In redesigning the X1 for 2016, BMW made its premium crossover SUV wider, roomier, and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car, while packing in more technology. It's even more practical, as adults can actually fit in the rear seat. So what's wrong with all of that? In a category where entry-level models approach $50,000, people expect more from their vehicles.
Even though it earned a decent Road Test score, we found much of the usual BMW magic missing from the redesigned X1. The driving experience lacks the purity we've come to know from the brand, and it isn't as quiet or comfortable as befitting an upscale car at this price, either.
The X1 comes with a 228-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front and all-wheel drive are available.
Sixty mph arrives in 7.9 seconds, reasonable acceleration for the class. The engine revs freely; it feels always alert should you require a burst of speed to squirt through traffic. The automatic transmission performs smooth and impressively quick upshifts. Fuel economy of 26 mpg overall for the all-wheel drive is right there with the best small SUVs.
But unlike most BMWs, the X1 doesn't impress you with its handling precision. Sure, it's capable of hustling down a back road, but steering feel is short on feedback. It's no more rewarding to drive than a mainstream Ford Escape. Some of this can be attributed to the car's front-drive platform, the basics of which are shared with the Mini Cooper Clubman. But BMW owners and aspirers who hope for the Ultimate Driving Machine from their vehicle -- even the entry-luxury versions -- will feel shortchanged.
While the new X1 rides better than the previous one, it's not particularly comfortable. The suspension absorbs most bumps reasonably well, although the X1 can get jittery over rough surfaces. The Audi Q3 delivers more ride serenity. Road noise is pretty loud for a luxury branded car, and the engine sounds a bit uncultured. Braking, however, was confidence inspiring, with short stopping distances and an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Duck inside the X1 and the interior makes a great first impression. There's soft-touch material on the dashboard, with classy, contrasting stitching on the seats, door panels, and center console. Look closely, though, and you'll notice chintzy sun visors and hard plastic on the lower door panels. Most controls are easy to use, with well-designed buttons and knobs, and large gauges. The iDrive infotainment system has been simplified over the years, but it still requires too many steps for some common functions.
The X1 is easy to get in and out of, thanks to a low step-in height, relatively low seats, and generous head room. The front seats are well padded, but they're small and narrow, and the bottom cushion is too short even for the petite. There are beach chairs with better thigh support. Why BMW would betray its brand with such poorly designed seats is a puzzler.
The rear seat has adequate room for two adults, making it notably better than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but not as inviting as the Audi Q3. The 40/20/40-split seat gives extra options for hauling people and stuff, and the large cargo area has an easy-loading flush floor. The ability to open the rear gate with a wave of a foot is handy.
Pricing starts at $35,795 with dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a power tailgate, and driver's seat memory, yet power lumbar costs extra. A rear camera is part of a ridiculously costly $1,150 package, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking will set you back at least $1,900 after all the necessary options. Blind-spot monitoring isn't even available. Before we blinked, our X1 was up to $44,745 -- pricey for a compact entry-luxury SUV and too close to the more substantial X3.
None of this is to say the BMW X1 is a bad car. If you've never driven a BMW before, you'll probably find it just as capable as many rivals. But if you come into it with a preconceived notion of BMW's inherent brand qualities, you're in for a letdown.