MotorWeek | Road Test: 2016 BMW X1
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2016
- The BMW X1 was a true, early entry into the subcompact luxury crossover segment. But as is often the case, those that quickly follow are able to use your blueprint and improve upon it. Thus a new X1 has now been unleashed on the entry-level luxury loving streets of upscale suburbia. But there’s more new here than meets the eye.
The 2016 BMW X1 may not look all that unique from its predecessor; but it is indeed vastly different, riding on all-new architecture, and a front-wheel-drive based one at that.
Surely blasphemy to the BMW faithful. It’s all about baby steps, folks. BMW has already gotten you addicted to their SUVs, and now they slip in the front-drive architecture.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the reasons for that change; to drive costs down thanks to platform sharing with MINI, while bringing interior space up.
And there is indeed more room, especially in the back seat; but don’t expect midsize space here, it still feels smallish.
There’s also a bit more cargo space, climbing from 25.0 to 27.1 cubic-ft.; accessed by a standard power lift gate. Hands free operation is an option making the X1 a much more practical vehicle.
And we do like our practicality, as does BMW; giving us functionality plusses like the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats that slide and recline; as well as fold almost fully flat to expand the space to 58.7 cubic-ft.
All of the additional space wasn’t really a necessity, but it is much appreciated, making the X1 one of the roomiest in its class; now just about the perfect size for families either starting out or nearing the empty nester phase.
Still, the X1 retains that intimate feel that we love in a BMW, being surrounded by a luxury-clad, competently sporty vehicle. And not only are all materials inside improved, but everything seems more upscale in operation.
Well, everything except the front seats, that is. They are small, narrow, and uncomfortable almost to the point of being a deal breaker. And you definitely want to think twice about seats this light in color if kids are in your foreseeable future.
The X1 is initially available only in a single xDrive28i model. So despite a front-drive type chassis, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. As does an 8-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels. Plenty of add-ons like head-up display and advanced safety features are available.
Though I6 power is offered no more; only a 2.0-liter turbo I4. Still, 228-horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque easily puts it among class best.
We tried to make it sweat, but it responded by continuously delivering smooth and buzz-free trips to 60 in 6.3-seconds. It’s quite torquey off the line, with some front wheel spin before the rears kick in to compensate.
Gear changes were quick and firm, accompanied by a nice exhaust rasp throughout the 14.8-second ¼-mile run, which we completed at 94 miles-per-hour.
Even with the shift to a front-drive chassis, handling remains very rear-drive BMW-like. That’s not a big surprise, since this platform already deals out plenty of fun in the MINI Cooper. And, with all-wheel drive standard, it’s almost a guarantee that most buyers will not be able to tell the switch in chassis design.
Though we certainly could sense some additional understeer; body roll was kept well in check.
111-foot average stops from 60 is certainly not bad either, but braking performance was not quite up to the par we had in mind. Stops were inconsistent and the pedal felt soft with a fair amount of travel.
The X1 does appear more SUVish than before, and much better looking overall. But like most of the European crossover entries in this segment, still a little too “wagony” for our tastes.
Most every dimension has increased, except for length; minus-1 overall, while the wheelbase shrinks by 3½-inches to 105.1.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 22-City, 32-Highway, and 26-Combined. Our average was just 24.8 miles-per-gallon of Premium.
Still, that makes for a better than average Energy Impact Score of 12.7-barrels of annual oil use with 5.7-tons of CO2 emissions.
X1 base pricing is a reasonable $35,795; but you can easily tack on another 10-grand in optional packages.
Oddly enough, going against just about everything BMW stands for, has made the 2016 BMW X1 one of our favorite BMWs; especially if you look at is as a sporty 5-door, not as an entry-level crossover.
It may not be the most capable or comfortable mini-ute on the market, but as you can expect, it’s one of the most fun. BMW has addressed anything we didn’t like before, as well as taken almost everything that we did like about the previous gen X1 and made it better. And most importantly, given us more of it. - Авто та транспорт
I can't tell you how much I love my X1. It truly is the best car ever. I have a 2019 model
cheapest X is the best looking X.
Love this Car! Car Of The Year!
I saw this in person and was Amazed.
My wife just got this car a month or so ago and she is very happy with it. I am 6' 5" and I do agree about the front seats being too small. I wish we had gotten the sport package to get the sport seats. Otherwise its a really nice car.
You took the question right out of my mouth... the sport seats have been recommended by a few reviews I have watched.
Great Video!
The one he is standing next to is an M-Sport with the sport seats so why wasn't that one used for the test?
I made an effort to buy the previous generation X1, as it was built on the E90 platform, and came with the Twinpower turbo inline 6. Call it a sleeper.
The new X1 is built on a FWD Mini platform, and only comes with a 4-cylinder turbo. Disappointing, to say the least.
Nice helmet Ben!
thanks for showing me how to stow away the thing that covers the extra storage space in the truck. super annoying
Had to go almost to the end of the video to get a full side view??. What is this constant focus and cutaway back to the front view at every moment??
Does this guy talk to his wife with that voice?
I drove x2 one it was fun...
You have to look at the car in person to appreciate the design. I saw it on the highway a few days ago and thought it was expensive. I thought it was at least an X4 but it was an X1!!
The X1 of 2015 looks way worse than the 2016 one.
the new X1 looks way better than the first gen X1
BMW is not a brand you want to own out of warranty. Just pop the hood and see the abundance of plastic everywhere, not exactly confidence inspiring its built to last... At least BMW is building cars that look good again.
I love my x1. It was worth it
@3:30 If you cleared the dirt off the track, you'd get less wheelspin and better acceleration times
This was taken in winter regardless how clean the track is, the pavement is dead cold which contributes to less traction.
LIke in most cases, this was just a clip for this video and not the actual timed run(s).
They did it like this on purpose to make it look powerful.
Those seats were definitely a dealbreaker for me.
The way it looks in person is Insane.
Hummm the seats and the required 'premium' gas. not good
Great but still can't beat the X5
In this video, W = dubayah.
Like the cat but do not like the Land Rover type gear shifter and the steering wheel hides the bottom of the instrument cluster !
BMW not BM-double yuh
this is another example of a manufacturer OVERKILL... the X3 is just fine(for a small to mid-size ute), then you step up to the X5. as I see it, the X1 is really unneeded. I think BMW shoulda offered more levels in the X3 if affordability is what BMW was looking for, the X1 should be cut from the lineup
The X1 is more efficient. It's also cheaper. Also it's great for people who are below average size, like me. An X1 M would be perfect. It would be a deal breaker for me.
Anthony Abelardo an X1M... good idea, just like the benz has their GLA 450AMG, BMW should make an X1M
93remix yeah
it just looks weird, even worse in person. there is something odd about its proportions and I can't figure it out
it's like a fat guy in skinny jeans
Look at the distance between the front and the front wheels. Rear-drive vehicles tend to have the front wheels almost completely at the front, so the gap between the wheels and the front door is bigger. Giving you more room for your left leg.
its a sewing machine I prefer the inline 6 of 2009 100x better
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I liked it till you said front wheel drive The people at BMW show how you can have a high iq and have a college education and still be stupid BMW have you forgotten your building luxury vehicles stop trying to build them cheap as possible before you destroy the brand