AUTO
ADVISOR GROUP
Bruce
Hubbard
Bradley
Hubbard
The BMW X1
looks like the larger X3 Series. BMW’s smallest Sport Activity Vehicle is 175.4
inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 60.8 inches high. It is 2.8 inches shorter
than a 3-series wagon and 4.5 inches shorter than an X3.
The all-wheel-drive X1 has been a success in other markets. Now the X1 Sport Activity Vehicle will be sold
in North America in the fall of 2012.
The design of
the BMW X1 has the familiar muscular appearance. The large kidney grill stands
out and distinguishes it from the 3 Series. The long sweeping hood, long
wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment emphasize the vehicle’s dynamic
talent, while attractive light and shade effects hint at its inherent agility.
The BMW X model are reflected in elements such as the black edging at the lower
edge of the body and wide wheel arches.
The newly
designed headlights allow a detailed view of the advanced light technology
within. And a chrome-coated accent strip now cuts across the top of the twin
circular headlights. Meanwhile, an LED accent light – included as part of the
optional xenon light package, complete with LED light rings for the daytime
driving lights – provides the classic BMW focused look.
Its interior mimics
the 3 Series. It includes newly designed surfaces, more polished controls and
other accents. The surfaces are not soft but hard plastic it seems. It still looked great but I think they
could have added some soft surfaces for the exclusive premium ambience of a
compact BMW X model.
The side of
the center console angled towards the driver is now shallower. BMW states it is
spotlighting the driver-focused nature of the cockpit design.
Powerful
engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a broad spectrum of BMW
EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard worldwide give the new BMW X1
.
The
distinctive profile of the X1 is defined by a main character line that rises
steadily to the rear of the vehicle while another line visually extends the
contours of the side window surrounds as it flows towards the rear. The
pronounced side skirts – that are a signature feature of BMW X models and the
powerfully bulging wheel arches add sporting flair.
The variants
of the BMW X1 offered in the US market will be powered by BMW TwinPower Turbo
gas engines. This package of technology consists of twin-scroll turbocharging,
High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and
Double-Vanos variable camshaft control. In both the award-winning 6-cylinder
inline engine under the hood of the BMW X1 xDrive35i – developing
300 hp – and the 240 hp 4-cylinder engine powering the BMW
X1 sDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i ensure instantaneous power delivery,
impressive acceleration and exceptional efficiency.
The X1 does not offer differential locks so true off-roading
is not possible. It’s more of an on-road driving machine some off-road
capability. Fire trails in
Michigan and unpaved roads the X1 AWD can handle. I expect to see the X1 in Sarasota, Worth Avenue, Bal
Harbour, Rodeo Drive more than in the back woods.
The X1’s AWD system delivers
60 percent of the engine torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front,
but the multidisc clutch pack is able to apportion torque to whichever axle
needs it for traction.
Both engines
are paired with an automatic gearbox and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics
technology. You cannot get the
great 6-speed manual sold in other markets. Features including the Auto
Start-Stop function (28i only), Brake Energy Regeneration and demand-based
operation of ancillary units all help to achieve a blend of performance and
fuel economy unique in the market.
The BMW
X1 sDrive28i with customary BMW rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive
xDrive35i will be offered exclusively in the US market. The intelligent
all-wheel drive of the BMW X1 xDrive35i and BMW X1 xDrive28i varies the
distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels, as required. The
electronically controlled power distribution gives optimum traction and
unbeatable directional stability in all weather and road conditions.
The BMW X1
sDrive28i, the X1 xDrive28i and the X1 xDrive35i will retail for $31,545, $33,245
and $39,345 respectively including $895 Destination and Handling costs.
The cargo area delivers 15
cubic feet with the rear seats slid all the way back. Slide the seats forward
and you get another 3 cubic feet . Maximum cargo space is 48 cubic feet with
the seats folded flat.
The second row is only for
two persons not three as BMW states. Only a small person or child could sit in
the rear seats center position.
The Servotronic steering
system is tuned just like the X3’s giving the X1 superb response. The optional
Sport package lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch and comes with 18-inch wheels
and tires in place of the standard 17-inchers.
Competitors
are the Lexus RX 350, Infiniti EX35, Cadillac CTS wagon, Acuras new RDX and the
Audi A4 Avant.
When
we get a week long test drive we will report how good the suspension is and all
the numbers from 0 to 100; braking and our fuel economy figures.
Bruce
Hubbard
Auto
Advisor Group
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