This is probably the finest car review on the internet in my opinion. Intelligent thoughtful and from a genuinely knowledgeable source, where most youtube reviews feel as if the ill informed "reviewer" is merely summarising the manufacturers PR release. Thoroughly recomended.
We recently bought a 2014 BMW X1 xdrive 28i loaner with 5K miles, fully loaded (ultimate + cold weather + lighting packages and Harmon Kardon sound + pedal shifters + BMW apps) for $33.5K what was $44.5 brand new - there, we saved $11K. I think X1 is the best compromise of power, gas mileage, space, speed and comforts, taken together. The drive is beautiful and smooth. We are extremely happy with the purchase. We test drove Q3, Q5, X3, Forester (cabin noise above 70mph), Outback, GLK 250, RDX, Lexus, Volvo V60, CX-5 (poor rear view angles and cabin noise). The closest match to X1 xdrive 28i is Audi Q3 (Prestige). Comparison between Audi Q3 (left) and BMW X1 xdrive 28i (right) as follows: (a) 200hp & 206lb.ft vs. 240hp & 260lb.ft; (b) 20/28 mpg vs. 23/33 mpg; (c) 6.6" vs. 7.0" ground clearance; (d) $43,000 vs. $41,000 (similar specs) (e) 1yr/5000mi vs. 4yr/50,000 miles coverage; (f) 0-60 in 8.2s vs. 6.2s; (g) Cargo space: 19.2cu.ft./ 48cu.ft (seats folded) vs. 26cu.ft/ 56cu.ft (seats folded). We were initially against the BMW brand, because we are Audi fans. But the X1 completely changed our notion after driving it. Yes, there could have been few better quality added here and there, but overall, this is a great car. Don't be fooled by its looks. I really loved the Q5 TDI but the price even for used cars are $50K for premium plus trim.
A quick question after 9 years😅, would you still buy this old gen car in this generation considering the built quality, service costs and the experience you had all these years. I guess you might have changed many cars now but still wanted to ask is this car good enough to be bought in this year as well?
my x1 has been an absolutely perfect daily driver in snowy new england. the added clearance helped a ton this year w/ the feet and feet of snow, but it still drives and feels as good as my old 3 did, especially w/ the pneumatic steering. the n20 is a gem of an engine.
Thank you, Mr. Csere. During the last months, I've been watching many, many car reviews. This review is, without a doubt, the best I've watched. Crystal clear. I think you have chosen the most interesting topics for a user and have explained them in a way that anyone can understand. Again, crystal clear and completely persuasive. Brilliant.
Now this is what you call a review! Details of the car which you don't usually expect to have on most other reviews. Job well done! Thank you for going that extra mile in bringing us viewers the extra details.
I had an X3 for 3 years and loved it. I think I really want this X1 for our exclusively urban driving needs. A little smaller for easier parking in the crazy tight spaces so common here in L.A., but still handy for a trip to Home Depot or the grocery store. I was starting to drool over the latest VW GTI, but this has more HP and more cargo room for almost the exact same dough. WANT!
Dear CarAndDriver. Thank you for hiring Mr. Csere. I think that all sane persons know that a car purchase should not be based on a video. I also hope that most people watching this can accept that a car video can be entertaining without the host doing burn outs :) Thanks for making the car the center of attention instead of the host..although the host is pretty awesome.
Chubba Cheddah and the C&D team behind these reviews are the best in the business. This video is a perfect example - from the story to the motion graphics - everything is first class. Informative, smart, and entertaining. Nice job, guys.
Haven't seen any of these good, in-depth pieces on somewhat affordable cars by Car and Driver lately. Would love to see more like this. Csaba Csere is great - has a very strong presence compared to many of the people who review cars online. Great video - thanks!
I actually got one of these as a rental last month. Was thoroughly impressed! I found it very difficult to not keep putting my foot down. Regarding size the back had plenty of room for my partner's luggage which was two large uprights and carry-on.
Great review - You know what you're talking about and I love your choice of words. Very well done. Subscribed and thanking for affirming my decision on buying the x1.
Love this guy. Such detail, and a really great voice to listen to, it makes me feel interested in whatever he is talking about, and very understandable. Tells me what I want to know. Keep up the fantastic work!
when my moms x5 was in the shop, bmw gave us a rental brand new 2013 x1, she let me drive it and i fell in love it feels exactly like driving a go kart, total control!
I'm loving your video reviews Csaba Csere, please keep them up. I think they may be the most well thought out and useful video car reviews online right now.
This guy always has good reviews. I don't watch the reviews because I'm interested in buying the car, but simply for entertainment because your reviews are so interesting and insightful. You do a good job, keep it up man! - Your long time subscriber Andriy
i want this reviewer in all cars reviews... takes a lil bit of more time but make sure everything is clear to the viewers.. that man is the ideal reviewer....
2014 X1: 7 months now with the X1. Took X1 in for the first service at ~16000 miles. Only paid for the wheel alignment. The only other issue to report occurred at ~9000miles, when the front rotors and brakes needed to be replaced due to modulation. No charge for this repair. Overall, the X1 has performed as expected. C&D Review was on target. It handles the snow different from other AWD vehicles. BMW always wants to correct the driver to go straight, when driving through high snow. Give it power and the X1 aligns you in the direction you want to go. It took awhile to get use to this behavior.
wonderful review. very well done. this BMW seems perfect for me as I'm trying to buy a car i admire with a little luxury without breaking the bank. plus a get some fun and practicality all rolled into one.
get one, you won't regret it, it's like the best do it all battle wagon for the money. I spent 2 years car shopping and couldn't find anything I liked until I discovered the X1... you get a little bit sporty, little bit truck/off road, little bit of practicality and little bit of luxury, all in one. A total no brainer. I'm BMW for life.
Csaba Csere has always been one of the best reviewers. I loved it when Csaba tore into the marketing rep when he was trying out the Hyundai Genesis in 2009 exposing him as a corporate shill.
Driving 2013 X1 now. It has a number of design problems: 1. The polarization of the radio control panel is off by 90 degrees. This means if you are driving with a polarized sun glasses, the radio control appears black. 2. The cruse control is not intuitive. It feels very much like the light control lever just above it. I accidentally flash high beam when I meant to accelerate, both by pushing the levers forward.
I have watched like 5 of Csaba Csere car reviews... you should try and get more traffic/ tv.. he truly deserves an award....he explains the tiniest of details. Kenyan Fan.
Fantastic review, I'm considering this car for my wife. I'm a bit torn between the bmw x1 and the audi a3. After this review I'm leaning toward the x1 more. Thanks!
Good to see you again Csaba. This review was very thorough and informative but extremely boring and not very well rounded; give us some things you love and hate instead. This feels like a video brochure from BMW.
It seems that C'N'D has taken heed and begun to deliver high quality, thorough reviews instead of two minute action tit-bits. I am very pleased with this.
Very nice review. Not as "entertaining" as Top Gear, and not as dull as MotorWeek, but one of the most informative and generally well-presented reviews I've seen about a car. Csaba is easy to listen to, and that's a big deal. It would have been nice to hear a little more about the differences with the 35i model and whether it's worth the extra price. I don't understand why they chose to leave the 6-speed auto in the 35i model even though the 8-speed is available on the newest 335i and X3 35i.
I wish you guys would do more BMW, Mercedes and Audi reviews. They have, in my opinion, the most amazing lineups that many normal people actually fancy and can buy right now.
I am seriously considering getting one of these vehicles. Never owned a bmw before. Just a little anxious about the maintenance cost! Is it worth it?! Thoughts?!
There's no charge for maintenance for 4 years/80000 kms herein Canada. Not sure if this is the case in the US as well, but that certainly helped sway things for me. Once you own a BMW, you will never go back :)
This is the gold standard for which all car reviews should be measured. By far the best review I've ever seen.
This is probably the finest car review on the internet in my opinion. Intelligent thoughtful and from a genuinely knowledgeable source, where most youtube reviews feel as if the ill informed "reviewer" is merely summarising the manufacturers PR release.
Thoroughly recomended.
Coolest name. Even back in 1998 when I first picked up a car magazine, I always enjoyed this man's reviews. Thanks for your incredible talent.
Excellent review. Probably the best auto review I've seen on UA-cam. Well done.
We recently bought a 2014 BMW X1 xdrive 28i loaner with 5K miles, fully loaded (ultimate + cold weather + lighting packages and Harmon Kardon sound + pedal shifters + BMW apps) for $33.5K what was $44.5 brand new - there, we saved $11K.
I think X1 is the best compromise of power, gas mileage, space, speed and comforts, taken together. The drive is beautiful and smooth. We are extremely happy with the purchase. We test drove Q3, Q5, X3, Forester (cabin noise above 70mph), Outback, GLK 250, RDX, Lexus, Volvo V60, CX-5 (poor rear view angles and cabin noise). The closest match to X1 xdrive 28i is Audi Q3 (Prestige). Comparison between Audi Q3 (left) and BMW X1 xdrive 28i (right) as follows:
(a) 200hp & 206lb.ft vs. 240hp & 260lb.ft; (b) 20/28 mpg vs. 23/33 mpg; (c) 6.6" vs. 7.0" ground clearance; (d) $43,000 vs. $41,000 (similar specs) (e) 1yr/5000mi vs. 4yr/50,000 miles coverage; (f) 0-60 in 8.2s vs. 6.2s; (g) Cargo space: 19.2cu.ft./ 48cu.ft (seats folded) vs. 26cu.ft/ 56cu.ft (seats folded).
We were initially against the BMW brand, because we are Audi fans. But the X1 completely changed our notion after driving it. Yes, there could have been few better quality added here and there, but overall, this is a great car. Don't be fooled by its looks. I really loved the Q5 TDI but the price even for used cars are $50K for premium plus trim.
A quick question after 9 years😅, would you still buy this old gen car in this generation considering the built quality, service costs and the experience you had all these years. I guess you might have changed many cars now but still wanted to ask is this car good enough to be bought in this year as well?
You have a fantastic voice for reviews. Appreciated your commentary on this, I feel more comfortable about my possible purchase of this vehicle.
thanks
Same here..
my x1 has been an absolutely perfect daily driver in snowy new england. the added clearance helped a ton this year w/ the feet and feet of snow, but it still drives and feels as good as my old 3 did, especially w/ the pneumatic steering. the n20 is a gem of an engine.
This guy knows how to make a car review, actual facts and figures. Why isn't he doing all C&D reviews and comparos???
Chris probably because he’s drowning in the poontang. This dude gets laid for sure on the daily
the best car review video ever
I bought my X1 35i after seeing your review.
Best car ever! I love her so much! Thank you or your video!!
Because of this Review I am definitely buying this car . Best review I have ever watched on UA-cam.Watching from Kenya 🇰🇪
Also from Kenya and thinking of buying one....how's your experience so far?
@Soniah Muthoni, did you buy it and how's it? looking forward to buy one too. 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪
Thank you, Mr. Csere. During the last months, I've been watching many, many car reviews. This review is, without a doubt, the best I've watched. Crystal clear. I think you have chosen the most interesting topics for a user and have explained them in a way that anyone can understand. Again, crystal clear and completely persuasive. Brilliant.
wow! what an amazing review.. I think it is one of the best I've ever watched
it is
Now this is what you call a review! Details of the car which you don't usually expect to have on most other reviews. Job well done! Thank you for going that extra mile in bringing us viewers the extra details.
I had an X3 for 3 years and loved it. I think I really want this X1 for our exclusively urban driving needs. A little smaller for easier parking in the crazy tight spaces so common here in L.A., but still handy for a trip to Home Depot or the grocery store. I was starting to drool over the latest VW GTI, but this has more HP and more cargo room for almost the exact same dough. WANT!
One of C/D's best reviewers. Bravo sir, bravo.
Csaba, you're the most informative, yet engaging automotive journalist out there. Thank you.
What a great review. This is the best car review I have seen in a while. All great info explained very well. Great job!
Dear CarAndDriver. Thank you for hiring Mr. Csere. I think that all sane persons know that a car purchase should not be based on a video. I also hope that most people watching this can accept that a car video can be entertaining without the host doing burn outs :) Thanks for making the car the center of attention instead of the host..although the host is pretty awesome.
When you name it, Hoffmeister Kink, this means that this guys knows what he is talking about not just ordinary car review ;)
This review has me sold, I am going to go look at one tomorrow.
Your review is Good and Solid. Even after years this will help me to buy a used x28i xDrive. Thumps Up!
Chubba Cheddah and the C&D team behind these reviews are the best in the business. This video is a perfect example - from the story to the motion graphics - everything is first class. Informative, smart, and entertaining. Nice job, guys.
Haven't seen any of these good, in-depth pieces on somewhat affordable cars by Car and Driver lately. Would love to see more like this. Csaba Csere is great - has a very strong presence compared to many of the people who review cars online. Great video - thanks!
Really great audio work, the editing certainly did not go unnoticed and I really appreciate the suppression of road noise whenever possible
I actually got one of these as a rental last month. Was thoroughly impressed! I found it very difficult to not keep putting my foot down. Regarding size the back had plenty of room for my partner's luggage which was two large uprights and carry-on.
Great review - You know what you're talking about and I love your choice of words. Very well done. Subscribed and thanking for affirming my decision on buying the x1.
This review made my decision making 40% easier i went in with a clear head and what to expect to buy my X28i :)
Keep up the good work sir!!
Honestly the best review i've ever seen. Csaba is definitely an amazing asset to Car and Driver.
Loved the way Csaba reviews cars. I could sense experience all over his words. C&D doin it right...
I completely agree. No nonsense review.
By far the best editor for a car review. Keep up the amazing work!
My parents recently just got this car to replace our old BMW and its beautiful. It runs so smoothly and its a pretty nice ride.
Mr. Csere, you sir do the best & most detailed car reviews. Thank you.
These reviews are the best you can find on UA-cam.
This is one of the best reviews... if not THE BEST car review I have ever seen.
Thorough and unbiased.
Your fantastic review about the 2013 BMW X1 x28i make me feel I made the right decision to buy this vehicle. I love my bimmer. Thank you Csaba.
Best review for this car.
+SPL Agreed, I almost watched the full video. It actually is swaying me towards the X1 over the X3.
I'm between X1 or 320i same year but with this review I'm leaning toward X1
A great review of the true capabilities of the understated and under-appreciated X1. It is a phenomenal little ride and a true drivers compact SUV
Love this guy. Such detail, and a really great voice to listen to, it makes me feel interested in whatever he is talking about, and very understandable. Tells me what I want to know. Keep up the fantastic work!
This is the first review which really inspired me to buy this vehicle. The way he reviewed this vehicle really helped me a lot. Keep up the good work.
when my moms x5 was in the shop, bmw gave us a rental brand new 2013 x1, she let me drive it and i fell in love it feels exactly like driving a go kart, total control!
This guy is great, very thorough!
Best car review ever! Csaba is great.
Oh my... What a great review... I haven't seen such a detailed review for a while now. Bravo C&D. Let this man do as much as reviews if you can!
He is so knowledgeable and knows every detail. Excellent reviewer.
I thought i new a little bit about this car until i listened to your review, brilliant.
I'm loving your video reviews Csaba Csere, please keep them up. I think they may be the most well thought out and useful video car reviews online right now.
Csaba Csere is one of the finest reviewers in the world!
This guy always has good reviews. I don't watch the reviews because I'm interested in buying the car, but simply for entertainment because your reviews are so interesting and insightful. You do a good job, keep it up man!
- Your long time subscriber Andriy
i want this reviewer in all cars reviews... takes a lil bit of more time but make sure everything is clear to the viewers.. that man is the ideal reviewer....
Mr. Csere, you are the master. Have enjoyed reading you for many years. Loved this one especially.
The best, most thoughtful reviews on on UA-cam.
2014 X1: 7 months now with the X1. Took X1 in for the first service at ~16000 miles. Only paid for the wheel alignment.
The only other issue to report occurred at ~9000miles, when the front rotors and brakes needed to be replaced due to modulation. No charge for this repair.
Overall, the X1 has performed as expected. C&D Review was on target. It handles the snow different from other AWD vehicles. BMW always wants to correct the driver to go straight, when driving through high snow. Give it power and the X1 aligns you in the direction you want to go. It took awhile to get use to this behavior.
EXCELLENT review. This guy makes the perfect serious, objective reviews for every day drivers (read: most of us regular people)
This is an excellent review. Watching all the way from Kenya.
I LOVE longer videos, this is what I call a review!
Amazing how detailed this review is, absolutely fantastic work!
First American car reviewer I actually like! Well done, I KEEP UP WITH YOU
Love your reviews Csaba. Keep up the great work C&D!!!
Premium but small indeed! I own exactly this model . Absolutely enjoy driving it great on heavy snow. Mpg is awesome. Very safe car also
wonderful review. very well done. this BMW seems perfect for me as I'm trying to buy a car i admire with a little luxury without breaking the bank. plus a get some fun and practicality all rolled into one.
get one, you won't regret it, it's like the best do it all battle wagon for the money. I spent 2 years car shopping and couldn't find anything I liked until I discovered the X1... you get a little bit sporty, little bit truck/off road, little bit of practicality and little bit of luxury, all in one. A total no brainer. I'm BMW for life.
The back seems tight.
Wow what a fantastic video review! I really enjoyed Csaba Csere's presentation. Please have him do more reviews in the future. A new fan.
Best car review I've ever seen.
Csaba is very knowledgeable about cars.. you can tell that it's not scripted. Excellent review.
The best Review I have ever came across
Watching this in September 2023 , I must say I've not seen such an awesome review ever. Sir you've done an awesome job
he's a real good host! got the details without even having to watch it a second time
Csaba Csere has always been one of the best reviewers. I loved it when Csaba tore into the marketing rep when he was trying out the Hyundai Genesis in 2009 exposing him as a corporate shill.
Best X1 review i ve seen so far !
love your reviews: you are calm, collect, real, and get to the bottom of it. That's just what I look for.
A note. Allmost all cars in Europe shows wrong speed, it has always been like that, so its not just BMW. Good review.
Superb auto review! Best I've viewed in ages.
Driving 2013 X1 now. It has a number of design problems:
1. The polarization of the radio control panel is off by 90 degrees. This means if you are driving with a polarized sun glasses, the radio control appears black.
2. The cruse control is not intuitive. It feels very much like the light control lever just above it. I accidentally flash high beam when I meant to accelerate, both by pushing the levers forward.
What an awesome and detailed review...thank you!
Easily the best reviewer on UA-cam. Go chubba chedda!
I have watched like 5 of Csaba Csere car reviews... you should try and get more traffic/ tv.. he truly deserves an award....he explains the tiniest of details. Kenyan Fan.
i liked your review and i bought the x1 ..i really liked the car...
I love this guy. wise, cool, fair and experienced. Very well done sir!
Csaba your reviews are the best. Lots of information and good pacing.
Love this review. It covered everything I wanted to know about the car
Fantastic job! I'm sensing a future 10 Best award for this BMW...
Csaba: Outstanding positive review - why we love Car and Driver - you guys "get it". :)
Very detailed review! All my questions answered were answered before they even popped up!!
Wow what a review! Awesome! Every information is covered 100%, glad that I'm subbed. Looking forward for more reviews :).
Fantastic review, I'm considering this car for my wife. I'm a bit torn between the bmw x1 and the audi a3. After this review I'm leaning toward the x1 more. Thanks!
David Cappotto did you buy the X1?
Amazing review. Thanks guys.
Finally an unbiased review, great work
This is one of the best reviews!. compared to car buyer auto xpress and many others i love this review! you guys rock!!!
This guy is super knowledgeable and awesome. He will sell every car.
Great review!
Excellent review and very informative.
Good to see you again Csaba. This review was very thorough and informative but extremely boring and not very well rounded; give us some things you love and hate instead. This feels like a video brochure from BMW.
It seems that C'N'D has taken heed and begun to deliver high quality, thorough reviews instead of two minute action tit-bits. I am very pleased with this.
Very nice review. Not as "entertaining" as Top Gear, and not as dull as MotorWeek, but one of the most informative and generally well-presented reviews I've seen about a car. Csaba is easy to listen to, and that's a big deal. It would have been nice to hear a little more about the differences with the 35i model and whether it's worth the extra price. I don't understand why they chose to leave the 6-speed auto in the 35i model even though the 8-speed is available on the newest 335i and X3 35i.
Love Chaba Chaba reviews! Very well done.
I wish you guys would do more BMW, Mercedes and Audi reviews. They have, in my opinion, the most amazing lineups that many normal people actually fancy and can buy right now.
This man is fantastic at reviewing cars.
Great great great
You are the best car reviewer on youtube
I am seriously considering getting one of these vehicles. Never owned a bmw before. Just a little anxious about the maintenance cost! Is it worth it?! Thoughts?!
There's no charge for maintenance for 4 years/80000 kms herein Canada. Not sure if this is the case in the US as well, but that certainly helped sway things for me. Once you own a BMW, you will never go back :)
Maintenance not included in a new car? Oil changes, tire rotation should be paid for by the manufacturer.
Sheila LaShay It is included (all that you listed + brake pads etc.): 4y/48,000 mi
That' more like it. Enjoy you car.
amazing as always, thx Mr. Csaba Csere, very detailed and informative.