BMW’s lineup of Sport Activity Vehicles continues to grow, beginning with their smallest, the X1, and ticking off every number but 2 all the way to the X6 with a 3-row X7 in the pipeline. This one here is all-new for 2016, with its body style now falling in line with the rest of the SAVs.
When BMW introduced us to their first subcompact SAV 3 years ago, it looked more wagon-esque, came in 3 flavors including base rear-drive and high performance 6-cylinder versions and had an engine that ran lengthwise.
Flash ahead to this new 2nd generation model and the sport-utility styling hits its stride with a shorter hood and a height increase of nearly 2”. The model choices have been boiled down to one; the X1 xDrive28i, so a turbo-4 and all-wheel drive are standard. And look under the hood and you’ll notice the motor sits sideways.
This X1 moves off of its rear-drive platform onto one it shares with MINI, with the xDrive system diverting up to 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, preemptively as directed by copious vehicle data.
There’s no need to fret the X1’s drop in horsepower from 240 to 228 – it’s 258 pound-feet of torque still feels robust and leads to a 0-to-60mph time of 6.3-seconds, nearly identical to the previous model. Known as the B46 in BMW parlance, this motor is new to the X1 yet very similar to before with its twin scroll turbo and all of the company’s latest engineering prowess.
Just like in the MINI Clubman I recently tested, it’s mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability, however if you want paddle shifters you’ll need to opt for the M Sport Package.
Gas mileage hasn’t changed, still rated at 26mpg in combine driving on premium gas. The previously optional Servotronic speed sensitive steering is now standard. Oddly, what felt wonderful on the previous model doesn’t connect to the driver nearly as well here with an aloofness that’s out of character for BMW. And at low RPMs, the engine sounds too unrefined to be wearing the Roundel.
Toggle over to Sport mode and the X1 invigorates the gas pedal, transmission and steering with a heightened sense of urgency. The sounds are noticeably more appealing from outside then they are from inside, where the otherwise quiet cabin can’t mute the invasive tire chatter from these runflats.
[vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”turquoise”]By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes for SouthFloridaReporter.com, April 17, 2016 [/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
