LexFather

So the X1 is coming here. So they will have X1, X3, X5, X6. Wow. Please delay the ugly as long as possible.

mmarshall

The U.S.-market launch-delay is now also verified by Road and Track magazine as well.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/dr...w-x1-xdrive28i

The BMW X1 will not go on sale in the U.S. this year because production is at capacity trying to meet European demand. That’s too bad, as the 5-passenger X1 slots in well below the X3 and is a playful vehicle to drive. Its interior is standard 1 Series and the X1 I drove had BMW’s new TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine making 245 bhp. It’s essentially a truncated 3.0-liter inline-6, mated to a proper 6-speed manual. The 28 name was chosen because BMW feels the car has performance equivalent to that of the company’s naturally aspirated six. It’s peppy with a good power surge in the middle of the rev range. Its only quirk is the lack of a snappy low-rpm throttle response—no boost, little power. The chassis feels light on its feet but slightly encumbered by a high center of gravity. Compared to an X3, the X1 feels like a featherweight, and not surprisingly very much like the new Mini Countryman, just without a quirky interior.

Europeans sure don't seem to think it's too ugly to buy. In fact, excessive demand in Europe, and a shortage of supply, is what is (now) keeping it out of the American market.

A shame, too. I had it on my (possible)-review list, despite the lack of a formal request, and, if I was in the market for a brand-new BMW, this would probably be the first model I looked at.

spwolf

marshal you will not like the X1 at all :-).

Yes, it is best selling premium SUV because it costs little. Cost wise, it compares well to Rav4 here, and I am looking into it as they have some discounts on it.

mmarshall

We'll see. I go into most reviews, of course, with an open mind. But I do like AWD, some ground clearance, a roomy cargo area, BMW steering/chassis engineering, and, of course, a reasonable price. The X1 seems to combine all of those, though I hope it doesn't have the X3's noted stiff ride. Being a 1-series, you might even be able to omit the I-Drive, which I disdain.

JessePS

Weird that the US launch is delayed. I already saw one or two here in Montreal. I was actually surprised, I had no idea they were for sale already here.

mmarshall

The ones you saw in the Canadian market probably weren't Federalized to the extent that U.S.-market models would have been. It costs automakers money to do that......and projected demand/sales would have to justify the expense. Even if the demand were there in the U.S. (and it might be) the existing X1 plant-capacity apparantly cannot meet it.

spwolf

X1 is one size smaller than US Rav4, and has less space overall (considerably so).

I dont mind it personally, I would buy it because it is BMW and because X3 is insanely expensive due to high tax system here in Croatia.

I can see people buying it as it is easy entry into the brand.

spwolf

I have to say that only thing i mind on it is side profile, which looks like they have saved some cost on stamping (and they probably did)... it looks really poor.

Q5 is gorgeous but Q5 starts at double the X1 price.

I8ABMR

I thin it doesnt look half bad for a mini SUV. As with all BMW products I am sure it will handle and feel more direct than the rest in its class

CDNROCKIES

Agreed.

I see one regularly in my small town. Thing is ugly as hell and looks like it would fall apart if you drove over anything due to the small tires and exposed suspension when you view it from the side angle.

mmarshall

Yes, I know it smaller than the RAV-4/CR-V class, but it still has more cargo space (and more ground-clearance) than the regular 1-series coupe or convertible (we don't get the 1-series sedan in the U.S.)

That sheet-metal folds/seams on the body-sides, though, which run through both outside door-handles, probably took some time, labor, and money to tool up in the metal-stamping machines.

The Q5 is a joy to drive....and, like most Audis, its fit/finish is impeccable. I really enjoyed reviewing the one I did last year. ...the only thing I didn't like was the awkward MMI.

<VENOM>

Where is the sedan available and what does it look like, the 3 and 5 door versions look nice.

Blackraven

I respect your opinion but unfortunately, I'm afraid that I have to humbly disagree with you on that.

I've seated in two X1 vehicles (xDrive20d and sDrive18i). Both of these vehicles look neat and interior is still as BMW as you can get.

@mmarshall
Philippine-market X1 models do not have iDrive. Instead the dealers give you an option to purchase GPS navigation system via a small touch screen (as an external device).