At the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, the current BMW X1 was presented with a mild facelift. The most important changes happened inside the car as it was fitted with more up-to-date functions that make it more comfortable and easy to use. However, until the first refreshed models show up we still have to deal with 2013 versions.
The guys from BimmerFile had a couple of days to themselves with an X1 xDrive28i. Just before this test was done, they also tried a RWD model with the same engine, an sDrive28i and therefore comparing the two was inevitable.
Both use the same 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that makes 245 HP and 350 Nm of torque but because of the AWD system, the xDrive version has the old mechanical steering used on E9x models. You know what that means: FUN!
Compared to the electrically-adjusted version it’s almost unfair to measure one up to the other. There’s a lot of feedback coming from the wheels and you really get to enjoy that E91 chassis.
As far as practicality goes, you can carry a lot of stuff in the back whilst passengers will also have plenty of space for their legs and their heads both in the back and in the front.
However, the best argument for this car is its price. At just over $30,000, the X1 is $11,000 less than a comparable 3 Series Wagon that only comes with xDrive. Sure, it might be a new generation but with the LCI now in place, it’s hard to make a case for the 3er.
Full Test at Bimmerfile
Both use the same 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that makes 245 HP and 350 Nm of torque but because of the AWD system, the xDrive version has the old mechanical steering used on E9x models. You know what that means: FUN!
Compared to the electrically-adjusted version it’s almost unfair to measure one up to the other. There’s a lot of feedback coming from the wheels and you really get to enjoy that E91 chassis.
As far as practicality goes, you can carry a lot of stuff in the back whilst passengers will also have plenty of space for their legs and their heads both in the back and in the front.
However, the best argument for this car is its price. At just over $30,000, the X1 is $11,000 less than a comparable 3 Series Wagon that only comes with xDrive. Sure, it might be a new generation but with the LCI now in place, it’s hard to make a case for the 3er.
Full Test at Bimmerfile