BMW has introduced the X1 sub-compact SUV to the South African market. I’ve seen the X1 in pictures before and was expecting a car that stands about as tall as the current X3 from the ground. Not so with this baby. It’s only 194mm off the ground, which makes it quite low for a car of its type and quite good for a number of applications.
One of these is handling. Having taken it through at least five mountain passes in the Western Cape, I can say with some authority that very few cars in its price bracket will attack curves as well as the X1. Much of that is because of the Performance Control system (optional with xDrive models) which first made its way into the X6. It basically sends power to the side that needs it the most in order that understeering can be countered and cornering restored to neutrality.
With the ocean on my left and a mountain rise to my right I quickly discovered the virtues of X1’s low centre of gravity. Even when I knew for sure the car would understeer into a curve, the system would work to minimise it, bringing me more control and a better driving feeling. The steering, typically BMW in extra heaviness, is price and easy to control.
That I had 400Nm under my feet also helped things along quite nicely too. BMW is offering four models, three turbo diesels at launch and a naturally aspirated sDrive18i petrol around July 2010. For now the sDrive20d is the entry-level model. It has a 2.0-litre common rail system with diesel direct injection and a turbo with variable turbine geometry. Maximum power is 130kW at 4000rpm and torque peaks at 350Nm at 1750rpm. The 0 – 100km/h sprint is claimed to be 8.1 seconds. BMW says it has combined fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100km and average C02 emissions of 148g/km. Interestingly the sDrive20d is driven through the rear wheels by either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
The xDrive20d has permanent all-wheel-drive directed by both axles from the 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Its power and torque are the same as the sDrive20d, but fuel consumption and C02 emissions are a little higher at 6.2l/100km and 163g/km respectively. Acceleration should take 8.4 seconds from 0 – 100km/h.
Top of the heap, for now, is the xDrive23d. Same 2.0-litre diesel engine but with a twist. Actually, lots of twist. This unit kicks out 150kW at 4400rpm and maximum torque of 400Nm at 2000rpm, thanks to a bi-turbo setup. Contrary to BMW’s same-size turbo philosophy on current cars, the xDrive23d features a smaller and bigger turbine that spool up at different points in time; the smaller at low revs and the bigger at higher revs. Thus turbo lag is minimised and drive is creamy. My driving partner complained about the noise this engine makes, noting how much louder it was versus the less powerful version.
How you’ll be able to tell which model is which is quite simple. All have clear badging on the sides, with the model designation stated. X1 is possibly one of the prettiest BMWs out there, alongside the X5 and 3 Series. Bangle convexes and concaves are smoother, more integrated at the front and along the side ridges. The traditional double kidney front grille is large, and so is the lights cluster. Anyone over the height of 1.6 metres will be able to stand by and see the roof top quite easily. Some buyers, possibly females, will probably wish it were a little higher though so they can survey surrounding traffic a little better.
The interior is spoiled rotten with luxury, including air conditioning, chrome door sills, a multifunction leather steering wheel, a centre armrest, steering wheel adjustment, an auxiliary jack and a front-loading CD player as standard. Options include Bluetooth, satellite navigation and a DVD system. Because the X1 is actually based on the current 3 Series and not on the 1 Series, it has a manual handbrake instead of the electro stuff that we see in the X5 and X6.
Another superb first for BMW; a sub-compact premium SUV. What isn’t new is how it behaves as a BMW; crispy handling, strong engines and a sporty yet comfortable drive.
As BMW buyers and admirers know, the German company is the world’s largest producer of premium vehicles. However, last quarter Audi got as close as about 1700 cars to within reach of BMW, and in the process taking the number two spot off the hands of Mercedes-Benz. The X1 is a very important weapon against further intrusions and will undoubtedly spark a feeding frenzy among rivals in the coming years as all vie for our wallets.
BMW X1 Pricing
sDrive18i manual (R335 500)
sDrive18i automatic (R351 500)
sDrive20d manual (R376 000)
sDrive20d automatic (R392 000)
xDrive20d manual (R418 500)
xDrive20d automatic (R434 500)
xDrive23d automatic (R464 000)
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