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New Models
AUTOS: BMW Gets Small With X1
New compact SUV arrives in October with the sparkling drivability of BMW cars; engine options include thrifty turbo four.
The U.S.-bound BMW X1 is powered by either a 2-liter turbo four or a 3-liter turbo inline-6. (Photo: BMW)
BMW's SUVs have been rightly praised for closely mirroring the brand's sedan performance. With the X1, that continues.
The X1 has been on sale in Europe since 2009, but the company waited for this mid-cycle refresh to bring its small SUV to the U.S. market in October. We'll get two engines: the 28i with a twin-scroll turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the U.S.-exclusive 35i, with BMW's potent twin-scroll turbo 3-liter six mated with a six-speed automatic.
All- or rear-wheel drive is offered with the smaller engine (sDrive 28i or xDrive 28i), while all-wheel drive is standard with the bigger powerplant in the xDrive 35i.
Underneath are underpinnings from both the 1- and 3-series sedans, good news for those who prefer a spirited driving character in a little ute. Handling is crisp and steady. The brakes are responsive and linear and can haul the car down from triple-digit speeds without any drama.
Those seeking the most agility will need to opt for an AWD model and check the box for the optional M Sport package, which includes Performance Control. It adjusts front/ rear torque distribution and taps the inside brake while adding power to the outboard wheel to assist in cornering.
Choosing a powertrain will be the hard part. The four starts at less than $32,000 including freight and gets better fuel economy, thanks in part to displacement and because it has BMW's auto stop/start function and “eco pro” mode that encourages frugal driving.
The four is no slouch either, putting up 6.2-second 0-to-60-mph times (6.3 seconds with AWD), and it feels strong across the powerband. With 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged inline four has ample power for passing on tight back roads and the oomph to push the car to autobahn speeds. But there is a diesel-like drone to the powertrain at steady speeds in eighth that could be annoying.
The six is a more aggressive performer, but with a penalty at the pump (21 mpg combined vs. 27 mpg over all for the sDrive 28i, according to the EPA) and a far different driving feel. Though heavier and seemingly less engaging, the six offers substantial power for such a small vehicle, and a 5.3 second 0-to-60 time. The 35i starts at $39,345.
Where the four shuttles down noticeably through the gears on acceleration as the engine surges to redline, the 300-horsepower, 300 pound-feet inline-six simply steps down a gear and taps into serious reserves to provide a refined thrust as the revs climb.
Just as with its larger X3 and X5 siblings, there's nothing too dramatic about the X1's exterior styling. Inside, the cabin is well-trimmed.
If your lifestyle requires some functional cargo room and passenger room, but you have your heart set on a 1- or 3-series, the X1 could be the perfect fit for your garage.
This story originally appeared at AutoWeek.com.
The X1 has been on sale in Europe since 2009, but the company waited for this mid-cycle refresh to bring its small SUV to the U.S. market in October. We'll get two engines: the 28i with a twin-scroll turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the U.S.-exclusive 35i, with BMW's potent twin-scroll turbo 3-liter six mated with a six-speed automatic.
All- or rear-wheel drive is offered with the smaller engine (sDrive 28i or xDrive 28i), while all-wheel drive is standard with the bigger powerplant in the xDrive 35i.
Underneath are underpinnings from both the 1- and 3-series sedans, good news for those who prefer a spirited driving character in a little ute. Handling is crisp and steady. The brakes are responsive and linear and can haul the car down from triple-digit speeds without any drama.
Those seeking the most agility will need to opt for an AWD model and check the box for the optional M Sport package, which includes Performance Control. It adjusts front/ rear torque distribution and taps the inside brake while adding power to the outboard wheel to assist in cornering.
Choosing a powertrain will be the hard part. The four starts at less than $32,000 including freight and gets better fuel economy, thanks in part to displacement and because it has BMW's auto stop/start function and “eco pro” mode that encourages frugal driving.
The four is no slouch either, putting up 6.2-second 0-to-60-mph times (6.3 seconds with AWD), and it feels strong across the powerband. With 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged inline four has ample power for passing on tight back roads and the oomph to push the car to autobahn speeds. But there is a diesel-like drone to the powertrain at steady speeds in eighth that could be annoying.
The six is a more aggressive performer, but with a penalty at the pump (21 mpg combined vs. 27 mpg over all for the sDrive 28i, according to the EPA) and a far different driving feel. Though heavier and seemingly less engaging, the six offers substantial power for such a small vehicle, and a 5.3 second 0-to-60 time. The 35i starts at $39,345.
Where the four shuttles down noticeably through the gears on acceleration as the engine surges to redline, the 300-horsepower, 300 pound-feet inline-six simply steps down a gear and taps into serious reserves to provide a refined thrust as the revs climb.
Just as with its larger X3 and X5 siblings, there's nothing too dramatic about the X1's exterior styling. Inside, the cabin is well-trimmed.
If your lifestyle requires some functional cargo room and passenger room, but you have your heart set on a 1- or 3-series, the X1 could be the perfect fit for your garage.
This story originally appeared at AutoWeek.com.
The Lyonheart K
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