2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i 
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Miles Driven: 240
Fuel Used: 10.8 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 22.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C |
| Tall Guy | B+ |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22/32/26 (city, highway, combined)
Base price: $34,800 (not including $995 destination charge)
Options on test car: Cold Weather Package ($550), Driver Assistance Package ($1150), Premium Package ($3250), space-saver spare ($150), Slide and Recline rear seat ($300), Fineline wood trim ($350), navigation system ($1200), Harman Kardon premium audio ($875)
Price as tested: $43,620
Quick Hits
The great: Much-improved cabin space, high-quality interior materials
The good: Peppy acceleration, fun to drive
The not so good: Not quite as athletic as its predecessor, front-door apertures are rather small
More X1 price and availability information
Damon Bell
The BMW X1 is redesigned for 2016, and it marks an important departure from the first-generation model. Instead of being based on the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the BMW 3-Series, it’s now based on the front-wheel-drive chassis of the Mini Cooper Countryman. That’s a change that will likely rankle some BMW purists, but even they would be hard pressed to not acknowledge that the new X1 outclasses its predecessor in many ways.
At least for now, the 2016 X1 is available only with all-wheel drive, and the lone engine at this point is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 228 horsepower. That’s a drop from the previous X1’s 240-hp turbo four and 300-hp turbo six, but we found the new powerplant to be plenty eager and capable. Acceleration is satisfyingly quick after the turbo spools up. The engine gets a bit noisy during fast acceleration, but to our ears it was a very pleasing (even borderline exotic) growl that was perfectly in step with BMW’s sporting attitude.
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The new X1’s handling isn’t as outright agile as its rear-drive predecessor, but it still handily bests most of its rivals in terms of driving dynamics. Our tester was equipped with the standard 18-inch wheels, which provided a somewhat taut but decently absorbent ride, even over some significant bumps. We’d definitely stick with these, as the available 19s are likely to make the ride noticeably stiffer.
The biggest improvements come on the inside. The new cabin is significantly more spacious, especially in the back seat, and interior materials have taken a noticeable jump in quality. Headroom is outstanding in the front and rear, and legroom in the back is much better than expected. However, the door apertures themselves are rather stingy. The front door opening is narrow enough to complicate entry and exit for big and/or tall adults, who’ll also have to contend with a front seatback that rests well behind the B-pillar when the seat is adjusted far back.
Among the newly available features are a hands-free power liftgate, head-up display, and forward-collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection. A rear seat that slides fore and aft five inches and reclines up to 30 degrees (both adjustments are manual) is a $300 option that’s well worth the price. The optional heated front seats seem overpriced at $550, but they get toasty enough on their highest setting to counteract even subzero temps. Our tester did not include the $2550 Technology Package, which includes an enhanced navigation system, a host of connectivity features, and an 8.8-inch display screen in place of the standard 6.5-inch unit. The upgrade is likely worth it, in part because the standard screen is small enough that the navigation display and backup camera are a little hard to see.
Our well-equipped tester checked in at $43,620. Careful options selection could keep the sticker price below $40K, at which point the X1 comes off as a surprisingly good value in its class.
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