BMW is claiming a world first for its new X1 – “the world’s first luxury compact Sports Activity Vehicle”.
Some rival German manufacturers might dispute that claim for the good-looking newcomer that joins the X6, X5 and X3 to give BMW a broad family of SAVs.
But priced from $43,500, there’s no doubt the X1 has the credentials to challenge Audi’s Q5, Volkswagen’s Tiguan and even Toyota’s RAV.
BMW is launching with two all-wheel-drive diesel models – the xDrive23d (150kW/400Nm) and xDrive 20d (130kW/350Nm). An economical rear-wheel-drive 2.0-litre turbo-diesel follows in June, along with two petrol models – an entry-level rear-drive sDrive 18i (110kW) and the straight-six cylinder, all-wheel-drive xDrive25i.
Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed Steptronic automatic.
All feature BMW EfficientDynamics technologies - such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator, Auto Start/Stop, optimized aerodynamics and lightweight construction – to minimize fuel consumption.
With a wheelbase identical to BMW’s 3-Series sedan, the X1 surprises with its interior space and reasonably spacious 420l-1,350l luggage capacity. Inside is BMW’s usual interior style with the conventional dashboard layout, nice seats and contemporary colour palette.
Trim is black or beige Sensatec (faux leather) or optional Nevada Leather in a choice of five colours.
Rear seats split 40/20/40 and can individually fold forward to transport long items of luggage. And the rear seat backs recline up to 31 degrees for further load versatility or passenger comfort.
An optional panoramic glass sun-roof measures 0.75 metres.
Styling is the generic X5-X3 look…in a more compact package. The aerodynamic CD of 0.32 is impressive.
The sharply contoured bonnet and wide wheel arch flares look superb – the latter needed to accommodate the 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres. The dual round headlights and trademark BMW ‘kidney’ provide the typically-BMW purposeful on-road presence.
Same at the rear where the normal BMW character is present in the sharply angled tail-lights, wide wheel-arches and silver underfloor protection plate.
And the list of safety features is the normal BMW compliment – six airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). The X1 has secured the maximum five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.
