV. To begin with, there is enough compliance in the suspension to deliver a cosseting ride. However, push the X1 toward the limit and the setup limits body roll to a couple of degrees. The steering also responds as only BMWs tend to do - razor sharp without feeling twitchy. It is such that one tends to forget this is not the Touring wagon. Understeer is also a non-issue for two reasons - the P225/50R17 tires and a top-notch electronic stability system (DSC). This electronic overseer not only does all of the usual understeer/oversteer corrections (in conjunction with xDrive), it has dynamic traction control that takes it to the next level. Switching it on allows the back end to walk about before the nanny reins in things. This is handy for two reasons: First, it is way more fun in a closed environment. Second, it helps matters in an off-road situation by allowing some wheelspin when traversing a loose surface.
The X1 is a welcome addition that bridges the gap between a traditional station wagon and a sport-ute. It offers the latter's utility, but it is a very distant relative in the manner in which it drives. The balance is there for the driver to enjoy the drive regardless of the tempo, and that turbocharged four is my new favourite engine, possessing power and economy in equal measures.
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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BMW x1 2012 |
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