BMW means BUSINESS
Power packed in the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i: People’s Test Drive,
The words “BMW” and “premium quality” are often found in the same sentence.
The perception of Teutonic quality has existed since the earliest days of BMW production, from the company’s initial aircraft engines to its motorcycles and its automobiles.
BMW wasn’t really late to the SUV market, but it also wasn’t the first to define the niche. Since the late 1990s, BMW has built its X Series of sport activity vehicles — note they do not refer to them as SUVs.
BMW started in 1999 with the introduction of the 2000 model year X5. Now, the German automaker also offers an X3 and an X6. Both the X5 and X6 are mid-size luxury vehicles, while the X3 is a compact crossover vehicle.
In 2011, the X-family of vehicles grew even larger with the introduction of the X1, a premium compact sport activity vehicle that is wagonesque in stature. The X1 is underpinned by the company’s 3-Series Touring platform, and in Canada is available only with allwheel drive, or in BMWspeak, xDrive.
XDrive is BMW’s infinitely variable all-wheeldrive system, imparting exceptional road holding capabilities. According to BMW, the xDrive system can distribute up to 100 per cent of the engine’s power to the front or rear axles, as conditions merit.
In the X1 models currently available, a choice can be had between two engines. The X1 xDrive28i is powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a high-performance twinscroll turbocharger. This four-cylinder engine makes 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. torque, and that energy is channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There is also the X1 xDrive35i, and a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine coupled with a sixspeed automatic transmission propels this model.
Calgary driver Bassem Zaki, 42, spent a week with BMW’s 2013 X1 xDrive 35i. Zaki was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, and that’s where he learned to drive his dad’s 1981 Fiat 128. “Traffic in Cairo is usually busy, and perhaps a little bit messy,” Zaki says of the traffic conditions in his home city. In Egypt, Zaki’s vehicles ranged from a Seat Ibiza to a Kia Pride.
Zaki came to Calgary in 2003 for work, and drove a 3/4-ton truck as a company vehicle, and soon bought a 2004 Honda Civic. Since then, the family man with a wife and three children (two boys, aged 15 and 13, daughter, 2 ½) has owned an Acura Integra and a Subaru Impreza. Now, there is a 2004 Acura MDX and a 2005 Hyundai Elantra in the driveway. Zaki uses the Elantra to commute to work on a daily basis.
The Zaki family likes to make a couple of long drives each year, heading to Vancouver or into the northwest United States. They’d use the Acura for such a journey, and between the two vehicles, Zaki figures the family chalks up at least 45,000 kilometres per year.
When shopping for a vehicle, Zaki considers practicality, overall “fun” factor, and ownership cost. “It needs to carry people comfortably, it needs to be fun to drive, and it needs to be easy to maintain without costing much to keep it running,” he explains.
Zaki’s first impression of the BMW X1 wasn’t that favourable.
“I’m sorry, but I really think it’s a got a long nose,” he says. “I don’t find the hood is as nicely proportioned as it is on some of the other BMW products.
“I do like the tail light treatment, and the headlights do have the typical BMW look, but they’re not as aggressive as on the new 3-Series.”
Although the base X1 xDrive 35i has an MSRP of $39,900, it doesn’t take long to push that price well up. Such was the case with Zaki’s tester. It included the $2,900 executive package, $1,900 sport line package, $2,200 navigation and communication package, $1,500 premium package, $300 apps package and a number of stand alone BMW options, including $800 mineral grey metallic paint and $1,000 19-inch wheels with run flat tires — price as tested was $53,150.
“I really liked the BMW metallic grey colour,” Zaki says. “It would have to be one of the best colours for that particular vehicle.
“Inside, the finish was a lovely black leather with grey and red piping.”
At 6-feet, Zaki found the X1 reasonably easy to get into, and once ensconced in the power adjustable seat with driver memory, he says all of the controls were ergonomically placed and everything fell to hand.
“Fit and finish was really good,” he says. “The dashboard and the door panels were really soft, and everything you touched in the cabin is pleasant with a premium quality feel. I really liked the thick rim of the small diameter steering wheel.”
He found plenty of headroom in the driver’s seat, and there was enough in back, too, when he tested the rear seat for comfort — but leg and knee room was a bit tight.
With the rear seats folded forward, Zaki says there was sufficient cargo room and the rear hatch provided a wide opening. With the seats in their upright position, he says a large single stroller and a baby bag might fit with the hatch closed.
“Inside it feels tight,” he says of the overall comfort, “but it’s a good, cosy tight.”
What impressed the most was BMW’s turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine.
“The powertrain was spectacular,” Zaki says. “The car was quick, and the torque starts down low and keeps on going — it was really impressive.”
Although equipped with an “eco” mode, Zaki spent most of his test with the transmission in “sport” mode. “It holds the gears and everything is a lot more exciting,” he says of the feature.
Brakes were good with a firm feel at the pedal, but Zaki says the steering eerily lacked some feedback. Suspension was firm, but comfortable, and the there was little to no body roll when heeled over in a corner.
During his week with the X1, Zaki commuted, delivered his family to numerous sports activities, and headed west on the highway, adding some 700 km to the odometer.
He says he’d recommend the X1 if the buyer could afford it, but likely wouldn’t purchase one for his own.
”I’d rather put that kind of money toward a 3-Series Touring, but I really liked the (six-cylinder) powertrain of the X1,” he says. “Very few vehicles, I think, could match the torque and power available — it really was fun to drive.”
Driver’s Journal
Day 1 I picked up the X1 and was happily surprised that it was a 35i, which meant it had the 300 h.p. turbocharged 3.0L inline 6. Stepping into the driver’s seat, you immediately realize that this is a premium vehicle that means business. The deep grey metallic paint, the black leather with red stitching and the small leather wrapped steering wheel — all impressive. A press of a button and the engine comes to life. Driving the X1 for the first time, it was apparent that this was a solid, luxurious, fast and sporty little crossover. Day 2 I have a 55-km round trip commute to work everyday, which is a blend of rush hour Deerfoot Trail and downtown Calgary. Keeping the X1 in Eco mode and with a light right foot for the whole day I averaged 10.7l/100 km according to the trip computer, which was more than 132 km of mixed driving. Pretty good economy taking into account the mostly rush hour driving, the size and power of the engine and weight of vehicle.
Day 3 So I kinda got used to the X1 by now, I don’t reach for the keys approaching the car anymore. I think I’m addicted to the continuous flow of torque and power from the turbo 6. If you move the shifter to the left — DS — position the transmission drops a gear and holds gears longer. Great for hearing the engine’s great soundtrack, not so much for premium fuel consumption. Although the trip computer kept showing 11.9 l/100 km for average consumption, a fill-up on Thursday evening showed an average of 12.5 l/100 km. I guess you have to pay to play.
Day 4 Although I was not a big fan of the styling at first, it started growing on me; I actually think it looks all right now, especially in this metallic grey with the 19” rims. The seats are firm and snug, the suspension is sporty firm but comfortable and not choppy. The steering is nicely weighted on the highway but doesn’t communicate road surfaces well and a bit heavy at low speeds and in parking lots. There is a lot of grip from the low profile Pirelli P Zero tires. The overall handling is very good for a crossover, sporty and confidence inspiring and the car feels really solid.
Day 5 I’m pilling up mileage but I just couldn’t resist taking the X1 everywhere I go. Kept the shifter in sport mode for most part and enjoyed the engine power.
Day 6 Cruising on the highway, the ride is quiet with no rattles or shakes. You can merge and reach illegal speeds in a hurry with a stretch or your right foot. The engine is really smooth with abundance of power. The automatic transmission is the best I’ve ever driven with smooth shifts and quick response, but I’d still take a manual over an auto anytime.
Day 7 Already had 700 km on the trip meter; it was time to give the X1 back. My average consumption was 12.5l/100 km. The X1 35i is a fun practical crossover with a great engine. It lacks on rear legroom space, but has abundance of power and grip. The interior is nicely put together with high quality materials. But all of that comes at a premium price.