BMW continues their X factor with the X1, an important addition to the X range which was created with the X5 back in 1999.
The X1 has no premium rivals as yet, however we can expect Audi to launch a rival, the Q3 in about 18 months from now and there are rumours that Mercedes-Benz is working on a vehicle to take on the new BMW; if that is the case then it could be quite some time. For now the X1 has the market pretty well to itself and currently BMW see the VW Tiguan as the closest rival.
However, anyone ordering an X1 can expect delivery in the first quarter of next year. So is it worth the wait? After having driven the newcomer in Scotland, the answer is "yes".
The X1 is a BMW through and through, build quality is good, and not surprising as the vehicle is built in Germany in a new facility in Leipzig where the 1 Series is also produced.
BMW see the X1 as appealing to a traditional car buying audience and sales will be mainly conquest, a figure of 65% was quoted at the press launch.
I have to confess that the styling and size of the X1 is not far removed from that of the X3, the X1 is lower and to be fair once behind the wheel it has more of a car feel than any of its X stable mates.
A command driving position immediately builds confidence as the miles pass by and there is a lot of cabin space with lots of storage areas, making this a vehicle which will appeal to a lot of differing lifestyles. This is a five seater with 1,350 litres of boot space.
It is worth noting that BMW is aware that not all who buy such a vehicle require four wheel drive, so the X1 is available in two or four-wheel drive. Naturally the two-wheel drive versions are more economical, so all you loose out on is added drive ability when the going gets rough.
Most in our midst are keen to reduce running costs, so that is what you get with the two wheel drive X1 and of course you do not miss out in the looks department.
BMW have carefully looked at our market and recognised the overall popularity of diesel power, so only diesel versions of the X1 will be available.
The choice is from three diesel units, 1.8,2.0 and 2.3; with s denoting two wheel drive and x for four wheel drive and trim level is SE. The prediction is that 54% of sales will go the way of two wheel drive.
Four-wheel-drive cars and the power split to a default rear bias of 60:40; however, this is highly variable.
To aid performance and safety, the X1 features the very latest stability control system allied to xDrive, BMW’s unique four-wheel-drive system. This comprises two key ingredients, an electrically activated multiple-plate clutch which changes drive distribution from axle-to-axle, and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system that regulates power to each wheel. Responding in just 100 milliseconds, xDrive reacts more quickly than more conventional four-wheel-drive systems.
You are also able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving before the traction control safety net intervenes. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.
Need to tow a trailer or caravan the X1 is equipped with Trailer Stability Control for safer driving. When connected to the trailer or caravan (with a BMW approved tow bar accessory), DSC can counteract the effects that could lead to an unstable trailer and the resulting accident.
Performance Control is a new feature for a BMW X product and sees power distributed electronically between the rear wheels depending on loading to effectively act like an electronic differential. It is available only as an option on four-wheel-drive X1s.
All versions come as standard with six airbags, dual stage front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, all round disc brakes, Brake Force Display to warn drivers behind that the X1 driver is braking sharply and daytime driving light function.
Rear ISOFIX child seat attachments are standard and the X1 can be enhanced with the specifying of Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and High-Beam Assistant. Deformation zones front and rear ensure minor bumps, which sees the bodywork regenerate to its original shape, however the standard specification rear Park Distance Control (PDC) and optional front PDC is aimed at ensuring this should never happen.
My test X1 was a two wheel drive two litre and to give a taste of performance, 177bhp with rest to 62mph in just over eight seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph and a combined fuel figure of 53.3mpg and the CO2 figure is 139g/km.
Of course there are packs and a number of options to further enhance the X1 experience and prices start at £22,660.
All round, an excellent vehicle that is going to attract new customers to the BMW brand.
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