2012 BMW X1: The X-Factor
Munich, Germany – Available in Canada since the beginning of May, the new X1 will become the fourth model in the Bavarian manufacturer’s X line. This 2012 model will have a base price of $38,500. With 115,000 units sold on other markets since the world launch near the end of 2009, the X1 is already a bestseller for BMW. This success explains in part why the arrival of this model on the American market was delayed until the fall of 2011, while Canada, a less important market in terms of volume, will get its supply beginning next month.
The X1 is presented as a deluxe compact sport utility vehicle and you can almost consider it a high-roof 3 Series sedan designed for some light off-road driving.. Indeed, this newcomer not only shares several components with the 1 and 3 Series cars, but it’s also built on the same assembly lines at the plant in Leipzig. In Europe, the X1 is available with a choice of gasoline or diesel engines, but it will only be available in Canada with the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
A smooth engine
This new engine is equipped with a single twin-entry turbocharger and develops 241 horses at 5,000 rpm while delivering a very impressive 258 lbs-ft of torque beginning at 1,250 rpm. The X1 accelerates with gusto and never seems to lack power despite its weight of 1,690 kg. During our brief test drive in the Munich region, we recorded an average fuel consumption of 11.7 L/100 km. This high rating can be partially explained by the fact that the test model had a six-speed manual transmission (the X1 bound for the Canadian market will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic) and that the ride we took included a section on the Autobahn at 200 km/h. Even at that speed, the X1 inspired confidence by demonstrating good stability, and only a sustained wind noise around the A-pillars and side rear-view mirrors reminded us that we were driving at double the legal limit on Canadian highways. According to Transport Canada, the X1’s fuel consumption in the city (which is more representative of fuel consumption in normal driving conditions) is 9.2 L/100 km.
It’s also worth noting that this new engine is very smooth and doesn’t vibrate like a typical four-cylinder – though it’s still not as silky as the Bavarian manufacturer’s in-line six-cylinder engine. This is because the engine is equipped with two balance shafts that are positioned at different heights to offset the vibrations and because there’s a centrifugal pendulum integrated in the two-mass engine flywheel. The result is that the X1 launches confidently without generating vibrations, even in low gear. In many ways, the X1’s ride is remarkably reminiscent of a high-roof 3 Series, with more noticeable roll in turns because of its higher centre of gravity. The reactions of the chassis are always well controlled, and the X1 enters into turns with ease thanks to precise steering that helps you really feel the road, with the only drawback being that the steering wheel seemed a little too thin.
Something borrowed
Style-wise, the X1 isn’t breaking any new ground. But it isn’t universally despised either, with its vertical double-kidney front grille and tail lights that emulate those on the 5 Series Gran Turismo. On board, several surfaces are pleasant to touch, while hard plastics are used for the central console, which has just one cup holder, although you can attach a second one on the passenger side of the central console, like on the 6 Series. The driving position is about midway between that of a conventional sedan and an SUV, and the X1 seemed as spacious and welcoming as a first generation X3.
As is often the case with BMW vehicles, the X1 features a long list of optional equipment such as metallic paint ($800) or leather upholstery ($1,900), or even several options packages like the navigation package ($2,000). The Premium Package includes a heated steering wheel and panoramic sun roof ($1,490), while the Convenience Package brings together bi-xenon adaptive headlights with wipers ($1,900), and the Sport Package gets you 18-inch rims, sport seats and wheel-mounted shifters ($1,500). All this helps the X1 meet buyer expectations, but also means that the price can increase significantly. However, an informed and selective choice from this catalogue can still get you an X1 for less than a 3 Series Touring, whose retail price is now $48,500. This alone may explain the warm welcome that the X1 expects to receive in Canada.