Article Comments - 2012 BMW X1 Prototype First Drive

9 messages, Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 1:24 PM

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2012 BMW X1 Prototype First Drive - First Impressions: Lower than an X3 and with much better dynamics; taller than a 3 Series Touring and almost as good dynamically — but where exactly will it fit in?(more)

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#1 of 9 Article Comments - 2012 BMW X1 Prototype First Drive by KarenS HOST May 28, 2009 (11:06 am)
We arrived with enthusiasm for a drive of a prototype of the BMW X1 sport activity wagon (or SAW — after the cult series of scare-your-date films??), but then we immediately had the stuffing knocked out of us. Because although the BMW X1 starts deliveries in most of the world in October of this year, it won't come to North America until the middle of 2011. So we're driving the 2012 BMW X1. 2012 BMW X1 Prototype First Drive
#2 of 9 Great Timing! by roadburner May 28, 2009 (2:12 pm)
My wife and I both prefer the smaller and lighter Bimmers, so it looks like we'll be able to pick up an X1 at just about the time that my teenage son will take over our 2004 X3 2.4- Win/Win!
#3 of 9 BMW loses the plot by akitadog May 28, 2009 (2:37 pm)
Someone PLEASE answer this question: Why does BMW want to compete against itself with the X1? This vehicle will do nothing but pull sales away from the 3-series wagon, a FAR SUPERIOR vehicle when it comes to cargo space, fuel economy, handling, the other stuff for which BMWs are supposed to be known. And why reinvent the wheel, when they have a perfectly good 1-series hatch they can bring to the US? BMW's inane attempt to get into every possible car niche that exists continues. Next, they want to bring out the X2. W? T? F? A vehicle with the height and mass of the X1, but no more usable cargo space than the 1-series coupe? Riiight... Then the X4, which looks even more like the 3 wagon, but heavier, with no more usable space. The worst part about BMW's new vehicles, is that, I swear, they are trying to create niches in between niches. So they're going to slot the X4 in between the X3 and X5? Really? Unbelievable. The inmates have taken over the asylum at BMW. They say that the more choices a person has, the harder it is to actually make a choice. BMW will start to see quarters filled with red ink when they have so many vehicles that do the same thing, that none of them will sell in enough volume to make up the development costs. When the day comes that they need a bailout from the German government, they will have only themselves to blame.
#4 of 9 It's about the diesel by sundog2 May 29, 2009 (6:08 am)
I was looking for a Tiguan diesel, which VW canceled for the US. Otherwise, it's just another overpriced cute ute, leaving me waiting for the Subaru Forester diesel unless and X1d comes along before then. Heck, I'd be happy with a next gen regular gas 1 series 5 door stateside too.
#5 of 9 Fine engine, but why such a small vehicle? by eric_l May 30, 2009 (9:41 pm)
What exactly is the market for tiny AWD crossovers? I mean, this X1 is smaller than a Rav4 or CRV, which aren't exactly behemoths themselves. The X3 is already barely suitable for transporting more than two people, I don't see what the point of the X1 would be. Just put the diesel in the X3 and regular 3-series line and be done with it.
#6 of 9 PLEASE Tell me you can get a manual by justdrive Jun 06, 2009 (10:21 pm)
When I got a 325 in 2003 BMW was selling a lot of manuals, something like 40% of 3 series cars. last month I visited a local Seattle dealer to give the new 335d a spin - not only is that car automatic only, but the dealer doesn't even stock manuals any more - only like 5% of their cars are now sold with manuals here in the US and I'm not buying a bimme with no stick, so please tell me I can get one! Replies to this message: motopilot (Jul 01, 2009 1:06 pm)
#7 of 9 Re: PLEASE Tell me you can get a manual [justdrive] by motopilot Jul 01, 2009 (1:06 pm)
Replying to: justdrive (Jun 06, 2009 10:21 pm) I'm with you, but reality check: Only old farts and car enthusiasts want manual shift transmissions anymore, and there aren't enough of us to warrant bringing them across the ocean to service this shrinking market. Driving schools are instructing new students on automatics, so stick shift drivers are no longer entering the pool. Sad but true.
#8 of 9 what the x?!?! by etanretla Jul 02, 2009 (9:01 am)
3 series, x1, and x3 all pretty much in the same price range...why??? seriously, who in their right (practical) mind would pay 40 grand for a smaller x3???
#9 of 9 X1 test drive by stavrosk Nov 21, 2009 (1:24 pm)
Just came back from the BMW dealership, where I tested the new X1 (manual transmission 1.8d 177bhp). I think that only the 3.0d will be available in the US, at least at the beginning. Now, although the exterior looks like an SUV, inside the X1 feels more like a tall station wagon. Actually it’s like stepping inside a taller 3 series. I am looking into buying a Tiguan and thought of testing the X1. After today's test drive, I dont think the two cars are in the same category. The reason for looking at Tiguan is because I am interested in a fun, not extremely big SUV but still with enough space, for the near future when the family will get bigger. Well, the X1 is beautiful, the quality inside is a bit better than the VW, but if you are looking for storage, its not really there. To me the target group for this model is more for (feel-) young people who like extreme sports but not really for families. Engine is quite strong for an SUV, handling is smooth,but when you push it in the corners it will understeer before the electronics take over. In summary, I loved the exterior design. The rear lights are fantastic. There is also an option for a sunroof similar (but not as big) to the Tiguan's; definitely go for it. Being the European eco-friendly type, I liked the automatic start-stop (available only with the manual transmission) to save gas while you wait in traffic.