2011 BMW X1 Preview

Summary

Recent studies suggest that American car buyers are just fine with giving up their larger vehicles for smaller ones, so long as they don't have to give up any of their precious big-vehicle features and gadgetry. Few automakers are more acutely aware of that philosophy than BMW.

2011 BMW Full Preview

Sure, BMW still produces large luxury cars as a sizeable percentage of its business, but Mini, its runaway-hit of a sub-brand, has captured a vast share of the subcompact market. More recently, the Bavarian automaker brought its entry-level 1 Series to the U.S. market, slotting the two-door coupe just below its ever-growing, bread-and-butter 3 Series. It's also the much-lauded 1 Series that provides the underpinnings for the newest, and smallest, member of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle lineup, the all-new 2011 BMW X1, which is on its way to the U.S.

Filling a Specific Niche Market

BMW is an expert at filling niches that buyers probably never even thought existed. Witness vehicles such as the 5-series Gran Turismo, the upcoming Mini SUV, and the smallest member of the X family, the X1.
It's been confirmed that the BMW X1 mini-SUV is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. Although bearing many similarities to the existing BMW X3, the X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer both traditional rear- and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a variety of gasoline and diesel powertrains.

Exactly what the X1's niche is, though, we're not quite sure: the sporty member of the really small and expensive cute-ute category, perhaps? Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW's EfficientDynamics, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW. However, many of these engineering solutions have yet to arrive on US cars. The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one gasoline and three diesels - and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations.

Redesigned Powertrain to Fit Your Needs

According to BMW's statement: "In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices and regulatory standards, elements of the X1's US launch, including powertrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch." This new BMW baby ute is 175.4 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 60.8 inches high. That makes it 2.8 inches shorter than a 3-series wagon and 4.5 inches shorter than an X3. Although this may suggest it's based on the 1-series, the X1 is actually closely related to the 3-series wagon, down to axles, powertrains, and identical all-wheel-drive systems.

The X1 is not a serious off-roader-there are no differential locks, for instance. It's more of an on-road driving machine with forest-exploration capability. In everyday driving, the AWD system delivers 60 percent of the engine torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front, but the multidisc clutch pack is able to apportion torque to whichever axle needs it for traction.

Exterior Look and Design

The main differentiation is its giant BMW kidney grille and more steeply raked windshield and liftgate. Inside, the X1's decor and layout mimic those of the 3-series. Surprisingly, in view of the vehicle's compact dimensions, there's plenty of room out back for a couple of adults. The fifth passenger's space is compromised by the way the center console runs back into that rider's seating area. The cargo area varies between 15 cubic feet with the rear seats slid all the way back-there's another 3 cubic feet available if they're slid forward-to 48 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

When the car goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2011, the initial model offering will be the X1 xDrive30i, powered by a 260-hp version of BMW's familiar 3.0-liter inline-six also found in the X3 and the X5. A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel may or may not make it to these shores. In Europe, the inline-six is mated only to a six-speed automatic transmission.

First Drive Early Conclusion

The X1 definitely wants to be the sports car in the compact-SUV segment. The Servo­tronic steering system is tuned comparably to the 3-series' helm and feels much more responsive than the X3's. The optional Sport package lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch and comes with 18-inch wheels and tires in place of the standard 17-inchers. Despite this, it's more comfortable than the X3 and exhibits better body control in taking corners. Harsh impacts cause fewer tremors than in the X3.

The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW's EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.