Dynamic Into The Terrain

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Anyone looking for an off-road vehicle with a penchant for sportiness should look at the BMW X1. The compact SUV can be driven dynamically, even if the people of Munich pay for it properly.

By Frank Mertens

He set out to compete with Volkswagen's Tiguan. However, the BMW X1 did not really succeed. A look at the sales figures for May prove this: While 3281 customers opted for the Wolfsburg model in the previous month, the Munich-based company only had 2079 units. A head-to-head race looks different.

The X 1 from BMW is really not a bad car, by no means. With its lines, it not only looks quite sporty, but can also be driven that way. Especially when you have decided on the X1 xDrive 20d. The cultivated four-cylinder common rail diesel has an output of 130 kW / 177 hp. That is enough to dynamically arrive where you want to get there quickly.

Quite dynamic

This car is the best proof that a compact SUV does not have to be sedate, but can also be driven dynamically with it. Despite its height of 1.55 meters, the BMW X 1 can be swiftly maneuvered through tight combinations of curves. Thanks to its crisp suspension tuning, body roll movements are kept to a minimum.

The two-liter, four-cylinder common rail diesel is also a real powerhouse. It provides its maximum torque of 350 Newton meters between 1750 and 3000 revolutions per minute.

Those who choose the X1 because they expect sportiness from it will not be disappointed. This is also proven by the sprinting abilities: the compact Munich-based model with an empty weight of 1650 kilograms reaches 100 km / h in a brisk 8.4 seconds. You can make an impression with it.

In view of this performance, however, the X1 is not a fuel-saving wonder. During the test drives, the average consumption of 7.8 liters was a full two liters above the value specified by the manufacturer. Exhilarating looks different.

Those who design their driving style to be particularly ecological should perhaps be able to reduce their thirst by just under a liter. However, it should be mentioned that our test car does not have a start-stop system. This is only available on vehicles with a six-speed manual transmission. Our car was on the road with the repeatedly praised six-speed Steptronic (surcharge of 2050 euros).

Little to complain about

Apart from that, there is little to complain about about this BMW. As you know from Munich, the processing quality is top. The materials not only look good, they also feel good. The driver simply feels comfortable at his workplace, especially because the optional sports seats allow a comfortable sitting position thanks to the various adjustment options including thigh support.

Like all niceties, this is not cheap either. BMW calls for at least 590 euros. If you want an electrical adjustment option, you have to put 1250 euros on the dealer's table.

BMW's surcharge policy is a matter of its own anyway: Anyone who wants a few comfort features such as automatic air conditioning (560 euros), a parking aid that is absolutely recommended (750 euros) or the business navigation system (1840 euros) will quickly reach 38,000 euros. The base price of 34,700 euros is not exactly a bargain.

If you opt for an SUV, you naturally want to have enough space in the interior. As I said, there is nothing to complain about in the front seats. It looks different in the rear. Although the X1 is shown as a five-seater, that is more of a theoretical specification. There may still be room for three children in the back seats, but not for three adults.

However, two people can definitely stay in the rear. However, if you are planning a family vacation, you should not take too much luggage with you. Because the trunk only has a volume of 420 liters - that's average.

It is not surprising that the X1 ranks well behind the Tiguan. After all, as is well known, the people of Munich call for premium prices. But those who don't have to pay attention to every euro and want a sporty SUV are well served with the X1.