Road Test: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Despite questionable styling, a less-than-premium interior and minimal utility, the BMW X1 has become one of the German brand’s best sellers 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, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door 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 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 like a panoramic moonroof, park assist and navigation among other styling and trim details, my tester rang in at $55,245. While natural rivals like 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 Unlike the rest of BMW’s compact utility family, the current X1 is based on the last-generation 3 Series platform, which is a curse and a blessing. On the inside, the X1 doesn’t benefit from the newer platform’s roomier interior or higher levels of quality, as found in the current 3 Series and X3. Seams between the X1 cockpit’s panels aren’t as tight, nor are there as many soft-touch plastics employed. As it’s shorter, narrower and lower than an X3, one reason you pay less is because there is simply less room in the X1. You do sit higher than in a 3 Series sedan or wagon, so the X1’s front two occupants won’t complain. And new parents struggling to get their kids in and out of baby car seats in the back seat of the X1 will appreciate not having to bend down as low as you would in a 3 Series Touring. But like the Infiniti and Mini crossovers, don’t think about using the BMW’s middle rear seatbelt for anything other than occasional use for small people or the spoils of a trip to the mall. Knee room is also tight for all. Another reason to buy a so-called crossover like the X1 would be to haul around all the flotsam and jetsam associated with the active lifestyles we’re all supposed to be living. Or at the very least, room for a baby stroller or a bicycle. But with only 15 cubic feet of space behind the X1’s rear seats, you’ll find more space in the EX 37 or Countryman. 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 less 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 AWD system allows for balanced handing in either dry or slippery road conditions, but the small wagon/hatch still rolls little in corners. As well, I enjoyed BMW’s old school, hydraulic steering that is direct, linear and has plenty of feel (something I can’t say for the firm’s newer electric racks). And even though its wearing low-profile 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 (including yours truly) 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. Road Test: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive 35i Type of vehicle All-wheel-drive compact crossover Engine 3.5L DOHC turbocharged six-cylinder Power 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm Transmission Six-speed automatic Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS Tires P205/50R17 Price: base/as tested $39,900/$53,150 Destination charge $2,095 Natural Resources Canada fuel economy L/100 km 11.4 city, 7.4 hwy, 10.8 as-tested Standard features  Hi-fi eight-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio/CD/MP3/AUX audio system with iPod and USB input jacks, Bluetooth, 18-inch allow wheels, roof rails, panoramic moonroof, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way power front seats with driver seat memory, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, power one-touch windows, dynamic cruise control, automatic climate control, hill descent control, anti-theft alarm, on-board computer, run flat tires

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