2013 BMW X1 s18d, X1 x20d And X1 x28i Launch Review
2013 BMW X1 REVIEW
Vehicle style: Small premium SUV
Variants Reviewed | |||
Model | Power/Torque | Fuel (listed) | Fuel (tested) |
sDrive18d - 2.0 turbo diesel | 105kW/320Nm | 5.0 l/100km | 7.5 l/100km |
xDrive 20d - 2.0 turbo diesel | 135kW/380Nm | 5.4 l/100km | 7.9 l/100km |
xDrive 28i - 2.0 turbo petrol | 180kW/350Nm | 7.3 l/100km | 9.5 l/100km |
OVERVIEW
BMW’s X1 crossover might be an entry point to the BMW brand, but it’s no less BMW.
Top to bottom, the Leipzig-built small SUV (and, really, not so small), has the same dynamism and prestige feel that is so deeply embedded in all cars from the Bavarian powerhaus.
In fact, there are very few SUVs that can anywhere near match the X1 for driving dynamics and that elusive ‘alive’ sporting feel at the wheel.
Like so many BMWs, the X1 is a car you want to drive.
We put the 2013 X1 sDrive 18d, xDrive 20d and xDrive 28i through their paces at launch across a range of roads in Queensland and northern NSW.
The new model comes with some subtle styling changes, revisions to the interior, and new engine configurations to set them apart from the outgoing model.
Pricing starts at a surprising $44,900 for the sDrive 18d (in manual; we drove the more expensive eight-speed auto), extending to $58,200 as the starting point for the manual xDrive 28i.
The sDrive models are rear-wheel-drive; xDrive models, all-wheel-drive.
Racy and smart, if not the first word in style, there is no mystery to why the X1 has become such a success for BMW – especially in conquest sales. More than 50 percent of buyers are coming into the brand for the first time.
Put yourself behind the wheel and you’ll understand why.
THE INTERIOR
It becomes a little repetitive commenting on BMW interiors. From the quality leather trim to the tactile surfaces, and for fit and finish, they are simply ‘a cut above’.
And all as tight as a kettle-drum.
The new model X1 gets more gloss-black surfaces, a reshaped (and improved) centre console, and new chrome accents and metal garnishes.