First Drive: 2010 BMW X1

Driving characteristics were not unlike that of the 3 Series and were far more similar to a (gasp) station wagon than that of an SUV. Body roll was nearly undetectable and the ride was so smooth that our PR representative had no issues gingerly typing away on her Blackberry during the entire trip. Where the X1 differs from the X3 is in cargo space, offering 1,348 litres (47.6 cu. ft.) of cargo space when the split/folding rear seats are flattened compared to 1,560 litres (55.0 cu. ft.) in the X3.

2010 BMW X1. Click image to enlarge

When the X1 arrives on our fair shores, it will likely be with the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine that boasts 230 hp and 200 ft-lbs of torque. It is a shame that the diesel engine is unlikely to find its way to this side of the Atlantic since it offers the power of a six-cylinder engine with the economy of a four. Diesel engines have come a long way since the old days of clattering Oldsmobiles shooting black smoke.

My guess is that the X1 will offer what most current X3 owners were looking for but were previously not offered. The X1 combines the driveability and versatility of a car, along with the cargo space, safety and versatility of an SUV – all in typically well-engineered and superbly executed BMW fashion. Were the X3 not on deck to receive a makeover, I would surmise that it would be in jeopardy of losing sales from the introduction of its little sibling. Something tells me that this fact hasn’t escaped BMW and they have a plan up their sleeve. We will just have to wait and see what the future brings.

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