2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i Review
Channel: Auto Today
Date: 2016-12-30

2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i Review. We warned you this was coming. After a half century spent in the righteous pursuit of driving excellence—rear-wheel drive, spunky four- and six-cylinder engines, near-50:50 weight distributions—BMW clicked its corporate turn signal to veer off in a dastardly direction. The kidney-grilled, Hofmeister-kinked X1 xDrive28i featured here is the first of a troop of front-drive-based BMWs destined for the land of the brave.

Why is this happening? Because U.S. buyers want crossovers—boxy vehicles made out of car parts—and the more the better. In 2015, more than 4 million were sold, and they’re expected to top the combined sales of compact and mid-size sedans this year. Responding, BMW ­swallowed its sporting pride to feed America’s ravenous crossover appetite.

The previous X1 was a wagon in drag; its replacement is tall enough not to be confused with a car. By moving to a front-drive platform [see sidebar below], BMW achieved some notable gains while stomaching inevitable sacrifices.

And yet, this X1 still drives like a car while serving as a truck. BMW has wisely configured it to go toe to toe in the thriving premium compact-crossover cat­ego­ry with arch rivals Audi Q3, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Thanks to a front-seat height raised by 1.2 inches, you slide straight into the saddle with no up or down movement. The X1’s interior is beautifully furnished in two shades of French-stitched leather, lovely dark-oak paneling (optional), matte chrome, and piano-black accents. An intelligent mix of knobs and buttons takes the hassle out of adjusting the climate control, making a call, or navigating your way to a restaurant. The 6.5-inch dashtop display screen provides a clear look at both the X1’s soul and the world at large; an 8.8-inch screen is optional. A huge, double-panel sunroof, part of the $3250 Premium package (or $1350 on its own), brightens the interior mood. While the front seats are impressively bolstered and upholstered, they’re a bit too narrow.

The X1 doesn't look like heresy. And it doesn't look like a Mini Clubman, either. It looks pretty much like the other BMW SUVs.
Mostly, though, it’s the rear compartment that surprises and delights. Passengers ride higher than before, with a better view of their surroundings thanks to the X1’s sensible beltline. The more compact powertrain layout also yields 1.5 inches more rear legroom in standard trim, or an additional 2.6 inches with the $300 slide-and-recline seating option.

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