First Drive: 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i with Photos and Video

After years of waiting, BMW fans in the United States are finally getting the BMW X1 added into the line up. Since the BMW X1 was introduced, the Sport Activity Vehicle has sold more than 300,000 units worldwide. For the 2013 model year, the United States looks to start adding to those sales totals.



We first saw the US Spec BMW X1 at the New York Auto Show in April and were impressed by the presence it had on the show floor. Three months later, we had the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of a 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i with the M Sport package. The first reaction is still that it is a very good looking car inside and out. This is not a traditional Sport Utility Vehicle by any means; the X1 sits significantly lower than other competing vehicles. For example, the X1 measures a mere 60.8" high versus it's big brother X3 that checks in at 66.4". For styling, the reduced height seems to give the X1 some visually appealing lines that reduce the bulky nature of competitors. The X1 more than any other product in the line up (other than maybe the 1 series) is hit or miss for styling; some are going to love it and other hate it. We think this is a great looking option for a lot of potential buyers out there.



Driving Impressions



If you have ever driven an E9X model car and liked it, there is a good chance you are going to enjoy the feeling of the X1. The car is mostly based in E9X technology and the xDrive models are lucky to have hydraulic steering (sDrive28i comes with EPS) which is sure to be a big selling point for the enthusiast. When you sit in the X1 it almost reminds you more of driving a car than it does a Sport Activity Vehicle and that makes sense given it's size. That feel is a big bonus for drivers in our opinion. Hit the brake, push the start button and you hear that welcomed, aggressive exhaust note that puts a smile on your face. The xDrive35i is equipped with the older six speed automatic and while it is fun to drive, you end up missing the newer style 8-speed that is found in other cars such as the F30 335i. The X1 barrels down the roadways achieving 0-60 in 5.3 seconds (versus 6.2 in the xDrive28i) and gives you great feeling through the steering wheel for responsiveness. The sport suspension on the model tested was firm and sporty which is great for some but may not be well suited for people planning on taking the X1 off road. Fuel economy comes in at 18/27 for the N55 based xDrive35i versus the 28ii which will get you up to 30 mpg highway (22 city).



While we did not have the chance to drive the xDrive28i model, we have had a good amount of time behind the wheel of the Bimmerfest.com Project 328i that features the N20 motor and we imagine the two would work extremely well together. The newer 8 speed automatic paired with the 240 hp / 258 lb-ft N20 motor AND hydraulic steering seems like it would be our preferred choice. Add in the fact that the 28i weighs in 165 pounds less, achieves better fuel efficiency and comes in at a starting price $6,100 less -- we expect the xDrive28i to be the big seller in the United States market.

Interior Review and Cargo Storage



As stated above, if you have been in an E9X car then you know about what to expect. If you have the M Sport package, you will love the steering wheel. There are some other interesting bits including a removable cup holder design for the passenger (or big gulp drinkers) -- see the photo gallery for photos. The one surprise was that there was a good amount of leg room and headroom in the rear seats of the X1; a very welcomed surprise for anyone looking to bring some friends along on a trip.



Despite a smaller cargo area, the rear hatch is large and gives you good load in access. The rear seats fold to increase the carry capacity and can be locked in any number of positions to maximize the space. The down side of a large hatch is the effort to close the hatch is significant and anyone with an X3/X5 would certainly miss the the benefit from the power tailgate option. We are not surprised that the feature is left out on the entry level X1 but would hope it gets added in the next generation.

Model Breakdown



X1 sDrive28i
One of two US exclusive models this is the first time BMW has offered an "X" car in rear wheel drive only. BMW build this model based on feedback from warm climate BMW owners that like the elevated driving position of an SUV but don't need all wheel drive for inclement weather. The 'sDrive' RWD drive train is coupled to an 8 speed automatic and the turbo four cylinder N20 from the F30 328i. This variant of the X1 drives the most like a car and can really move. The base price starts at $31,545

X1 xDrive28i
The X1 xDrive 28i takes the same four cylinder turbo available in the sDrive and couples it to BMW's xDrive all wheel drive system and their 8 speed automatic. This car is going to be the most common X1 sold as the N20 motor really rockets the X1 along and the all wheel drive lets you take on the most inclement weather. Base price starts at a reasonable $33,245.

X1 xDrive35i
Another US exclusive model BMW knows how Americans like their 6 cylinders. The N55 found in the outgoing 335i E9x and the all new F30 335i is an amazing turbo 6 banger making 300 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. This X1 is all muscle and moves the sport activity vehicle from 0-16 in just 5.3 seconds. As with the F30 3 series many of the driving reviews feel the N20 powered 28i is a better value overall then the 35i drive, but test drive them both and decide for yourself. Base pricing on the 6 cylinder X1 is high as result of the bigger motor and starts at $39,345.

The Verdict

You have to hand it to BMW for making the X1 a really fun car to drive at an entry level price point. This Sport Activity Vehicle is significantly smaller and more agile than the competition while keeping a look that should appeal to potential buyers in the United States. In essence, the X1 seems to be a more elegantly designed hatchback that gives off that Sport Activity Vehicle impression which buyer's seem to want. Starting at only $31,545 for the sDrive model, we expect to be seeing a lot of X1s on the roads this fall.

Great review. I had placed my Black X1 order without looking at the actual car, and your video really reinforced our confidence in choosing this color. Thank you for sharing.

Great review and videos. I love the one with the 3 series sedan next the to X1. Looks great in black, too. Should have saved myself $500 and went with black. Thanks.

Originally Posted by investor27

Great review and videos. I love the one with the 3 series sedan next the to X1. Looks great in black, too. Should have saved myself $500 and went with black. Thanks.

We have a bunch of pictures with the Bimmerfest Project F30 328i next to the E84 X1 -



More here - http://www.bimmerfest.com/bmw-photos...-X1-xDrive35i/

Beautiful pictures, and there are very helpful. Thanks, man.

U are awesome! Thank you for all the videos and pics!

The video of the cargo area is terrific. I've seen a few pictures, but none clear enough to really see how big it is. Based on the specs alone (less than 15 cu ft), I was concerned it would be too small for my needs. After seeing your video I think I can make that work.

The first shipment of X1's should be arriving stateside any day. According to my dealer, however, BMW plans to hold the cars at the port until the official release date in September. I'm glad I don't have a car in that first shipment. I think it would kill me to have the car built but not be able to pick it up.

Originally Posted by HotRodW

According to my dealer, however, BMW plans to hold the cars at the port until the official release date in September. I'm glad I don't have a car in that first shipment. I think it would kill me to have the car built but not be able to pick it up.

oh man! i'm in that group! i'l have to call my dealer and ask about that... mine is still in production so it wouldn't be arriving until early sept anyhow (late august if shipping makes good time), but still... do you know when in sept?

Originally Posted by stary

oh man! i'm in that group! i'l have to call my dealer and ask about that... mine is still in production so it wouldn't be arriving until early sept anyhow (late august if shipping makes good time), but still... do you know when in sept?

He said early September, but didn't have a specific date. I'll post again if I get more details.

My X1 x28i went into production on 06/28/2012 and will be arriving in Baltimore later today (7/26/2012) on the ship Tysla. CA just told me it will be ready for pick up 7-10 days after arrival. Really hope I don't have to wait another month.

Originally Posted by empfader

My X1 x28i went into production on 06/28/2012 and will be arriving in Baltimore later today (7/26/2012) on the ship Tysla. CA just told me it will be ready for pick up 7-10 days after arrival. Really hope I don't have to wait another month.

I sincerely hope your guy is right. But it has occurred to me that all the early reviews I've read mention September as the on-sale date. I had just assumed if they're produced early, and arrive early, then it only makes sense that they'll be released early. We can hope until we hear otherwise.

I asked a second BMW dealer to look into this. He checked with BMW and confirmed that the official release date is 9/15. He said they should have the first batch on the lot around 9/1 for test drives, which is probably when the pre-orders will be available for delivery.

I can't wait to drive one of these soon. Little rockets

Mine finished production last week, and have been sitting in port waiting for a ship to transport it over to the US.

Originally Posted by HotRodW

I asked a second BMW dealer to look into this. He checked with BMW and confirmed that the official release date is 9/15. He said they should have the first batch on the lot around 9/1 for test drives, which is probably when the pre-orders will be available for delivery.

Great info- Thank You.

Mine finished production on 7-18 and of today, still sitting at the port waiting for a shipping vessel. Probably getting all dirty!!

Originally Posted by empfader

My X1 x28i went into production on 06/28/2012 and will be arriving in Baltimore later today (7/26/2012) on the ship Tysla. CA just told me it will be ready for pick up 7-10 days after arrival. Really hope I don't have to wait another month.

Gee, I wonder why mine didn't go into production on 6/28 when I placed my order on 6/4. I guess your dealer had an earlier allocation than Week 30... Mine was actually built on Week 29.

Is the Tysla part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet? I have not been able to trak my car onto any vessel at this point. Anyone else have any luck tracking their car onto a particular ship? What ship line can be used besides Wallenius Wilhelmsen? Do all cars head for the US board the same ship regardless of which port in the US they are destined for?

Originally Posted by bimmerized

Gee, I wonder why mine didn't go into production on 6/28 when I placed my order on 6/4. I guess your dealer had an earlier allocation than Week 30... Mine was actually built on Week 29.

Is the Tysla part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet? I have not been able to trak my car onto any vessel at this point. Anyone else have any luck tracking their car onto a particular ship? What ship line can be used besides Wallenius Wilhelmsen? Do all cars head for the US board the same ship regardless of which port in the US they are destined for?

the west coast bound cars go through the panama canal and disembark in ventura CA

Originally Posted by bimmerized

Gee, I wonder why mine didn't go into production on 6/28 when I placed my order on 6/4. I guess your dealer had an earlier allocation than Week 30... Mine was actually built on Week 29.

Is the Tysla part of the Wallenius Wilhelmsen fleet? I have not been able to trak my car onto any vessel at this point. Anyone else have any luck tracking their car onto a particular ship? What ship line can be used besides Wallenius Wilhelmsen? Do all cars head for the US board the same ship regardless of which port in the US they are destined for?

Not sure about dealer allocation but in my case I went in to the dealer on May 15 to buy a leftover 2012 x3 and walked out with a preorder for a X1.

As far as tracking I got the name of the ship from my CA and tracked it here - http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shi...MMSI=249909000

I got info about tracking my car here -
http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/07/14/ho...d-to-delivery/

empfader, thanks.

I bet your car is part of the first batch of X1's here in the US already. Unfortunately, I think it will be held for at least 2 weeks for EPA inspections. This is done for every new model year regardless of change. I doubt there is any hold on BMWs part for an official lanuch date.

Fortunately for the rest of us, the EPA will be done with 2013 X1s by the time the rest of our cars get here.

I'm not excited to see the X1 rear in person, 'cause I hate cleaning up vomit. What happened to the styling on that end?? Bimmer rears are so well done lately, but I think they missed the mark here.

Hmmm. I do the same with the last generation 5ers.

And I really don't like the dilution of M by sticking that logo on every model like on this one. Ridiculous.