Despite a score of 4×4 down, BMW continues its offensive and expands its X family with her last baby, the X1. Great novelty, it can be content with two-wheel drive.
Do you play seven families? Yes, of course. Who is not played a day … That’s what BMW has in articulating its range on the same principle. In the 1 Series family, you can request the 3-door hatchback, 5 doors, coupe or convertible. In the “3″, you also have the choice: saloon, touring, coupé, coupe-cabriolet. The family “5″, it has expanded with the arrival of Gran Turismo alongside the sedan and touring. And it’s the turn of the family “X” related “by affinity” with three others, to welcome a new kid: the X1.
In recent years, BMW has a certain reputation in the world of SUVs. And if some gender specialists are probably wondering if this segment, slowing, is still carrying, BMW persists and signs. But without remaining impervious to trends. After the exuberant X6, the X1 is indeed low profile side look, and it is ultimately not much higher (1.55 m) raised a break as the Audi Allroad. Especially, it is the first X, then the first 4×4 BMW, to be also offered as a two-wheel drive, dubbed “sDrive.
Like many families, the X1 retrieves the affairs of its elders. Under the hood, it inherits the 4-cylinder diesel available in three power levels: 143 hp for the 18d, 177 hp to 204 hp and 20d to 23d. Noblesse oblige, he also receives the 6 cylinder petrol 258 hp for version 28i. For this first detailed test, we obviously could not resist the temptation to gauge the famous 4×4 which is no longer one. We opted for a version sDrive 20d which, needless to say, respects the tradition of the BMW-powered expensive.
Attention this is not because you’re driving a BMW X that you can think outside the box. In sDrive, the X1 is a strict two-wheel drive. But, as usual home, the rear wheels are doing the job and that’s where the situation becomes interesting. Lightened wheel drive and well supported by both propulsion and the 177 hp of the 2.0 diesel, X1 displays a dynamic road handling, responsive but not too bright, worthy of a good sedan. Compared to a traditional SUV, it is not sensitive to roll taken. Obviously, in sDrive, he admits his limitations in motor function, but loss of adhesion are progressive and driving aids intervene effectively. Without assistance Servotronic speed-sensitive (standard on Xdrive but unavailable on sDrive), the management turns a little heavier. It is accurate and guide a train before goodwill. In town, thanks to his size content (4.45 m), the X1 provides some handling and relatively short runs.
With its 177 hp, the 20d does not let them tell in performance. More light, it reveals a more toned X3 features the same engine. This mechanism is also fully supported by a gearbox 6 speed. BMW tradition requires, the command appears firm but well-guided. However, this mechanism is a bit too noisy on 2 l diesel is too slow to hear and accelerations. In town, stop and start system reduces the inconvenience as to automatically cut the engine … better make it vibrate at each reboot! At constant speed, it is somewhat forgotten but they are so aerodynamic noise take over. The X1 also sins suspension comfort. Not that he is really strong, but poorly absorbs road irregularities that affects dryly. On a well maintained highway, it is not a concern, but after 400 km of motorways in Germany, you feel your vertebrae play castanets!
A real camel that X1. Lacking wheel drive, he watches his weight and his appetite: 5.5 l/100 km identified road and 7 l/100 km on average. That is, in fact, excellent results for a vehicle of this size and power. Even downtown, it remains relatively reasonable (8 l/100 km), with the help of stop-start system which saves about 0.2 l/100 km. In contrast, the maintenance bill looks pretty salty. The prices of spare parts is not exorbitant, but even by merely riding the original 17-inch (225/50), a tire will cost you between 250 and 330 € depending on the brand.
Without becoming a manufacturer cheap, but BMW seems to make some efforts in trade policy. Do not dream, the X1 is still expensive. More expensive so than most of its competitors. But the standard equipment is comprehensive enough. Thus, in version 20d sDrive Comfort and finish, most safety equipment and comfort (host of driving aids or airbags, automatic climate control, automatic activation of headlamps, rain sensor, cruise control, aid Rear parking …) are included. It should be put out to the portfolio and select the superior finish Luxury, 4 charged over € 350, for receiving a navigation system, Bluetooth connection for cell phone or have the privilege of sitting on an elegant leather upholstery. Recall also that 34 000 €, the X1 20d Comfort dispenses transmission four-wheel drive xDrive, charged € 2 500.
Smaller and lighter than the X3, the X1 turns out really nice. Enough with the powerful 2.0 diesel 177 hp, it shows in this version sDrive (2WD), a fairly nimble road manners, but prohibits any country gateway. A bit noisy and firm suspension, he sins in comfort.
Engine
Maximum torque (mkg @ rpm) : 35.7 to 1750
Displacement (cm3) : 1995
Maximum power (hp at rpm) : 177-4000
Type : 4-cylinder diesel engines, common rail
Weight
Total weight (kg) : 1584
Transmission : manual / 6
