BMW News

    Automobile Magazine has been testing a BMW X1 for the last year and has recently posted their opinions and test results for BMW's smallest sport utility vehicle.

    Here is what a few of their team members had to say:

    Web editor Jake Holmes: “The X1’s low-slung proportions and long hood make it look like a 3 Series wagon that has had its height increased by about 25 percent—no bad thing. Better yet, it drives like a 3 Series wagon, with great steering, a taut chassis, and a responsive powertrain.”

    Senior editor David Zenlea: “The steering has that old-school heaviness at low speeds, and the ride is solid and firmly damped.”

    Executive editor Todd Lassa: “The eight-speed automatic is excellent. It helps smooth out what turbo lag there is, and always seems to pick the right gear, downshifting crisply when called for.”

    Associate Web editor Joey Capparella: “It’s sporty to drive, feels high-quality inside, has a usable amount of space, and is even reasonably efficient. In my mind, this is exactly what a BMW crossover should be.”

    Automobile's Running Costs

    Mileage 27,182
     
    Scheduled Maintenance
    13,925 mi: $0
    26,076 mi: $0
     
    Warranty Repairs
    23,308 mi: Replace front turn-signal bulb
    26,076 mi: Replace front and rear wiper blades
     
    Recalls
    17,126 mi: Wheels replaced due to potential to fracture
     
    Out-Of-Pocket 
    14,001 mi: Purchase, mount, and balance Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 ZP winter tires, $816.42 
    14,485 mi: Rebalance winter tires and fix bent rim, $450.40 
    14,485 mi: Four-wheel alignment due to steering issues, $200.05 
    14,485 mi: Purchase WeatherTech FloorLiner DigitalFit mats, $187.90
    23,308 mi: Remount OE tires, $115.90
     
    Observed Fuel Consumption
    EPA city/highway/combined 22/33/26 mpg
    Observed 23.6 mpg
     
    Cost Per Mile
    (Fuel, service, winter tires) $0.07
    ($0.47 including depreciation))
     
    Trade-In Value 
    $30,025
     
    Pros & Cons
    + Carlike handling
    + Excellent steering
    + Fun to drive
    - Tight back seat
    - Disappointing fuel economy
    - Stark interior
     
    Senior Editor Joe Lorio sums up the BMW X1 perfectly, "The BMW X1 is closer in look and feel to a passenger car; it really does split the difference between car and SUV. Over the course of 12 months and 27,182 miles, we found that the X1’s unique positioning had ramifications both positive—chiefly in driving dynamics—and negative, mostly in space utilization. Overall, though, we were happy with the compromise—compared with other compact crossovers, the X1 is less of an SUV but more of a BMW."
     
     
    If you are looking to get an X1, you might want to act quickly, as the 2016 model will be a complete redesign and will feature BMW's new front-wheel drive platform. At least they will still offer an xDrive version!—Nate Risch
     
    [Pictures courtesy of Automobile]