Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i

[Autos_Editor]

James gets spoiled this week by the BMW X1 xDrive35i. It may be a tiny crossover, but don't call it a cute ute -- it checks in at over $50K.

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[Ex-airbalancer]

I do not think mrsp is that important in this class, it will be more about lease rate , $ / month , that will move this sav

[aquadorhj]

the other day, i saw the X1 sitting right beside subaru imprezza in traffic, and it was barely, if any, bigger than that.
about an inch taller, yeah, but ground clearance is just about inch higher.   

this is a seriously compact ....uh.. CUV?..  what does one call these things now.

[dave_b]

I generally feel like this type of vehicle is for people who want it, and accept its limitations because lets face it, with the great I6, its a bit of a hot rod. And so they will pay and not really balk at the asking price. I think the comment on lease terms etc. applies more to the X1 sDrive-28i-special-edition-touring-crossover-active-utility-vehicle or whatever its called.

[sailor723]

I generally feel like this type of vehicle is for people who want it, and accept its limitations because lets face it, with the great I6, its a bit of a hot rod. And so they will pay and not really balk at the asking price. I think the comment on lease terms etc. applies more to the X1 sDrive-28i-special-edition-touring-crossover-active-utility-vehicle or whatever its called.

Nope ...I think AB is right. A lot of these cars are about payment/buyers cashflow.

[Snowman]

$50k is a lot of coin for the compact ute with minimal room regardless of the 300 HP. Good for young couple condo dwellers I guess.

[Fobroader]

$50k is a lot of coin for the compact ute with minimal room regardless of the 300 HP. Good for young couple condo dwellers I guess.

  As for most most of this segment.... 

[carcrazed]

For $40-50K, I'd like a proper cup holder, please.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

A person must REALLY want a roundel on their hood to pick an X1. I don't get it at all.

[SaskSpecV]

$50k is a lot of coin for the compact ute with minimal room regardless of the 300 HP. Good for young couple condo dwellers I guess.

I would say that this particular demographic is the one most likely to have enough disposable income to pay for such a vehicle, so in theory not a bad marketing strategy...except with the way condo prices have been going in BC/T.O., such a young couple may be underwater soon!

I personally really like the proportions of this vehicle - yeah it's small, but it's still a little bigger than a comparable Audi A3 TT-S, with (marginally) better ground clearance.  I'd be hard pressed to buy an X1 over a Golf R though - would the X1 interior be any better?

[Soram6275]

I never liked the looks of these and for $50K, there's absolutely no way I would get this.  The X3 is priced close to that and you get a bigger vehicle - I would still rather get a GLK at that point, but whatever.  Unless one really needs an SUV wannabe...I would personally go for the 3 series over this little bump anyday.

[Fobroader]

I never liked the looks of these and for $50K, there's absolutely no way I would get this.  The X3 is priced close to that and you get a bigger vehicle - I would still rather get a GLK at that point, but whatever.  Unless one really needs an SUV wannabe...I would personally go for the 3 series over this little bump anyday.

Id much rather a 3 series wagon, Xdrive, more room and you dont have to drive around in the automotive equivalent of the elephant man.

[nlm]

Starts under $40k, eh? I wonder how it would compare to the base STi hatch? The X1 probably has a softer suspension and lack of a manual, but other than that (which admittedly could be huge for some, going either way) what do you think some of the other compromises would be? Similar cargo size and usability? X1 better interior?

[Fobroader]

Starts under $40k, eh? I wonder how it would compare to the base STi hatch? The X1 probably has a softer suspension and lack of a manual, but other than that (which admittedly could be huge for some, going either way) what do you think some of the other compromises would be? Similar cargo size and usability? X1 better interior?

For a car guy, I dont think there is even an option, an STi or some bloated, yuppie, cramped CUV.... These arent aimed at the enthusiast market, more at the "look at the badge on my grill yo, Im better than you" crowd.

[nlm]

For a car guy, I dont think there is even an option, an STi or some bloated, yuppie, cramped CUV.... These arent aimed at the enthusiast market, more at the "look at the badge on my grill yo, Im better than you" crowd.

I hear ya, but as we have read in other threads, "car guys" often have to compromise with the other half and/or those whom have grown up desiring a STi and only now, being that much older with a better salary, might prefer a ride that is more forgiving or even....that prestige badge. Not that I am describing myself to any extent, nor am interested in BMW maintenance costs....but I do find the comparison at the same price point interesting.

[Fobroader]

For a car guy, I dont think there is even an option, an STi or some bloated, yuppie, cramped CUV.... These arent aimed at the enthusiast market, more at the "look at the badge on my grill yo, Im better than you" crowd.

I hear ya, but as we have read in other threads, "car guys" often have to compromise with the other half and/or those whom have grown up desiring a STi and only now, being that much older with a better salary, might prefer a ride that is more forgiving or even....that prestige badge. Not that I am describing myself to any extent, nor am interested in BMW maintenance costs....but I do find the comparison at the same price point interesting.

I honestly dont see anyone whos actually interested in an X1 understand the point of an STi, I just cant see someone cross shopping the two. Its like the difference between a Chrysler Crossfire and a Miata, sure, they are both rwd, 2 door cars, one is a pleasure to drive and pushes you to go faster and be a better driver, while the other makes you turn around and go back the rental company and ask for something different.

[jyarkony]

Just seeing the pictures out of the corner of my eye, I thought this was the 3 Series wagon... If BMW turned around and started calling it a 135i Touring, would we all love it all of a sudden? Do we all hate the Outback? This is a fast, frisky little car. My biggest issue with this car is the weight of the steering... Why does a condo-runner like this need such heavy steering? Seems silly, like BMW can't figure out variable assist steering like Audi and M-B.

[wing]

Hahaha the steering, OMG, forget turning it with one hand occupied by a drink.

[Threader]

I hear ya, but as we have read in other threads, "car guys" often have to compromise with the other half and/or those whom have grown up desiring a STi and only now, being that much older with a better salary, might prefer a ride that is more forgiving or even....that prestige badge. Not that I am describing myself to any extent, nor am interested in BMW maintenance costs....but I do find the comparison at the same price point interesting.

The STI ride is quite forgiving. Not sure why anyone would think otherwise. The STI is not a GT-R. Though I have upgraded many parts I still have the same suspension just stiffer sways.

[whaddaiknow]

For a car guy, I dont think there is even an option, an STi or some bloated, yuppie, cramped CUV.... These arent aimed at the enthusiast market, more at the "look at the badge on my grill yo, Im better than you" crowd.

Wow, having a bad day there, 'Roader? Your choce of words is amazing. "If I don't like it and someone else decides to buy it, they are yuppie "better than me" wannabe? For facks sake, grow up.

I am at a point in my life where I actually CAN afford one of these, and picking between my current 3-series and the jacked-up bloated, yuppie cramped CUVSAV, I would pick the X1 for one simple reason - higher seating position with easier access to the back seat - something I am doing every day taking the kids to daycare. It's NOT fun with the 3-series. The X1 is still one sweet handling rig MORE than adequate for public roads, having a roundel on the hood is a bonus. Now I need SirO to pitch in and tell me what a brand whore I am, and ATS with Enclave are the next best things since sliced bread.