Vehicle: 2012 BMW X1 XDrive 28i with BMW Apps Pkg, Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Convenience Pkg, Lighting Pkg and Navigation Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$46690

Over the years, we have tried to learn to like the original X3. Just when the second attempt of the X3 is a huge improvement over the completely garbage predecessor. BMW has the uncanny abilities to fill that void, a void of producing a rubbish entry-level crossover appeals to those badge whore, by introducing the X1.

When we first drove an X1 with straight-6, at least it has some kind of refinement resemblence of a BMW. After driven a Canadian-only X1 with N20, with has a good 245hp and 258 lb/ft of torque underneath the infamous twin kidney grille. While its torque curve is flexible enough without losing the middle punch. Its a very noisy and rough racket. Its certainly noisier than the N20 of which we have driven in 528i and Z4 XDrive 28i. We only hope the new 320i and 328i won’t have to suffer from this kind of poor refinement. Given BMW’s history of producing terrible 4-cylinders right from the E36 era. Anyone remembered the dreadful 138hp 1.9 liter 4-cylinder in 318i? The rough, noisy and unrefined nature of this N20 certainly brought back the memory of that poor motor. The 8-speed Steptronic with right gear ratios and paddle shifters are only saving grave to the whole powertrain.

What’s next is the dynamic abilities. With our X1′s optional sports package, it makes the already dreadful ride quality even worse. But doesn’t justify with improved driving dynamics. There are aplentry of body rolls and understeer when pushed, even if X-Drive and DTC have combined to make it more forgiving. Then add the electric power steering which provide poor feel and feedback, with unrelentlessly heavy effort on low speed typical of BMW steering.

Inside, X1 continues its beancounting approach to quality. Cheap plastic abound. The leather seats don’t feel substantial and up to premium car standard. Both rear seat and luggage space are cramped.

Consider our loaded X1 comes in above 45 grand. The poor combination of noisy engine, poor ride quality, so-so handling and cheap interior are completely unacceptable in any price class. That’s except if you are douchebags who are begging for that blue and white propeller emblem on the hood, or with that low lease rates. Otherwise, consider the competitions at the bottom of our review before going into that BMW showroom.

Likes:
Comfortable front seats
Clean instrumentation gauges
Chassis which yields great potential

Dislikes:
Ugly styling
Cheap interior
Noisy engine
Rough ride
Poor steering feel
……………………how about the entire car?

Competitions:
Honda CR-V
Kia Sportage
Hyundai Tucson
Nissan Rouge
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
VW Tiguan