BMW has revealed additional details about the latest X1 compact crossover vehicle that was introduced last month at the New York International Auto Show. The X1, which has been available for some time in other countries, underwent a number of changes in preparation for its U.S. release, largely to add to luxury and safety features.The X1 increasing BM W's range of dedicated SUVs to four, including the larger X3, X5 and X6.
The vehicle includes BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology – essentially a long list of mechanical, electronic, hydraulic and aerodynamic elements that incrementally improve overall efficiency and fuel economy. But the X1′s most striking feature may be its price relative to other BMWs. With a sticker starting at $31,545 the X1 becomes the new entry-level for the German car maker. Because the compact-crossover market is quickly gathering momentum in the U.S., the X1 seems likely to redefine BMW’s approach to entry-level customers who in the past were introduced to the brand through sports cars like the 3 and 1 Series.
All X1 models will have Brake Energy Regeneration, similar to a feature found on hybrid and electric vehicles that uses the brakes as generators to produce extra energy. The sDrive28i and xDrive28i versions of the X1 are available with an automatic start/stop system that shuts off the engine at stoplights and during other halts, and an ECO PRO mode that adjusts engine and transmission management to save fuel. BMW said it will build U.S.-bound X1s in Leipzig, Germany. The car maker said demand for the X1 around the world has been strong enough to warrant additional production. Vehicles for the rapidly growing Chinese market will be built at BMW’s new plant in Shenyang Province, China.
Two versions of the X1 are initially planned for U.S. sale: a rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i running a 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and an all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive35i with a 306-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder powerplant. The X1 sDrive 28i does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, with 22-30 mpg, while the X1 xDrive35i covers 0-60 in 5.3 seconds at 18-27 mpg.
In the rest of the world the X1 offers three petrol and five diesel units spanning an output range of 116 hp to 245 hp. Leading the way in the new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines is the 218 hp powerplant of the new BMW X1 xDrive25d, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprising variable sequential turbocharging. Particularly impressive is the rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 50.7 mpg US.
Two and a half years after it was first revealed in production trim at the 2009 Paris motor show, the X1 gets a host of modifications in a move to rid it of inexpensive-looking black-plastic and attempts to give it a more upmarket appearance.Changes include a more heavily contoured front bumper with an altered grille featuring silver slats, pronounced sockets for the round fog lamps and a redesigned lower section.
The headlamps retain the same shape as the existing X1 but get fresh internal graphics, including LED corona-ring main beam lights as part of an optional xenon package. Further back there are reshaped exterior-mirror housings carrying side repeater lights and more defined sills underneath the doors. The rear receives a restyled bumper, which like that up front was lightened visually by the adoption of more body-colored surfaces and a larger silver scrub-plate element. Inside, the X1 adopts a reworked center console, high-gloss air vents and a new range of optional trim elements. Luggage capacity is 12.7 cubic feet with the rear seat up, 17 cubic feet when it's down.
The X1 is produced at BMW's Leipzig plant in Germany alongside the 1- and 3-series vehicles. The new 2013 BMW X1 will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall. Prices start at $31,545 for the X1 sDrive281 and $39,345 for the X1 xDrive35i.––Paul Duchene
