BMW X1 2.0d xDrive Review

Until the late 1990s, BMW had only four different families of models, with just a couple of versions each. There was the tiny Z3 Roadster, the 3-Series (Compact, Sedan and Touring), the 5-Series (Sedan and touring) and the 7 Series.

In 1999, mostly as a response to Mercedes-Benz's M-Klasse, the BMW Sports Activity Series was launched with the BMW X5. It was the Bavarian company's first ever premium SUV - or SAV, as BMW likes to put it - but it was the first of many. Four years later, the smaller X3 model was being launched, complemented by the X6 in 2008, while the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show was host to the unveiling of BMW's smallest crossover-SUV, the X1.

In other words, approximately eleven years later, the BMW Sports Activity Series spans to no less than four different models, with the X1 being the entry-level model of the series. Based on a similar platform with the E90 3-Series, the E81 1-Series and even using parts from its X3 big brother, the X1 is a small crossover-SUV which currently has no direct competitors from the other two thirds of the German "premium triumvirate" of carmakers, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

It is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with the engine range mostly similar to that of the 1-Series, so as to not cannibalize the slightly larger (and more expensive) X3. Following a naming-convention oddly first seen on the latest BMW Z4, the X1 rear-wheel drive versions are called "sDrive", while the all-wheel drive ones are called "xDrive".

After testing the somewhat compact BMW X3 about a year ago, we wanted to see exactly what advantages and disadvantages would a smaller "X" model from BMW have. We got our hands on what will probably be the best-selling European version of the X1, the 2.0d xDrive, fitted with what we thought were all the wrong options, and took it for a spin. Read on to find out what are our opinions about it.

Although the X1 is based on a somewhat outdated architecture (the 1-Series, 3-Series and X3 will be replaced in the next couple of years), you wouldn't exactly guess it just by looking at its exterior. In other words, almost every detail around the car is taken from the post-Bangle era of BMW design, found on each model launched in the last year.

The front headlights are using "eye lids" similar to the ones first found on the F01/F02 7-Series, while the BMW-trademarked "kidney grill" is now so oversized it kind of looks like a pig's snout. As you might have already guessed by now, both features will start to appear on every modern BMW from now on, so the X1 is just one of many.

Getting to the side of the car, the front-mid mounting of the engine becomes obvious even for the casual observer, since the hood is so long compared to the rest of body that it would look more appropriate on a roadster than on a small crossover-SUV like this. Even so, the X1's proportions, as seen from the side, are dead on sporty and certainly don't make any bystander think they're looking at a family car.

In other words, quite a hefty part of the car's length is occupied by the hood, with the driver seating somewhere in the middle of the rather long wheelbase. The rear passengers and the luggage compartment have to do with much less than 50% of the car's total length.

The design of the rear is also in touch with the latest post-Bangle offerings from BMW, with a taillights cluster design in tone with the ones found on the latest generation 5-Series (in Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo form) and 7-Series, although a bit more "rugged" looking.

All in all, especially with the Marrakesh Brown color and the silver plastic bits around the car, the X1 doesn't look half bad. Sure, the "kidney grill" is a bit exaggerated in size but the overall stance of the car and the "post-flame surfacing" sculpted details give it real character.

When we first jumped behind the wheel, knowing the amount of parts the X1 shares with the 1 and 3-Series, we were expecting the usual black/grey/austere feeling you can find in almost any entry-level BMW. Thankfully, we were proven wrong, at least from the chromatic point of view.

Inside, we were greeted by a light cream/beige leather upholstery and wood inserts all over the dashboard. On top of that, our test car was fitted with the optional gigantic glass sunroof, which stretches from the front to the rear seats, providing an almost Targa-like sensation for all passengers.

Even with all the ample exterior light available inside and taking into account that BMW says otherwise, the X1's interior feel a bit more cramped than that of its bigger brother, the X3. The main problems arise for the longer-legged drivers and front passengers, who might feel a bit constrained by the bulky dashboard and/or the tight space between the seats and the doors.

Other than that, the X1 is spacious enough for a crossover as large as this, as long as its passengers aren't a bit above average in size. We found the build quality to slightly surpass that of the 1-Series, albeit most of the center console is almost identical between the two models.

All the buttons and knobs on the dashboard are within easy reach from the driver side, while the center console is a bit driver-oriented in the typical BMW way.

With 420 liters (14.8 cubic feet), the luggage compartment is spacious enough for the road trip needs of four or even five persons, as long as they're following the Indian way of "traveling light". Plus, the rear seats can be folded flat in a 40:20:40 ratio, thus increasing the trunk volume to no less than 1350 liters (47.7 cubic feet), all of them available on a perfectly flat area.

Even though it's a crossover-SUV equipped with an automatic transmission which delivers sporty performance, the X1 2.0d xDrive is quite a fuel sipper in the city. Apart from the noise and vibration levels - which are rather high, especially for a premium crossover costing over forty grand – the two-liter four cylinder gets the job done when it comes to both performance and fuel economy.

During our city driving, the X1 we got to test used between 8 and 9 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (US 26.1-29.4 mpg), which is somewhat close to the official 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (US 33.1 mpg). Of course, during rush hour, it can increase to about 10 liters per 100 kilometers (US 23.5 mpg), but that is still impressive considering we're talking about a car that weighs almost 1600 kilograms (3520 pounds), has an automatic gearbox and can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds.

The ground clearance is by no means high when comparing it to an average SUV, but it's still enough to tackle any speed bump or roadside curb without scraping the car's undercarriage. Plus, it's also high enough to give the driver a better view around the car.

The X1's visibility is also helped by the absolutely huge "elephant ears" exterior rear view mirrors, which can inform you of just about anything that's happening behind the car so you don't run someone over when backing up.

Parking is made easier thanks to the front and rear parking sensors, although we would have preferred a different tonality for the "beeps" that tell you you're about to hit something. Speaking of which, for a car that costs nearly fifty thousand euros, a backing-up camera would have been a nice addition (it's on the options list though).

Overall, the X1 is much, much better in the city than we would have thought, since it preserves some mild crossover-SUV characteristics but it also adds fuel economy and a compact size, which kind of make it a "Swiss knife of a car".

Although 177 horsepower don't seem very much for a compact crossover, the X1 2.0d xDrive can really keep your back firmly pressed against the seat whenever you smash the acceleration pedal to the floor. The two-liter four-banger is both a fuel-sipper and a torquey little bugger, with no less than 350 Nm (258.1 lb ft) available from 1750 all the way to 3000 rpm, which is mighty good for a diesel engine.

Starting from a complete stop, the 2.0d xDrive with Steptronic can reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in just 8.3 seconds, which is oddly 0.4 seconds faster than the 320d xDrive Touring with the same type of transmission. We suspect the major difference comes from the fact that, somehow, BMW has made the X1 about 100 kilograms (220 pounds) lighter than a similarly-sized 3-Series Touring with xDrive.

The raised suspension doesn't take away too much from the famed BMW handling, while adding the capability of going over rougher roads at much higher speeds than with a regular 3-Series. There is some body roll, but compared to an average compact crossover the X1 feels like a sports car.

The sporty steering takes some getting used to after driving an average boat-like SUV, but on the upside it offers plenty of feel and precision. In other words, the X1 feels much more appropriate for sporty driving on rougher or on pristine condition serpentine roads than your average compact crossover. On the other hand, its off-road capabilities are obviously under par, since the ground clearance is not that high and the front and rear consoles are too long for a good angle of attack.

It does, however, has the Land Rover-inherited HDC (Hill Descent Control) system, which can help you when driving down slippery slopes. Plus, the Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission is a nice partner for both highway driving and semi-off-road challenges.

The only quarrel we had with the model we drive in the open road was the noise level coming from both the engine and the rather poor aerodynamic insulation of the X1 at highway speeds. It doesn't exactly sound like a tractor, but the engine delivers plenty of vibrations throughout the cockpit. Plus, despite the low, 0.30 drag coefficient, the noise level are seriously increased inside at speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph).

The impressive bit about our test car was again its fuel economy. During our drive outside the city we managed a fuel consumption of about 5.5-6 liters per 100 kilometers (US 39.2-42.8 mpg) as long as we kept our pilot feelings at a reasonable rate. Driven in a sportier manner, the consumption can rise to over seven liters per 100 km (US 33.6 mpg), but all these figures are more than satisfactory considering the available performance.