BMW X1 SAV test drive review
It takes much more today to excite us in the world of motoring as we have been ‘spoilt’ by the industry with 5-6 new car test drives every month…..even in December and January when most car companies are on holiday. So, when we picked up the all new X1 2L we were more or less ready to drive another crossover. Then we were briefed about the concierge service. Now this was a breath of fresh air. A car equipped with a call/helpline feature with unlimited number of calls to their concierge service helpline! We could be entertained all the time….in traffic, on long drives……even when were we out with the friends looking for simple or complicated entertainment. Before all that, let’s review the new X1 as a product.
BMW’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle, the X1, has been a huge success since its launch in 2009. More than 730,000 were sold globally. Now comes a bigger, better equipped X1.
X1 Looks
Robust proportions, sculpted surfaces and genre-specific design features clearly mark the X1 out as a member of the BMW X model family. The front is defined by the large, upright BMW kidney grille, three-section lower air intake and characteristic “four-eyed” look formed by the twin circular head lights and fog lamps. Standard specification for the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime driving lights and for xLine and M Sport models full-LED headlights for low and high beam. This is optional for Sport line models.
The new car has grown most notably in height compared to its predecessor (+53mm), which helps to create extra space in the interior. When viewed from the side, the window surfaces taper towards the rear creating a particularly dynamic impression. At the rear, the central section of the rear apron rises up significantly, mimicking the frontal styling.
X1 Inside
On the inside, the new X1 strikes a fine balance between driver focus and practical elegance. The flat surfaces of the instrument panel and centre console controls are angled towards the driver, while the controls located in the lower section are surrounded by high-quality surfaces and are separated from the front passenger side by a newly designed bar. The instrument cluster, consisting of two circular instruments and framed by a small binnacle, also helps the driver to focus on the driving experience. Meanwhile, the iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. Navigation is standard on the new X1, as it is on all BMWs from September onwards. The rear seat bench comes as standard with a three-section split/folding backrest and is available as an option with the ability to slide forwards and backwards by 13cm.
X1 Drive
The new BMW X1 uses completely new powertrain and chassis technology: front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation, and a newly developed BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system or an advanced front-wheel-drive configuration, depending on the model variant.
Agility has been enhanced by the new chassis, which ensures not only precisely controllable handling but also noticeably improved ride comfort. Together with the car’s low centre of gravity, virtually perfect 50:50 weight distribution, a wide track, short overhangs, optimised weight and the impressive rigidity of the body and chassis, this lays the foundation for a typically sporty BMW driving experience.
The new BMW X1 from launch comes with just one engine option until further notice. It is a petrol 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with 192hp and a peak torque of 280Nm which can also be accessed from just 1,250rpm. This power unit also combines as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW X1 xDrive20i sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, with an average fuel consumption is 44.8mpg and, while CO2 emissions come in at 146g/km.
X1 Technology
The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console is available as standard equipment allowing the driver to select either COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO modes at the touch of a button, adapting the responses of the accelerator pedal, gearbox, damper settings and steering.
The DSC stability system includes features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist system, Fading Compensation, a Dry Braking function and a Start-Off Assistant. Other technology available to customers includes the trailer stabilisation function, Active Differential Brake (ADB) function and Performance Control. When DSC is deactivated, an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – comes into play. In tight corners it brakes a spinning wheel as required and ensures power is diverted to the other wheel.
X1 Butler On Call
The ConnectedDrive Services option enables the use of the BMW Online internet portal via the SIM card embedded in the vehicle, as well as the integration of smartphone apps into the car. Standard features also include the Intelligent Emergency Call and BMW Teleservices.
BMW X1 2L Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder Twin-Turbo
Capacity: 1998cc
Power: 192bhp @ 4700rpm
Torque: 280Nm @ 1250-4600rpm
Transmission: 8-speed
0-100km/h: 7.4secs
Top speed: 221km/h
Price: RM279,500.00
About the Author
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