2013 BMW X1

2013 BMW X1 

2013 BMW X1

2013 BMW X1

2013 BMW X1

The BMW is the only vehicle in this group that is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which it loosely shares with the 1- and the 3-series. In fact, the entry-level model will be the rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i, powered by a 240-hp, 2.0-liter four and priced at $31,545. For another $1700, BMW will also offer an all-wheel-drive version with this engine, dubbed the X1 xDrive28i. The top-of-the-line X1 will be the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i, powered by BMW’s 300-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six and offered at $39,345. Both engines are force-fed by a single turbo, while BMW insists on its misleading "TwinPower" terminology. Likewise, the "28" and "35" monikers bear no relation to the actual engine displacement. The 2.0-liter four is equipped with a gas-saving stop-start system. Neither performance nor fuel-economy figures have been given at this point. Unfortunately, none of the X1 models are available with BMW's excellent six-speed manual; a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is standard on all versions.

At its base level and as tested, the car comes with a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine capable of 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a more potent 3.0-liter straight six it shares with the 335i for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Even with the lesser option, the car offers above adequate performance, even with its 3,500-lb curb weight. In fact, it’ll run from 0-60 mph in a smidgen over six seconds, meaning the turbocharged six-cylinder is definitely overkill.. 

Leaving the car in eco mode throws what semblance of performance it has right out the window, but then again it’s all in the name of sucking less gas. With 24 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, you won’t be visiting the pump terribly often. Just remember that you’ll forgo any fun driving to get those numbers.

  The interior layout will be familiar to BMW owners and fans. Two large round dials for the tach and speedometer dominate the gauge cluster, punctuated by a digital information display. The center stack is recessed with a wide format navigation screen. BMW’s signature i-Drive knob is intact and the interior is on par with other BMW products. Light beige leather seats are contrasted by black and aluminum accents on the doors and throughout the cabin. It could do with a little less hard plastic, but the shapes and lines of the dash and door trim panels aren’t offensive. 2013-bmw-x1-13.jpg Well bolstered and wide in the right places, the seats are a treat to sit in. Manual thigh supports that pull out are easily the best feature and make long trips infinitely more pleasant. If there’s one thing those long trips tend to accumulate, it’s the random odds and ends you probably like to stash in your car’s nooks and crannies. Don’t count on doing that here — the glove box is tiny and there’s hardly anywhere to put your knick-knacks.