2013 BMW X1 s18d, X1 x20d And X1 x28i Launch Review

Top to bottom, the Leipzig-built small SUV (and, really, not so small), has the same dynamism and prestige feel that is so deeply embedded in all cars from the Bavarian powerhaus.

In fact, there are very few SUVs that can anywhere near match the X1 for driving dynamics and that elusive ‘alive’ sporting feel at the wheel.

We put the 2013 X1 sDrive 18d, xDrive 20d and xDrive 28i through their paces at launch across a range of roads in Queensland and northern NSW.

The new model comes with some subtle styling changes, revisions to the interior, and new engine configurations to set them apart from the outgoing model.

Racy and smart, if not the first word in style, there is no mystery to why the X1 has become such a success for BMW – especially in conquest sales. More than 50 percent of buyers are coming into the brand for the first time.

It becomes a little repetitive commenting on BMW interiors. From the quality leather trim to the tactile surfaces, and for fit and finish, they are simply ‘a cut above’.

And all as tight as a kettle-drum.

The new model X1 gets more gloss-black surfaces, a reshaped (and improved) centre console, and new chrome accents and metal garnishes

Slide in behind the wheel and you’ll notice the leather is a little harder to the touch, and the seats a little firmer, than you may expect.

They’re comfortable though, even after long driving stints, and, with the X1 sitting on a very long wheelbase, there’s lots of room behind for second-row passengers.

The upmarket 28i gets natty red stitching on the seats and doors; and all models get a magazine net on the back of the front seats.

Perhaps, to pick a debit, the seats could do with a little more shaping to the side-bolsters, especially in the more sporting models. I’d prefer a firmer hold for vigorous driving.

The wheel is just right, and the paddles for the eight-speed auto (in xDrive models) fall nicely under the fingertips – but attached to the wheel, not the column (preference here falls into two camps).

There is a cockpit style to things, with controls placed to hand in the centre-stack and console, although you’re left to fumble for the cruise control that’s tucked away on a stalk. God alone knows why.

There’s ample adjustment to the seats for both height and reach. At the wheel, the X1 feels more like a spacious wagon than conventional SUV.

With the driver’s seat set high, visibility across the Roman-nose bonnet of the X1, and to each side, is excellent.

There are no obvious blind-spots for head-checks for changing lanes – something you’ll appreciate in city driving.

There are also short front and rear overhangs and a tight turning circle.

For features, buyers will notice that BMW is getting a little less stingy in what it packages in as standard fare. But there is a huge options list, of course, that can set the price off at a gallop if you start ticking too many boxes.

Standard fare includes cruise control with braking system, park distance control, climate control air-con, heated exterior mirrors, LED tail-lights auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, five-speaker audio system with CD, USB interface, Bluetooth, aux-in connection and two-line display. (Plus yet more…)

Options include sat-nav, iDrive controller, high-res colour display, Harmon Kardon sound system, sunroof, adaptive headlightsStandard fare includes cruise control with braking system, park distance control, climate control air-con, heated exterior mirrors, LED tail-lights auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, five-speaker audio system with CD, USB interface, Bluetooth, aux-in connection and two-line

Options include sat-nav, iDrive controller, high-res colour display, Harmon Kardon sound system, sunroof, adaptive headlights, and internet functionality (when stationary) among a list as long as the dingo fence.

For safety features, the X1 has everything that will stop you from flinging yourself into the shrubbery (ABS, traction control, cornering brake control, etc.) and, if you do, airbags all over the shop, seat-belt pretensioners and a host of other passive safety features, to ensure that you’ve got at least a sporting chance of dusting yourself off afterwards (with things mostly where they should be).

Away from the line, the 20d nails the 0-100km/h dash in a not-too-shabby 8.1 seconds; the 18d in 9.9 seconds. So, it’s academic, but there’s a bit of a gap from a standing start.

In the real world, neither feels slow. Modern diesels, like this pair, surely, are more about rolling acceleration.

On the move, when hunting out of a corner or doing a bolt around ‘the frustrated Fangio in his resplendent Rodeo’ (who refused to move over, not even a bit), even the 18d had no trouble picking up its skirts when a short straight presented itself.

Both ‘spool-up’ in a very un-diesel-like way, with little – if any – turbo lag. The 20d is quicker, it’s actually very quick, and responds with a willing surge of power.

The bad-boy though of the trio we tested is the AWD 2.0 litre petrol xDrive 28i. At $58,200 for the manual (we drove the auto), it’s not cheap.