A city-to-sea drive in the all-new BMW X1

To say that the BMW X1 is the entry-level model in the Bavarian carmaker’s celebrated X-Series line of “Sport Activity Vehicles” is to do it an injustice.

True, it is, numerically speaking, the starting point of the range that counts the bestselling X3, the sporty X4, the highly capable X5, and the “off-road sports car,” the X6, as its stable-mates.

But that doesn’t mean that the X1 is wanting in terms of the level of equipment, engineering, design, technology and performance that has gone into it.       

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, recently allowed select members of the motoring media to experience this latest iteration of the X1 in an exclusive city-to-sea drive that began at the Auto Allee BMW dealership on EDSA in Quezon City, a stopover at Premier Cars BMW in Pampanga, a drive through the city streets and town roads of Pampanga and Zambales, before ending at the luxurious new ACEA Hotel in Subic—and then making the return drive to Auto Allee via high-speed cruise on SCTEX the next day.

The exclusive lifestyle experience that spanned the streets of Manila and the back roads of the north underscored the X1’s efficiency, superb driving dynamics, best-in-class interior flexibility for cargo space, and seamless connectivity.

The new model has grown in height compared to its predecessor (+53mm), which has helped increase the spaciousness of the interior. And its significantly raised seating position (+36mm at the front, +64mm at the rear) optimizes the driver’s view out over the road.

The second generation of this successful model—more than 730,000 units of which have now been sold worldwide—takes to the stage with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mold. Rugged proportions, a powerful presence and dynamic lines lend the new BMW X1 a commanding appearance and highlight its status as the youngest member of the BMW X model family.

It seamlessly marries the X-Series’ highly functional design language with contemporary Bavarian trademarks of a bold twin-kidney grille and mean-looking quad headlamps for that very business-like front end.

The side view is clean and uncluttered, highlighted only by a strong character line that spans the length of the car from front fender to taillights. Black wheelwell trim as well as a black-and-silver finish for the rocker panels running beneath the doors lend proper off-roading cues.  

Not that the X1 is a pretender like many so-called crossovers, which depend mostly on aesthetic cues rather than true off-roading capabilities. The X1’s state-of-the-art xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system appears in a further developed form. The weight-saving, compact and efficient system uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle just as required for the situation at hand.

The interior of the new X1, meanwhile, offers significantly more space for passengers and luggage, a cutting-edge premium ambience, and functionality grounded in solid engineering.

The interior design of the new BMW X1 combines the driver-focused cockpit design that has become a hallmark of the brand’s models with touches promoting authoritative, SAV-style driving pleasure and a contemporary premium ambience. Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, AUX-in sockets, and the iDrive operating system, whose 6.5-inch display is integrated into the instrument panel in freestanding monitor form. Furthermore, the xLine package opens the door for targeted individualization.

Rear knee room has increased by 37mm in standard specification and by up to 66mm with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while the 505-liter cargo area is 85 liters larger than that of its predecessor. Folding down the standard-fitted 40:20:40 rear seat backrest, which can also be specified in angle-adjustable form as an option, allows load capacity to be expanded to as much as a cavernous 1,550 liters.

A four-cylinder turbo diesel engine from the BMW’s latest generation of power units, an efficiency-optimized version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and newly developed chassis technology all help to enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 percent.

Alongside its market-leading dynamics and efficiency, a host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the new BMW X1 its standout position in the segment.

The second-generation BMW X1 is locally available with the surprisingly quiet award-winning BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine. With 190hp and a sports car-like 400Nm of torque, the X1 delivers delightfully responsive power that’s perfect for both city streets and scenic roads outside the metro. Engine power is delivered through a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes under eight seconds. Ride quality and handling is the typical Bavarian balance of a supple ride and responsive handling. Braking, too, is wonderfully effortless, even when decelerating hard from high speeds.   

The BMW X1 comes as just one variant (the xDrive20d with xLine package) and retails for P3,340,000. At that price the new BMW X1 may hardly be called inexpensive, but given its formidably high levels of luxury, prestige, performance, efficiency, and styling, it is nothing less than a big bang for the buck.