Topic: Test Drive: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i

[bluelines]

I got an X1 28i last May. The only reason was because of ultra-cheap lease rates and a big discount on the 2012 models (which are basically the same as 2013, just without the stop / start feature). I sold my 328i xDrive wagon.

The X1 does actually drive quite nicely. The steering feel is MUCH better than the X3's since the X1 still has a hydraulic rather than electric setup, and the engine is excellent. On a good highway run I can get 900 km from a 60-litre tank.

However, I really miss the wagon. Everything about the X1 feels slightly cheap, from the plastics in the cabin, to the crappy parcel shelf to the flat, unsupportive seats. The trunk in my 3 series wagon was not huge by any means, and rear legroom was pretty bad, so in that sense the X1 does offer good value in the BMW world since it's pretty much the same size. But the 3 series just felt like a much higher quality and more thoroughly engineered product. Does it REALLY matter in the world of driving on the 401 or in Toronto traffic? It probably shouldn't, but it does.

Bottom line: I'll get the F31 in a year or so, ideally the 320d if they really are going to bring it to Canada.

[jyarkony]

$50k+, small, no cargo area, ugly as sin.....wow, I guess if you stuck a BMW badge on a Chevette people would still buy it.

50K+ - yup
small - yup
no cargo area - my hockey bag and stroller beg to differ. without even interfering with the cargo cover...

what is it that you carry around all the time that convinces you that compact SUVs have no cargo space?

cargo space probably not a major issue — rear seat legroom, that's the real limitation.

Thats too small of a stroller.

Try the larger stroller as posted in this article.
http://jalopnik.com/5928491/2013-scion-frs-will-it-baby

that's pretty funny - I tried installing my daughter's massive child seat in the FR-S - didn't work... or I just gave up because it was too much of a pain in the keister. but like they say, two out of three ain't bad...

[Fobroader]

$50k+, small, no cargo area, ugly as sin.....wow, I guess if you stuck a BMW badge on a Chevette people would still buy it.

50K+ - yup
small - yup
no cargo area - my hockey bag and stroller beg to differ. without even interfering with the cargo cover...

what is it that you carry around all the time that convinces you that compact SUVs have no cargo space?

cargo space probably not a major issue — rear seat legroom, that's the real limitation.

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

[huota]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

Won't fit your groceries?  Or do you mean you want fit all of the above at the same time?

[Fobroader]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

Won't fit your groceries?  Or do you mean you want fit all of the above at the same time?

I dont know if you guys have this store called Costco, you buy everything there in bulk, lots of stuff at the same time.

[whaddaiknow]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

We already know that the best family sedan for you is a quad-cab with tonneau cover, and the best commuter car is a modded Tahoe. 

[tpl]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

Won't fit your groceries?  Or do you mean you want fit all of the above at the same time?

I don't know if you guys have this store called Costco, you buy everything there in bulk, lots of stuff at the same time.

I have occasionally driven past Costco. NOW I understand why the car park is full of monster SUVs and trucks. 
Sadly we are about to get one in G to match our Walmart I guess.

[sailor723]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

We already know that the best family sedan for you is a quad-cab with tonneau cover, and the best commuter car is a modded Tahoe. 

Be gentle with him. he's still getting over the passing of Hummer 

[Fobroader]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

We already know that the best family sedan for you is a quad-cab with tonneau cover, and the best commuter car is a modded Tahoe. 

Only ones that make sense for me, some overstuffed, awd compact hatchback with a propeller badge does not.....especially at $50K.

[Fobroader]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

We already know that the best family sedan for you is a quad-cab with tonneau cover, and the best commuter car is a modded Tahoe. 

Be gentle with him. he's still getting over the passing of Hummer 

Actually Ive always wanted an H1....such an awesome vehicle



The H2/H3, which were glorified traiblazers and suburbans, those can rot in hell!!!

[dave]

Groceries, shop supplies, car parts, lumber, construction waste.....a whole bunch of stuff this glorified hatchback wont fit.......especially at $50k, thats unacceptable to me.

We already know that the best family sedan for you is a quad-cab with tonneau cover, and the best commuter car is a modded Tahoe. 

Be gentle with him. he's still getting over the passing of Hummer 

I could go for a hummer right now ;-)

Talk to Joan.   

[johngenx]

I'll sacrifice the luxury and badge and go for an STi if I want a 300hp hatchback.  The X1 is not a CUV/SUV/Wagon.  It's too small to compete with those vehicles.  It's a raised hatch.

Honestly, if I am going to drive a BMW, I want one that looks really, really good.  The 328 wagon looks great.  If I want odd exterior styling, I can save money and buy something else.

[Fobroader]

A proper BMW application of station wagon

[quadzilla]

The X1 does actually drive quite nicely. The steering feel is MUCH better than the X3's since the X1 still has a hydraulic rather than electric setup, and the engine is excellent. On a good highway run I can get 900 km from a 60-litre tank.

That works out to 6.6L/100. The BMW specs say a 63L tank so are you running this thing dry? Either way, that is some impressive economy.

[dave_b]

As a single guy in his late 20's I kind of lust over the Forester XT. I rarely carry passengers and would more often carry stuff with the seats folded. I can see this, especially with the I6, as a kind of upscale version of the Forester.

[mmret]

I think the Forester would be bigger non?

[OliverD]

I think the Forester would be bigger non?

Yeah, I think the Forester is closer in size to the X3.

[johngenx]

Yup.  The X3 is a little larger in the cabin, a little smaller in the cargo area.

[johngenx]

X1 is closer to Matrix size.  Wider with longer wheelbase, but similar otherwise.