BMW X1 xdrive 35i gets top marks among CUVS
Despite questionable styling, a less-than-premium interior and minimal utility, the BMW X1 has become one of the German brand’s bestsellers in Canada. And although it’s one of BMW’s less-established models, last year, the compact crossover trailed only the iconic 3 Series and popular X3 crossover in overall sales. Why has it been so popular?
For starters, the X1 is in the right place at the right time. Whole generations of new car buyers who want the taller riding height of utility vehicles but don’t want the driving compromises are migrating to car-based utility vehicles like the X1. As well, the compact, allwheel-drive, five-passenger, fourdoor BMW sits below the 3 Series Touring wagon, forthcoming 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback and X3 crossover in regard to size and price, making the X1 the most affordable way to own a utility vehicle with the famous blue-and-white propeller logo.
Starting at $38,995 (including a $2,095 freight and pre-delivery inspection charge) the base, four-cylinder 2013 X1 xDrive 28i is priced well below the slightly larger 2013 $44,545 X3 xDrive 28i. Both share a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
As you may have guessed by reading its alphanumeric badge, my 2013 X1 xDrive 35i tester gains a larger, 300-hp and 300 lb-ft turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder — as well as a $3,000 jump in base price. With add-ons such as a panoramic moonroof, park assist and navigation, among other styling and trim details, my tester rang in at $55,245. While natural rivals that include Mercedes-Benz and Audi are planning to offer X1-like vehicles in Canada in the future, the only real competition for the compact BMW crossover are comparably equipped versions of the $52,895 Infiniti EX 37 and $49,221 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman S ALL4.
In truth, the X1 doesn’t do a very good job as a utility vehicle. It is more like a sports sedan with backpack than a serious SUV. And while more than $50,000 for a compact hatchback seems a bit steep, the 35i is arguably the best part of the X1’s convoluted name. It may not be able to haul a new fridge home, but keen drivers will appreciate the X1 xDrive 35i’s near-sport sedan driving demeanour.
Although it’s mated to an automatic transmission with two fewer gears than the newer eight-speeder found attached to the blown-four in the X1 xDrive 28i, the X1 xDrive 35i’s sweet-revving, turbocharged straight-six works well in conjunction with the excellent road manners inherited from the last-generation 3 Series’ chassis.
The BMW’s rear-biased all-wheel -drive system allows for balanced handing in either dry or slippery road conditions, but the small wagon/hatch still rolls a little in corners. As well, I enjoyed BMW’s oldschool hydraulic steering, which is direct, linear and has plenty of feel. And even though it’s wearing lowprofile rubber, the X1’s ride quality won’t beat you or your passengers up on anything other than the worst potholed pavement.
Marketed as a crossover for North Americans, in reality, the X1 xDrive 35i drives like a taller version of the last-generation 3 Series Touring, a vehicle some critics consider one the best do-it-all driving machines ever built. As such, if you don’t mind its cramped rear quarters, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive 35i is one of the best-driving small utility vehicles you can buy.