Autobild drives the BMW X1 xDrive30i

One of the latest BMW concepts that stirred up a lot of controversy between the bimmer fans, is the X1 Concept. The BMW X1, in a concept form, was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in October. A concept that many people believe will not be as useful or successful as BMW predicts. But that’s another story for another day.

Since the X1 production version has not been yet unveiled, there weren’t any test drives conducted by press media. The folks at Autobild were given by BMW the privilege to join them at the winter testing in Arctic Driving Center in Rovaniemi, Finland.

BMW X1 xDrive30i

-X1 will be available in late 2009 and only in Europe(at least for a while)
-the car is flat, not SUV-ish at all - it looks and feels much more like a 3er Touring “Allroad”(it is built on the same platform)
-the car is very agile, and drives just like 3er xDrive Touring
-the cabin is not cramped at all, yet the roof lies much lower compared to X3
-the dash was still in camo and the basic layout comes from the 1 Series, the steering wheel as well and the big-screen navigation from the 3 Series
-the car features 3.0L I6 engine with 272HP, and a 6-speed automatic gearbox
-xDrive basis torque-distribution ratio in this car is regular 40:60
-the sitting position is a bit higher than in 3er Touring xDrive but much lower than in X3
-the car’s driving and overall characteristics are much more similar to 1er & 3er than to X3
-there are four models available xDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive30i and a hybrid version
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Agent004 - 12/21/2008 11:56:14 PM

+1 Boost

Man, I hope they don't screw this up like they did with the look of the X3. Don't make it look worse than the X5 fearing it will take sales away from the X5.

I'm driving an FX35 right now, instead of an X3, because of that...

ChuckG20 - 12/21/2008 1:02:59 PM

-5 Boost

Ironic is Infiniti being considered a high-end luxury brand, with such disasters as the M, Q and QX.

ChuckG20 - 12/21/2008 1:07:23 PM

-8 Boost

Also, this "monstrosity" seems to have better styling than anything Nissan has created in, oh, the past 20 years. Perhaps Renault's largest saloon platform could be used as the basis for another grilless Q wonder.

zorbeeze - 12/21/2008 3:14:46 PM

-3 Boost

The M is far from being a monstrosity. It can outpace the E-class, A6 and GS and hangs pretty well with the 5.

mercuryguy - 12/21/2008 12:30:31 PM

-1 Boost

I'm amazed at how many SUVs I see upside down on the Highway. People drive these things at excessive speeds and with All-Season Tires.

I've always driven Rear-Drive, Live axle in heavy Snow and Ice, but I Put High-End Nokian Snow Tires on the back every October and drive through snow without any such problems.

I'm not convinced that AWD, X-Drive or technology is the answer.

mercuryguy - 12/21/2008 12:34:24 PM

+1 Boost

Its the simple things that make a difference on Ice, Like putting two 20Lb Bags of Sand over each fenderwell in the Trunk.

Keeping your foot off the brake pedal, off the gas Pedal, and shifting to Neutral on Ice and steering around the pile-up accident up ahead.

These stratagies have always worked like a charm for me.

ChuckG20 - 12/21/2008 1:08:24 PM

-10 Boost

Gee, thanks Grandpa. Now hurry along to the early bird buffet dinner.

America - 12/21/2008 1:31:22 PM

+3 Boost

Thanks for the laugh ChuckG! Brought a little tear to my eye.

synx - 12/21/2008 3:46:31 PM

-5 Boost

what a waste of metal. bmw needs to stop building ugly and useless cars and focus on sporty, efficient and luxurious cars

MadibaP - 12/22/2008 7:54:37 AM

-2 Boost

Ugly is a part of their philosophy. They have aimed for an achieved the ugliest styling design the planet has ever seen, and it works for them. People like junk, what can I say?

dumpsty - 12/21/2008 11:25:53 PM

0 Boost

I don't "get" the point of the X1.

Does BMW need this model to help spread the production costs of building the MINI SUV? Unless the X1 looks like a miniature X6, BMW is just playing an expensive poker game with no competitors.

I've always thought the BMW design group had run out of steam when they penned the X3. And then they gained some positive support when they created the X6 (you have to see & hear it in the metal, to really appreciate it).

I think the MINI SUV will leave a lot of X1 customers disappointed.

thstone - 12/22/2008 5:02:11 PM

+2 Boost

For all of you people who don't get the X6 or the X1 (or maybe any of the X-series at all), let me explain: There are now a reasonable number of people who refuse to buy a sedan. Period. Regardless of the reasons, this is a fact of today's market. So, if you're going to sell them a vehicle, it had better look and act like an "SUV" or they ain't gonna buy it. Its that simple and it doesn't matter what you think of them. The market has defined itself and BMW is simply reacting to what buyers actually want to buy.

MunichRob - 12/22/2008 9:16:52 PM

+1 Boost

Oh yeah this is exciting! I'm so happy BMW's releasing a production X1 but skipping a production CS...As a fan of BMW this is exactly what I wanted to hear! (Sarcasm)