Written by: Calvin Chan

Photography by: Calvin Chan & Sammy Chan

 

DRIVING NOTES-

What's new and market significance

• X1 Formula = 335i + growth hormones + BMW nostalgia
• Cheapest BMW you can buy, that is if you can resist the plethora of optional upgrades
• Base MRSP - $39,900
• Price as Tested - $53,650 (...$13,750 worth of options?)
• The X1 finally gets into the U.S market, been on the Canadian market since 2012

Styling, size and dimensions

• M-sport package($2900) makes all the difference. It looks spectacularly good. Includes a sport suspension, 18-inch M Wheel Performance Tires, M leather steering wheel, M aerodynamics package, and visual upgrades. Ours was fitted was 19” M Performance RFT Wheels (an extra $500 on top of the M sport package)
• X1 is rarely seen on the roads with the M-sport package
• Looks like a longer, taller, wider BMW 335i. Assumes a very muscular stance with huge front air intakes
• Exterior paint - Alpine White Metallic ($800)

Engine and Chassis

• xDrive28i – inline 4 (241hp @ 5000-6500rpm, 258lb-ft torque @ 1250-4800rpm)
• xDrive35i – inline 6 (300hp @ 5800rpm, 300lb-ft torque @ 1300-5000rpm)
• Both engine options are turbocharged (TwinPower Turbo)
• Only available in all-wheel-drive (xDrive), no RWD in Canada
• xDrive35i keeps the notorious N55 engine (same inline 6 from the 335i)
• Disappointing six-speed automatic transmission. Keeps the mundane looking gear selector. Has smaller gear ratios and larger final drive. Slower acceleration than the 335i. xDrive28i however gets the new 8-speed automatic transmission – more fuel efficient and smoother gear changes, also gets the new intricate gear selector

Performance/Handling/Steering/Ride/Comfort

• Keeps the good-old fashioned hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering. Gives that traditional mechanical steering that made BMW famous. Most cars have resorted to electric power steering, which feels lifeless and not as-one with the car. There’s a reason why BMW’s top of the line cars like the BMW M5 have stuck with hydraulic-powered steering.
• M sport suspension is exceedingly stiff at low speeds, but balances out at higher speeds. Feels intuitive, steering wheel is heavy, but will give you strong wrist muscles.
• Goosebump-inducing roars from the dual exhausts never cease to entertain
• Perfect car if you enjoy sitting at a high driving position

Interior

• Interior – Coral Red Nevada Leather ($950). Not any car can pull off a red interior, but BMW seems to pull it off strikingly well. Panoramic sunroof (part of the $1500 Premium Package) lets the sun accentuate the fiery interior. Looks expensive and posh
  
• M leather steering wheel is slim but meaty, just like the old M3. Much preferred over the current 3-series model’s (F30) steering wheels – they are too chunky and the center looks like a stop sign
• Awkward center cup-holder sits and obstructs the passenger’s legroom – seems more like an engineering afterthought
• Spacious headroom in the front. A little tight on legroom at the back

$13,750 Worth of Options???

• Let's summarize…

  $2,900 Executive Package

  Universal Remote Control. Comfort Access. Compass Mirror. Auto Dimming Exterior Mirrors. Electric Seats with Driver Memory. Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights. Lights Package

  $1500 Premium Package

  Heated Steering Wheel. Panoramic Sunroof, Auto Dimming Interior Mirrors, Rear Park Distance Control

  $800 Harmon Kardon Sound System

  $2,900 M Sport Package

  $2,200 Nav + Communication Package (Navigation, Bluetooth, etc.)

  $300 BMW Apps Package (Smartphone integration with BMW Apps)

  $450 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Tuner

  $450 Front Park Distance Control

  $500 19” M Wheel Performance RFT

  $800 Alpine White Metallic Exterior Paint

  $950 Coral Red Nevada Leather Interior
  -------

  $13,750

Summary

• Transmission is disappointing
• Makes it up with its aggressive looks, bewildering performance and affordable price
• M-sport package is a must (M = must)
• Cheapest BMW you can buy, but the irresistible options easily hike it up to a hefty price-tag
• Stick with the more fuel efficient and advanced xDrive28i
  

 

Specifications:

型号 Model: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive 35i M-sport
廠方建議售價 Base Price: $39,900

Price as Tested: $53,650 (see options above)
軸距 Wheelbase(mm): 2760
長闊 Length/Width/Height (mm): 4483/1798/1544
引擎 Engine: Direct-injection inline-six turbocharged
最大馬力 Horsepower-HP: 300/5800rpm
最高扭力 Torque-LB-FT: 300/1300-5000rpm
波箱 Transmission: 6-speed automatic
擺佈 Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
前懸 Suspension-Front: Independent double wishbones, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar
後懸 Suspension-Rear: Independent multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar
煞制-前 Brakes-Front: Vented disc
煞制-後 Brakes-Rear: Vented disc

循跡操控系统 ABS/Traction Control: Standard

油耗 Fuel Consumption (City/Highway/Combined)- L/100 km: 11.4/7.6/9.6
輪胎尺碼 Tires: 19" M-rims