2014 BMW X1
Popular in Europe after going on sale four years ago, the BMW X1 subcompact SUV arrived in the U.S. as a 2013 model. Based on the BMW 1 Series hatchback (which is not sold in the U.S.), the X1 is BMW's tiniest SUV, smaller than the X3. The 2014 BMW X1 lineup offers Harman Kardon Surround Sound as a standalone option. Otherwise, except for a new upholstery color that's available, nothing has changed for the 2014 model year.
From a certain perspective, the BMW X1 makes fiscal sense, because it makes the X Series available to buyers who lust for a BMW crossover but don't feel they can step up to the price of an X3 or X5. The base price gap between X1 and X3 is about $9,000, but the X3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base X1 sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive. This isn't as vast an economic chasm as the numbers suggest, however. Adding just a couple of option groups to an X1 can put you well into X3 territory.
Based on the solid architecture that supports the 1 Series sedan (derived from the last-generation 3 Series), the X1 offers about the same interior volume as that 3 Series wagon, even though it's 2.1 inches shorter overall.
BMW X1 dimensions are substantially tidier than those of the X3, making the X1 handier in urban operating conditions; and of course, lighter than its bigger cousin, which pays off at the gas station. Even with all-wheel drive, the BMW X1 xDrive28i weighs about 300 pounds less, and delivers a decisive 5 mpg edge in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.
Commonality with the 1 Series continues under the X1's hood, with two engine options, both turbocharged. The standard engine employed by the BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated for 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23/34 mpg City/Highway (22/33 with xDrive). BMW says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
The upgrade is the smooth and potent 3.0-liter twin turbo six-cylinder, used by the BMW X1 xDrive35i and rated at 300 horsepower at 5800 rpm, with 300 pound-feet of torque at 1300-5000 rpm. It's EPA-rated at 18/27 mpg City/Highway. BMW says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
The four-cylinder is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which includes manual shifting, eco, and auto stop/start modes; the 3.0-liter transmits its power through the older 6-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive uses BMW's thoroughly developed xDrive system, used on the BMW X1 xDrive 28i and BMW X1 xDrive35i. The BMW sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive.
Like the other BMW SUVs, the X1 has no off-road pretensions whatsoever; ground clearance is a sedan-like 7.0 inches. All-wheel drive is conceived here as a traction and stability enhancer for driving on low adhesion surfaces, in inclement weather conditions, or both.
The other element of ongoing BMW appeal is a blend of ride and handling that's become a …
Full Review
Full Review
The 2014 BMW X1 lineup offers Harman Kardon Surround Sound as a standalone option. Otherwise, except for a new upholstery color that's available, nothing has changed for the 2014 model year.
From a certain perspective, the BMW X1 makes fiscal sense, because it makes the X Series available to buyers who lust for a BMW crossover but don't feel they can step up to the price of an X3 or X5. The base price gap between X1 and X3 is about $9,000, but the X3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base X1 sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive. This isn't as vast an economic chasm as the numbers suggest, however. Adding just a couple of option groups to an X1 can put you well into X3 territory.
Based on the solid architecture that supports the 1 Series sedan (derived from the last-generation 3 Series), the X1 offers about the same interior volume as that 3 Series wagon, even though it's 2.1 inches shorter overall.
BMW X1 dimensions are substantially tidier than those of the X3, making the X1 handier in urban operating conditions; and of course, lighter than its bigger cousin, which pays off at the gas station. Even with all-wheel drive, the BMW X1 xDrive28i weighs about 300 pounds less, and delivers a decisive 5 mpg edge in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.
Commonality with the 1 Series continues under the X1's hood, with two engine options, both turbocharged. The standard engine employed by the BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated for 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23/34 mpg City/Highway (22/33 with xDrive). BMW says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
The upgrade is the smooth and potent 3.0-liter twin turbo six-cylinder, used by the BMW X1 xDrive35i and rated at 300 horsepower at 5800 rpm, with 300 pound-feet of torque at 1300-5000 rpm. It's EPA-rated at 18/27 mpg City/Highway. BMW says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
The four-cylinder is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which includes manual shifting, eco, and auto stop/start modes; the 3.0-liter transmits its power through the older 6-speed automatic.
All-wheel drive uses BMW's thoroughly developed xDrive system, used on the BMW X1 xDrive 28i and BMW X1 xDrive35i. The BMW sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive.
Like the other BMW SUVs, the X1 has no off-road pretensions whatsoever; ground clearance is a sedan-like 7.0 inches. All-wheel drive is conceived here as a traction and stability enhancer for driving on low adhesion surfaces, in inclement weather conditions, or both.
The other element of ongoing BMW appeal is a blend of ride and handling that's become a …
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| Engine | 2.0L I-4, 3.0L I-6 |
| MPG | Up to 23 city / 34 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd w/OD, 8-spd w/OD |
| Power | 240 - 300 hp |
| Drivetrain | all wheel, rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,527 - 3,891 lbs |
