The current, second generation X1 is roomy and fuel efficient for the class of entry luxury SUVs and brimming with technology. However, it abdicates some BMW's core qualities of handling agility and refinement. Even though it earned a decent Road Test score, we found much of the usual BMW magic missing from the redesigned X1. The driving experience lacks the purity we've come to know from the brand, and it isn't as quiet or comfortable as befitting an upscale car at this price, either.
The X1 comes with a 228-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front and all-wheel drive are available.
Sixty mph arrives in 7.9 seconds, reasonable acceleration for the class. The engine revs freely; it feels always alert should you require a burst of speed to squirt through traffic. The automatic transmission performs smooth and impressively quick upshifts. Fuel economy of 26 mpg overall for the all-wheel drive is right there with the best small SUVs.
But unlike most BMWs, the X1 doesn't impress you with its handling precision. Sure, it's capable of hustling down a back road, but steering feel is short on feedback. It's no more rewarding to drive than a mainstream Ford Escape. Some of this can be attributed to the car's front-drive platform, the basics of which are shared with the Mini Cooper Clubman. But BMW owners and aspirers who hope for the Ultimate Driving Machine from their vehicle -- even the entry-luxury versions -- will feel shortchanged.
While the new X1 rides better than the previous one, it's not particularly comfortable. The suspension absorbs most bumps reasonably well, although the X1 can get jittery over rough surfaces. The Audi Q3 delivers more ride serenity. Road noise is pretty loud for a luxury branded car, and the engine sounds a bit uncultured. Braking, however, was confidence inspiring, with short stopping distances and an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Duck inside the X1 and the interior makes a great first impression. There's soft-touch material on the dashboard, with classy, contrasting stitching on the seats, door panels, and center console. Look closely, though, and you'll notice chintzy sun visors and hard plastic on the lower door panels. Most controls are easy to use, with well-designed buttons and knobs, and large gauges. The iDrive infotainment system has been simplified over the years, but it still requires too many steps for some common functions.
The X1 is easy to get in and out of, thanks to a low step-in height, relatively low seats, and generous head room. The front seats are well padded, but they're small and narrow, and the bottom cushion is too short even for the petite.
The rear seat has adequate room for two adults, making it notably better than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but not as inviting as the Audi Q3. The 40/20/40-split seat gives extra options for hauling people and stuff, and the large cargo area has an easy-loading flush floor. The ability to open the rear gate with a wave of a foot is handy.
If you've never driven a BMW before, you'll probably find the X1 just as capable as many rivals. But if you come into it with a preconceived notion of BMW's inherent brand qualities, you might be in for a letdown.