2014 BMW X1 - Review

German engineering never compromises anything that related to automobile sector. BMW is one of such auto-brands that flourished carrying out the world renowned engineering. And the 2014 X1 is the latest to buzz for BMW in the auto-market. The all new vehicle, of course, carries a lot in the updated edition. This crossover, being placed between a hot hatchback and a hot SUV, brings a lot for those can spend little more to enjoy the urban culture to the fullest. Now, let's check it out detailed what all new things BMW has brought up and how much the machine will be successful.



Variants
2014 BMW X1 is available in three trim levels - X1 xDRIVE28i, X1 sDRIVE28i, and X1 xDRIVE35i.



X1 xDRIVE28i
It's powered by a 1997cc, TwinPower Turbo Inline 4/4 engine, which delivers a peak power of 240 hp at 5000-6500 rpm and a peak torque of 260 at 1250-4800 lb-ft. Its heart is mated with 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes and Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC).

X1 sDRIVE28i
It carries the same heart and power, performance of its sibling X1 xDRIVE28i.

X1 xDRIVE35i
This is the top-end variant of the X1. The xDRIVE35i is powered by a 2979cc, TwinPower Turbo Inline 6/4 engine, which is capable to deliver a tremendous power of 300 hp at 5800 rpm and a stunning torque of 300 at 1300-5000 lb-ft. The heart is coupled with a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC).



Exterior
The X1 is a tall wagon with a crossover structure built in the platform of a car. At the front fascia, its typical bulged grille along with Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling, and LED Corona headlight-rings ensure a dashing entrance to the vehicle wherever it moves to. The matte black roof rails, halogen free-form foglights, door handles in matching body color, and Chrome tailpipe finishers make the machine to the next level.

From the side angles, we realize that the X1 is slightly lifted up compared to the elder sibling, X3. Well, from the rear view it's a pure hacthback.

It is equipped with Star Spoke (Style 320) 18 x 8.0 light alloy wheels and 225/45 run-flat1 all-season tires for the top-end and Star Spoke (Style 317) 17 x 7.5 light alloy wheels and 225/50 run-flat1 all-season tires for the base trims.

Altogether the X1 exactly stands higher to a hatchback but beneath a Sport Utility Vehicle.



Interior
Entering into the X1 you feel the richness of the German designing. It's completely well packed. A premium leatherette upholstery is backed inside the cab for seats. Along with Light Fineline Wood trim ensures that the X1 is in the premium class. Meanwhile, floormats takes to the next level.

The 8-way power adjustable front seats with 2-way manual headrests, and driver's-seat and mirror memory, and the optional 8-way power front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, 2-way manual thigh support, 2-way manual headrests and driver's-seat and mirror memory offer a better ride for the front passenger and the rider. Getting back to the car, a couple of guys feel quiet comfortable with a kid in between them. Although, the X1 doesn't have the best in class space, you must notice one thing that it's made by a German company. They offer quality what you can't find with any country builder. So if you could adjust with that along with the higher pricing, this vehicle would be the best for you.



Features
Getting on to the driver seat, you have a 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with controls for audio system, cruise control, and Bluetooth wireless communication for hands-free mobile phone.

Then a touch screen at the midst of the dashboard, which is Condition-Based Service with additional functions accessible through iDrive system.

Dynamic Cruise Control, Rear-window defroster, Tire Pressure Monitor, BMW TeleService with a 10-year subscription are the other stuffs.

Audio system is the another highlight in its portfolio. Mated with an Anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD/MP3 audio system with 8 speakers, 180-watt digital amplifier, Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store, 3-channel FM diversity antenna system and auxiliary audio input adapter compatible with portable music players, you can enjoy music in the most melodious way. USB connectivity for audio is also available.


While, power windows, locks, heated mirrors, and automatic climate control come as standard. And panoramic sunroof, variable-ratio power steering, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams are optional.

Coming to the safety features of the X1, there are Head Protection System (HPS) at front and rear, LED brakelights, Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology, Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts, Central locking system with center console switch, Coded Driveaway Protection Front safety, Crash sensor, Daytime Running Lights, and Anti-theft alarm system BMW Assist eCall with a 10-year subscription.



Performance and Handling
The xDRIVE35i is certainly the most powerful in line-up. With its massive 3 liter heart, it clocks 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 130 mph. It's mated with xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Additionally, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering, Gas-pressure shock absorbers, Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars, Brake Energy Regeneration, and 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control ensures better handling to the vehicle.

On the par we have X1 sDRIVE28i, and X1 xDRIVE28i. They clock 60-mph within 6.2 seconds.
They are available in front wheels drive and all wheel drive respectively, and are limited to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Gas-pressure shock absorbers, Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars, Brake Energy Regeneration, and 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control features.



Fuel Efficiency
The X1 sDRIVE28i, and X1 xDRIVE28i are certainly the most fuel efficient in the class. Powered by a 2 liter, TwinPower Turbo Inline 4/4 engine, it gives back 24 miles per gallon in city, and 34 miles per gallon in highway. 28 mpg is its combine fuel efficiency.

At the same time, the xDRIVE35i with a massive 3 liter, TwinPower Turbo Inline 6/4 engine offers 18 miles per gallon in city, and 27 miles per gallon in highway. It has a combined rating of 21 mpg.



Verdict
You will absolutely love it. It has every features offered by a German maker. It's powerful, looks elegant, featured, reliable, fuel efficient, and above all it's by reputed BMW. The only thing you may hate with the X1 is its rear space. It sometimes irritates the adults at the rear, especially in long rides. BMW should have noticed it. And the boot space is not that great offered by few of its rivals.

Well, the pricing is not bad either. Never feel that it's priced higher, because, it's from world class premium machine maker. The pricing is quiet reasonable only which starts at $30,900 for the base model.

So if you're looking for a crossover from a premium builder with a reasonable price tag, you could opt the X1 as your machine.