The shroud of secrecy surrounding BMW’s upcoming compact SUV, the X1, has been lifted. How will this newcomer measure up against the likes of Audi’s Q5 and the Land Rover Freelander?By Kelly Lodewyks
BMW made heads turn (both towards and away from it) at last year’s Paris Motor show when the Bavarian company unveiled its bizarre-looking X1 SUV. The production ready version doesn’t look much different from the concept-badged model, and the company has revealed that there will be four models to choose from.
The bold front-end treatment has been carried over to the production car and features the German firm’s trademark twin kidney grille, as well as a wide air intake – features that BMW claims “ …spells out powerful presence right from the start”. The flared wheel arches and a sharply contoured engine lid adds to the imposing stance that BMW has tried to create with its “baby” SUV.
Inside the X1, the cabin has drawn many influences from BMW’s newer models. Everything seems to be centred on the driver, and BMW’s iDrive system sits dominantly in the middle of the facia. There is no shortage of storage space with compartments dotted about the cabin and a storage capacity of 420 dm3 that increases to 1 350 dm3 when the back seats are folded flat.
The entry-level X1 is the xDrive18d is powered by a 130 kW 2,0-litre diesel unit that delivers 350 N.m of torque at 1 750 r/min. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox this unit is propels the X1 from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed time of 8,1 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h. The 20d and 23d models have respective outputs of 130 and 150 kW, and torque figures of 350 N.m at 1 7450 r/min and 400 N.m at 2 000 r/min. Like the 18d, the X1 xDrive20d features a six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful 23d has a six-speed automatic transmission.
Completing the line-up is the range-topping X1 xDrive28i. This straight six 3,0-litre petrol unit has a maximum power output of 190 kW at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 310 N.m available between 2 600 and 3 000 r/min. Sending drive to all four wheels is a six speed automatic transmission. All drivetrains make use of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology that includes features such as brake energy regeneration, auto start stop, and a gearshift point indicator.
The suspension set-up comprises a double-joint thrust bar or, respectively, an aluminium double-joint axle at the front and a five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel. For added driver comfort, all models are fitted with Dynamic Stability Control that includes Dynamic Traction Control and, as an option, Performance Control acting on the brakes for “ …particularly dynamic driving behaviour”.
Available as an option is a premium “HiFi” system as an alternative to the standard audio system. The AUX system is fitted as standard, but can be supplemented by a USB connection. Other options include numerous driver assistance systems and the wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive services.
BMW SA has not yet released any details on a local launch, but internationally, the X1 is expected to appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, and to hit European showrooms in 2010.