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05/04/2010
By EWAN KENNEDY
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BMW has introduced yet another member of its SUV family. The X1 is the smaller brother to the successful X3 and X5; and even the X6, which is a cross between a coupe and an SUV, could be included to expand that list.
The BMW X1 reflects all the lessons the German marque has learned from its previous models; having a practical interior, styling that's unmistakably BMW and, best of all, a dynamic feel on the road that makes it significantly more sporting than anything else in its class.
A further attraction of the small SUV is its small price, the X1 can be bought for as little as $43,990, plus on-road costs. This model has two-wheel drive and a petrol engine; its standard list of gear includes alloy wheels, a good audio system with MP3 capability and air conditioning so it's no stripped down special. However, items such as the BMW iDrive and satellite navigation are on the options list. As is leather trim.
The petrol engine we have just mentioned wasn’t available on any of the vehicles we road tested during the Australian launch of the 2010 BMW X1 out of Melbourne. Instead we were able to drive two turbo-diesel variants, both with a capacity of 2.0 litres. The lower powered unit produces 130 kW and 350Nm of torque. This engine is tagged the 20d. The other diesel has twin turbochargers, is called the 23d and has peak outputs of 150 kW and 400 Nm.
We were impressed with the interior space inside a vehicle with relatively compact dimensions. There's good room for four adults, with decent legroom for all, provided those in the front seats aren’t giants. Headroom is also fine, a factor in virtually all SUVs and therefore an important factor in the purchasing decision of potential users.
The boot is also well sized and has a regular shape that makes it easy to load and use. The slope of the rear tailgate isn't extreme as sometimes happens in this class – where fashion takes precedence over function. The stylists at BMW have leant in the direction of the latter.
The driving position is good, though the view out of the windscreen is marred by large pillars as happens too often in today’s designs. Of course it's necessary to provide strength throughout the body and the A-pillars contribute their fair share, but we would like to have them slimmer.
Handling has already been mentioned, but it's worth going into detail to say that the chassis balance, steering precision and the way the X1 reacts to commands through the steering wheel and pedals is just lovely. This is the sort of wagon that's guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of keen drivers from time to time.
Both models at the launch featured all-wheel drive to further enhance handling, particularly in slippery conditions, such as on the extensive tracts of dirt road we traversed. But we will be very surprised if the rear-wheel variants don’t also provide exceptional dynamics when we get a chance to test them later.
The suspension was relatively firm on both X1s we tested, partly due to the run-flat tyres, which require less flexible sidewalls, but also because they were fitted with optional 18-inch alloys, and these require a less compliant tyre to maintain the overall wheel/tyre diameter. Those who enjoy excellent handling will be happy with the firm ride. Owners who prefer a more cosseted ride should do their own pre-purchase test drive, preferably over an extended distance.
Not everyone who buys an SUV or 4WD dreams of crossing the Simpson Desert or clambering up rocky shelves in the Great Dividing Range, many simply want a handy wagon with practical interior space. The new BMW X1 will certainly provide that and looks to make a real success of itself in the sales race in Australia.
The BMW X1 range, with release dates and prices, excluding government and dealer charges, is:
sDrive18i (June 2010): $43,500 (manual), $45,700 (automatic)
sDrive20d (June 2010): $49,300 (manual), $51,500 (automatic)
xDrive20d (April 2010): $52,700 (manual), $54,900 (automatic)
xDrive25i (June 2010): $56,800 (automatic)
xDrive23d (April 2010): $59,280 (automatic)
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