The BMW X1 is a fantastic addition to the Bimmer range, as well as to the TopSpeed Garage->ke3166. During our week testing the M Sport X1 sDrive28i, the car won many friends with its driving environment, striking new-BMW->ke178 styling crispness and a truly sports-car-like agility versus the larger X3.

The X1 is offered stateside in three trim levels across the turbo four-cylinder 28i and turbo six-cylinder 35i powerplants, with xDrive available across the range. The test car’s X1 sDrive28i pairs the base engine with the top M Sport trim level at the top, bringing a beautiful body-color bumper treatment absent from the cheaper 'Sport' and 'X-line' trim packs. The M Sport option also includes a variety of other tasty upgrades, including sports leather seats and handsome special paint and wheel options.

The X1 fills such a successful gap in the entry-level BMW->ke178 offering that it even caught Audi and Mercedes-Benz flatfooted, with their GLA250 and Audi Q3 competitors still at least a year from reaching American buyers.

The X1 certainly doesn't have the small premium crossover market to itself, but does carve a unique niche with few pretend off-road aspirations and a decidedly performance focus to its V-rated, 18-inch Pirelli's.

This road-going bias helps the X1 to be an agile and playful companion on any stretch of pavement, with a 60 mph sprint just above 6 seconds for both rear- and all-wheel-drive 28i four-cylinders and down to the low 5’s for the potent X1 xDrive35i.

All this with a base price just above $30,000 means the X1 is the first affordable BMW->ke178 entry for crossover shoppers, considering the Acura RDX or the Mini Cooper Countryman.

The full TopSpeed Garage drive review is past the jump, and takes a close look at the coolest performance options and features of the practical but sporty X1 sDrive28i M Sport.

2014 BMW X1 M Sport sDrive28i

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW X1 M Sport sDrive28i
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5000
  • Torque: 260 @ 1250
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The design of the X1 blends the new BMW face as seen on the 7 Series, with a deep-set kidney grille that is far broader and lower than the traditional headlight-sized grilles. The effect is gorgeous when paired with the staggered-size round LED daytime running lights that look far more tasteful than the zombie-like stare of the X3.

The M Sport trim makes its biggest mark on the nose and tail styling of the X1, where this top trim level brings body-color lower bumpers and a gloss-black grille. This replaces the X-line’s alloy brightwork and bright silver grille, and helps the X1 look much more like the crossover 1 Series that it is, versus the chunky themes employed by the X5.

The M Sport X1 sDrive28i is rear drive and rides a bit lower than the xDrive models, but even the largest 18-inch wheels seem somewhat dwarfed by the gaping wheel wells. The fender trims and rocker panels are also body-color in this trim, but black fastener clips inside the fenders look a bit cheap.

The test car came quite well equipped with the $1,200 lighting package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, automatic high beams and an innovative LED puddle and door-handle light kit called ambiance lighting.

While it couldn’t sound more gimmicky than the previous description, in practice the way the door-handles illuminate in a bright white at night is special and noteworthy. Paired with the full safety interior lighting (as pictured in the gallery below), the X1’s fob-activated ambiance lights will inspire confidence in dark parking garages or unlit side streets.

The bi-xenon lamps run both headlight functions from the outward beam, with the inner beam housing the radars for the optional $950 park distance control (and future active safety technology) without marring the bumpers of lower air intakes like some manufacturers. Part of the driver assistance pack, parking radar front/rear comes with a backup camera with sight lines.

The final additions to the exterior of the $3,000 M Sport upgrade come from the wheels and tires, where this performance trim wears a choice of two sporty aluminum wheel designs and come wrapped in high-speed Pirelli tires.

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase (in.)

108.7

Length (in.)

176.5

Width (in.)

70.8

Height (in.)

60.8

Track - Front (in.)

59.1

Track - Rear (in.)

60.2

Weight (Pounds)

3527

Weight distribution (% f/r)

49.4/50.6

Drag Coefficient

0.34


2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Standard Exterior Features:

- Star Spoke (Style 317) 17 x 7.5 light alloy wheels and 225/50 run-flat all-season tires

- Halogen free-form foglights

- LED brake lights

- Door handles in matching body color

- Matte black roof rails

- Chrome tailpipe finishers

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Optional Exterior Features:

- M Sport package ($3,000): 18'' light alloy Double-spoke wheels with rear run-flat performance tires, Sport suspension, High-gloss black roof rails, Aerodynamic kit, Shadowline body-color exterior trim (Price includes interior M Sport equipment below)

- BMW Cold Weather Star Spoke 317 Alloy Wheel and Tire ($2,260)

- BMW V-Spoke 324 Alloy Wheel and Tire Set ($4,689)

- BMW Star Spoke 311 Alloy Wheel and Tire Set ($4,362)

- 18-inch Light-alloy Double-spoke wheels (Style 321) with all-season run flat tires ($600)

- Lighting Package ($900): Xenon headlights; Adaptive light control

- Automatic high beams ($250)

- Roof rails in Satin Aluminum ($250)

- Chrome line exterior trim ($250)

Interior

The interior of the X1 test car is where it really racks up some serious dollars, adding nearly $8,000 worth of extra equipment on top of the $35,000 total for the X1 with exterior options. The M Sport line brings custom M-badged sills and M-badged, thick-rimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also trades the Sport trim's standard leatherette for real leather sports buckets with power adjustable lumbar support, power-adjustable side bolsters and manually extendable seat base.

These seats are divine and help create a driving position that is focused but also quite comfortable. The small wheel and small gauge cluster hood create the mood from some of the best 3 series sedans from its first few generations. A dark-trimmed headliner and high-quality plastics create a cabin with panache versus countless compact crossover rivals, namely the narrow and cheap-feeling Buick Encore cabin.

Traditional orange-glow analog dials act as the main speedometer and tachometer, which rises to nearly 9,000 rpm and is a fun plaything when paired to the X1’s brilliant Steptronic eight-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters.

The X1’s front cabin has a unique blend of this ultra-sporty driving position combined with an airy cabin and great visibility past the windshield and pillars. There is no sense of front-seat shoulder bumping or other telltale signs of a compact car from up front, but this is admittedly helped by the $3,950 premium and $2,500 technology packs additional goodies.

Both pricey options groups bring important upgrades to the BMW’s long-term livability, including the aforementioned power seat adjustments, a giant glass moonroof with power shade and auto-dimming mirrors all around.

The tech pack brings navigation functionality to the standard iDrive central display, as well as adding voice commands, Bluetooth with BMW Assist and a USB input for full dashboard audio control of mobile devices.

ECO Pro mode and automatic stop-start are standard in the sDrive28i, and can be jarring the first couple times the car conks out at a stoplight. The start up is also quite perceptible with a pronounced vibration and noise incursion as it fires up.

With familiarity, the stop/start is not too irritating and can be controlled with subtle brake pedal inputs while still waiting for a light to change. It can also be manually disabled but comes back to life the next time the car is driven.

The ECO Pro mode is more of an opt-in setup, and when selected it can really safe huge amounts of gasoline by smoothing throttle inputs, lessening the potency of the turbocharged engine, and automatically taking other steps to improve mileage. A handy display shows how many extra miles the Eco Pro mode earns you while driving, and if accurate, the gains are remarkable.

The folding back seats and cargo area bring practicality no other 1 Series can dream of, as the X1 has tons of room with the seats up or down: 27 cubic-feet with them up and 60-plus cubic-feet with them down. This compares quite well with the larger Audi Q5 and A4-based allroad models.

Sitting in the rear seats is a bit trickier. There is a high sill and limited knee room for taller passengers, leading to a legs-splayed position where knees will find room to side of the front seatbacks. Foot room and headroom are plentiful, but shoulder room is also pretty tight. All of this is normal for the class, but the BMW’s seats back there are actually quite comfortable with good support and cushy headrests.

The iDrive control is fantastic with scroll-controlled selections of screen items, rather than having to push the knob upwards eight times to get to the option desired. Shortcut nav, phone, climate and audio buttons circle the iDrive controller. While the BMW does offer a ‘back’ button, it is actually rarely needed with this generation of smart and simplified iDrive menus.

Lastly, the huge single cup holder in the driver armrest might seem like a recipe for cabin conflicts, but there is actually another large free-standing cup holder that clips in to the right of the shifter. Couples everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief.

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Interior Dimensions:

Front Seating Capacity

2

Rear Seating Capacity

3

Headroom - Front (in.)

41.3

Headroom - Rear (in.)

39.7

Legroom - Front (in.)

41.4

Legroom - Rear (in.)

34.9

Shoulder Room - Front (in.)

55

Shoulder Room - Rear (in.)

54.6

Hip Room - Front (in.)

NA

Hip Room - Rear (in.)

NA

EPA Cargo Volume (cubic-feet)

27.6

EPA Cargo Volume - Seats Folded (cubic-feet)

63.3


2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Standard Interior Features:

- Eight-way manual adjustable front seats; Adjustable front center armrest

- Leatherette upholstery

- Satin Silver Matte trim

- Automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation

- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column; Vehicle & Key Memory

- Rain-sensing windshield wipers with Automatic headlight control

- Power front windows with one-touch up/down operation; power rear windows with one-touch down

- 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with controls for audio system, cruise control, and Bluetooth wireless communication for hands-free mobile phone

- Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling (if equipped with compatible Bluetooth phone) and phonebook downloading capabilities

- Dynamic Cruise Control

- Rear-window wiper and defroster

- Anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD/MP3 audio system with 8 speakers, 180-watt digital amplifier, Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store, 3-channel FM diversity antenna system and auxiliary audio input adapter compatible with portable music players HD Radio with multicast FM station reception; USB audio connection; Pre-wiring for satellite radio

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Optional Interior Packages:

- Technology Package ($2,250): BMW Navigation system with 8.8-inch high-resolution screen, 3-D maps,

80 GB hard drive with 12 GB storage for audio files, Real Time Traffic Information; BMW Online; Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration; BMW Apps; Remote Services

- X Line Package ($1,900): Nevada Leather upholstery with contrast piping; High-gloss dark copper trim; Fineline Bay matte wood trim; Leatherette upholstery

- Sport Line Package ($1,900): 8-way adjustable front sport seats, 2-way manual headrests and driver-seat and mirror memory, Nevada Leather upholstery with contrast piping, High-gloss black trim, Brushed aluminum trim, Leatherette upholstery

- M Sport Package: 8-way adjustable front M Sport seats, 2-way manual headrests and driver-seat and mirror memory, 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M Sport steering wheel, Light Fineline Wood trim, Dark crosshatch aluminum trim, Anthracite headliner, M door sills and M footrest, Increased top-speed limiter

- Ultimate Package ($6,150): Interior mirror with compass; Power front seats with driver seat memory; Panoramic moonroof; Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration; Comfort Access keyless entry; BMW Apps; Voice-command; Park Distance Control; Remote Services; Lumbar support; Navigation system; BMW Online; Ambiance lighting; Rear-view camera; Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Satellite radio with 1 year subscription; Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors; Real Time Traffic Information; Choice of leather seating options

- Premium Package ($3,950): Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors; Comfort Access keyless entry; Lumbar support; Satellite radio with 1 year subscription; Universal garage-door opener; Panoramic moonroof; Interior mirror with compass; Power front seats with driver seat memory; Ambiance lighting; Choice of leather seating options

- Cold Weather Package ($700): Retractable headlight washers; Heated front seats; Heated Steering Wheel

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Optional Interior Features:

- Harman Kardon surround sound system ($875)

- BMW Apple iPhone Media / BMW APPS Version Snap In Adapters ($250)

- BMW iPad Holder ($182)

- BMW Tablet DVD System ($599)

- Servotronic adaptive steering ($250)

- Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters ($120)

- Heated front seats ($500)

- Concierge Services ($250)

- Power front seats with driver seat memory ($995)

- Panoramic moonroof ($1,250)

Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

The X1 M Sport sDrive28i runs a rear-drive configuration with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder providing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A twin-scroll turbo design, the BMW engine is able to spool up to max boost just over idle, where it starts to deliver its flat torque peak at just 1,250 rpm. Paired with the perceptive and adaptive ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, the test X1 hit 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.

The X1 feels divine racing to its sky-high redline and provides a rorty and snorty soundtrack when blipping down-changes on the steering paddles. Turbo hisses and whistle are almost never audible – only when driving next to a concrete road barrier does the turbo sound get bounced back toward the driver.

An interesting technical change when adding xDrive AWD to the X1 28i model is an overboost engine function that bumps torque by about 109 pound-feet for brief periods of time.

The AWD xDrive 28i’s identical engine offers an immense 369 pound-feet of torque during hard launches, allowing the heavier model to match the rear-drive X1’s sprint performance. While not offered on the options list of the rear-drive cars, the engine’s tuning potential is an exciting piece of news for owners (to up the power via an ECU chip after the warranty expires).

The TopSpeed Garage->ke3166 test car had no trouble matching its 24/28/34 highway mileage stats from the EPA. Standard traction and stability control can be disabled via a four-second button push on the traction button in the lower dash.

A final note about the BMW’s powertrain concerns the new joystick shifter. This design offers easy manual control by sliding it left into the manual slot, but besides that is a nuisance. The manual shifts are far easier to control with the wheel-mounted paddles, and the X1 was still tricky to get into Park (on the first try) even after a week of driving the X1 daily. It seems needlessly complicated.

The test car’s Servotronic variable-rate steering geometry is a $250 addition that can make it easier to drive on twisty roads by requiring less arm-twirling to get around sharp corners. It is hard to discern the system’s value without comparing it with the standard design, but the test X1 showed an incredibly nimble attitude in fast corners. The car’s low center of gravity and excellent front/rear balance help the car feel needle-accurate in corners and quite fun to drive.

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Mechanical Details:

Engine Size and Type

2.0-liter Turbocharged 16-valve I-4 With DOHC, Direct Injection And CVVT

Peak power (Horsepower)

240 @ 5,000

Peak torque (Pound-feet)

260 @ 1,250

Transmission

Eight-Speed Automatic With Paddle Shift

0-to-60 mph

6.2 seconds

Top Speed (mph)

149

EPA Fuel Economy MPG (City/Combined/Highway)

24/28/34


Safety

The BMW X1 is a 2013 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and an predicted five-star car from the NHTSA. The X1 performs less well in the newest (and much, much harder) IIHS testing procedure for small overlaps, where it scored only a Moderate total safety rating. This is better than the limited number of other models also subjected to the new tests, with the Audi A4 and allroad range earning a worse Poor score.

Despite the trouble in this supplementary test, the X1’s shell is extremely rigid and uses a high percentage of hot-formed and high-strength materials. The X1 packs all the latest advanced vented airbags and electronic safety systems to keep the car and it occupants safe and protected.

BMW Assist provides OnStar-style automatic crash notifications to local first responders as well as a mirror-mounted Emergency assist button to call authorities on the car’s built-in speaker-phone. The driver assistance package brings parking proximity alerts and backup camera for an affordable up-charge.

2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i – Standard Safety Features:

- Head Protection System (HPS), front and rear

- Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment

- Front-door-mounted side-impact airbags

- BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active safety features

- Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts (for installation of child-restraint seats)

- Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking

- Coded Driveaway Protection

- Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners

- Crash sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors, and turns on hazard and interior lights

- Daytime Running Lights

- Anti-theft alarm system

- BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Automatic Collision Notification (includes a 10-year subscription)

- Driver Assistance Package (Opt. $950): Park Distance Control, Rear-view camera

Pricing

Pricing for the BMW X1 line-up ranges from $30,000 up to about $50,000 with the top engines and options. The test X1’s $30,650 base price grew to $44,245 with options and destination charges to come over from Leipzig, Germany where it is assembled.

The BMW’s pricing seems high for the overall size of the vehicle, until you get in and go for a drive in this fun-loving and stylish machine. The cost also includes industry-leading resale values and four years of free maintenance at your BMW dealer. This program is worth about $2,000 (unofficially) and is a welcome way to keep the high-performing X1 in top condition for the first critical years of its service life.

- BMW Ultimate Service: Free 4 Years/50,000 Miles Warranty; 4 Years/50,000 Miles Complimentary Maintenance Program; 4 Years/Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance

Competition

Acura RDX

The latest Acura RDX trades it turbo four-banger for a smooth-running V-6 that is able to hustle the trucklet to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The RDX is pricier and larger than ever, with sizes and top pricing that overlap with the MDX near the $48,000 mark. The Acura's front or AWD design is far less balanced than the BMW, while the larger engine's 28 mpg highway score is far worse than the BMW's 34 mpg highway.

Mini Cooper Countryman

The Countryman's presence in the premium compact crossover segment shows the accuracy of parent-company BMW's market research and trend predictions. While higher-riding than the X1, the Countryman's chassis is also road-biased with sporty front and AWD options. The Countryman is priced right at the same levels as the X1, but cannot come close to its handling balance or super-quick 35i engine options.

Conclusion

The X1 M Sport sDrive28i is a funny car for BMW. Brand new to the U.S. in fall 2012, the car is still quite fresh and packing styling that brings the super-premium detailing of the 7 Series’ nose to one of the firm’s cheapest offerings.

Aside from the new-BMW looks outside, the X1 drives with all the mechanical feedback and enthusiasm that earned BMW is reputation over the decades. The X1’s performance feel when driving brings all the road and steering sensations that are largely absent from the super-isolated new generation of luxury models.

These celebrated BMW traits come on a stretched 1 Series platform to deliver all the eagerness, puppy-dog playfulness, and 2002tii-inspired styling of the smaller pocket rocket in a practical crossover body. Unlike many failed expansion projects, the X1 keeps all the good of the 1 Series and adds a more relaxed suspension and super-premium cabin options.

Frankly, this sporty X1’s variety of engine and drivetrain setups, realistic pricing and attractive styling combine forces to stomp the existing competitors like the Acura RDX and Mini Cooper Countryman.

Until the arrival of some credible competition from the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA250, the X1 has the luxury compact crossover bulls-eye all to itself for the time being.

Category

Rating

Details

Driving

A

Incredible Steering Feel And Chassis Balance

Performance

B+

Very Quick Even In Base Engine, But Stop/Start Can Be Irritating

Look

A-

M Sport Pack's Painted Bumpers Makes By Far The Best-looking X1

Value

B

Great Base Pricing Climbs North With Option Packs; Selecting Must-Have Options Individually May Bring Lower Total Cost

Overall

A

Addictive BMW Driving Pleasure In New-School Style and Tech-Packed Compact Crossover