Driving the BMW X1

MANILA, Philippines - One look at BMW’s hot, new X1 and I was hooked. I’ve always been partial to cars with their lower center of gravity and resultant more engaging driving dynamics. Still, with three fast-growing children and our unfortunately less-than-perfect roads, I sometimes hanker for the packaging versatility and go-anywhere capability of an SUV.

I’m sure a lot of people find themselves in this quandary, as can be seen by the growing number of so-called “crossovers” – vehicles that combine the attributes (and body styles) of a car with that of an SUV or a minivan.

The Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback are prime examples (the latter’s Forester used to be perfect embodiment of a crossover, but the latest model has evolved more into a bonafide compact SUV).

From any angle, the BMW X1 looks more like a bulked-up 1-series 5-door hatch than its X3 (slightly) bigger brother. It’s about four inches shorter, two inches lower and almost five inches narrower than the X3 (or for a more common comparison, three inches shorter, an inch narrower, and a whopping five inches lower than a Honda CR-V). The X1’s huge, gaping twin kidney grilles hark to the angry snout of the Z4, again tying it to its Bavarian car heritage.

Even with my chocolate brown (officially called Marrakesh Brown) model’s black highlights, BMW stylists painted the lower horizontal edge of the front bumper a striking silver in the best touring car racing tradition.

Viewed from the side and the rear and without another car or person to give it scale, it’s hard to tell if the X1 is an SUV or a muscular hatchback – which, for me, is what makes its design a spectacular success.

Hop on the driver’s seat, on the other hand, and marvel at the high riding position and the commanding visibility the X1 affords you. Stand next to it and it’s noticeably lower than a CR-V or Tucson . On the road, however, you literally are head and shoulders taller than drivers in even the biggest passenger cars – and virtually shoulder to shoulder with compact SUV drivers.

The best part is that the X1 delivers on all its promise of a spirited driving experience. In fact, the biggest irony for me is that the lowest (price-wise) member of the X family is the one that best exemplifies everything that BMW’s driver-oriented X-series Sports Activity Vehicles stand for. And that includes the mighty X6!

My test unit’s full name is the BMW X1 xDrive20d and it’s powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder all-aluminum diesel engine featuring a turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection. This powerplant develops 177 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Nm from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

The typical diesel clatter is only audible when the vehicle is stationary and idling. Once it gets underway, effective sound-proofing quells most of the diesel noise inside and outside. Most dramatic of all, however, is the dramatic push in the back that you feel when you punch the accelerator with your right foot.

The X1 sprints from 0–100 kph in a brisk 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 205 kph. Average fuel consumption according to the EU standard is 5.8 ltr/100 kilometers. The X1’s CO₂ emissions levels are an impressively low 153 g/km, allowing it to pass the ultra-strict EU5 emission standard.

Inside is quintessential BMW: clear function and trendsetting, modern style. The driver orientation so typical of BMW is additionally accentuated by the forward-pushing lines within the cockpit area. Sophisticated materials and rich, natural colors accentuate the youthful and dynamic flair of the vehicle.

?The elevated seating position, generous space for up to five occupants, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior configuration offer ideal conditions both in an urban environment and beyond, with a feeling of luxury and functionality of the highest order.

Three full-sized seats at the rear offer generous space and freedom of movement. The rear-seat backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Luggage compartment capacity may be more than tripled from 420 liters/14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 liters/47.3 cu ft. Wishlist? Perhaps rear aircon vents wouldn’t be too much to ask.

?The X1’s cutting-edge chassis utilizes an aluminum double-joint tiebar axle at the front and a five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel, high-precision power steering, high-performance brakes, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and, as an option, Performance Control acting on the brakes for particularly dynamic driving behavior.

?Needless to say, ride quality is what you’d expect from a vehicle in the X1’s price (which is P3.89 million to be exact). It simply glides over bumps yet is impressively capable of gripping the road like no crossover – or even passenger car – can dream of. Credit goes to the incredibly well tuned suspension, BMW’s state-of-the-art xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the grippy ultra-low-profile 18-inch tires, and the perfectly balanced weight distribution aided by the rear-mounted battery.

The X1 features a special body structure designed for maximum occupant safety. Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags, and adaptive Brake Lights. Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant are all available as an option.

THE GOOD

• Scintillating driving dynamics

• Perfect balance between riding comfort and responsiveness

• Torquey yet fuel-efficient CRDi engine

• Gorgeous head-turning styling

• Lots of safety features

• Superb build quality

THE BAD

• Gee…uhh…(I’m actually stumped)

THE VERDICT

• The perfect vehicle for those who can’t decide between a car and an SUV. Celebrated BMW quality, prestige and driving dynamics are the rich icing on this very delicious cake.