The Ultimate Driving Machine. If you hear someone say that, you’ll know right away that they’re talking about a BMW, and the X1 is no exception. With it’s smooth ride, agile handling, peppy acceleration and comfortable interior, we were very impressed with the X1.

Our X1 had a Glacier Silver Metallic exterior with a Black Nevada leather interior, along with the Cold Weather package, Premium package and Technology package, as well as BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The Cold Weather package includes a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and retractable headlight washers, while the Technology package includes voice-command, real time traffic information, navigation system, BMW Assist with Bluetooth and iPod and USB adapter. Finally, the Premium package includes a universal garage-door opener, Comfort Access keyless entry (where you can just touch the door handle and the car will lock/unlock) as well as panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors and lumbar support in the front seats. Our X1 also had Aluminum Satin roofrails, an elegant light Fineline wood trim and satellite radio.

For the price point you’re at, the X1 comes very well-equipped. With a 240 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you’re getting both a fun and sporty vehicle while still achieving excellent gas mileage (27 combined mpg). With flat-folding seats, there is a generous amount of space in the trunk. One of the only things we didn’t like was the cupholder — a detachable one that you place into a little slot on the edge of the center console — and there’s only one in the front. Another problem we had was navigating the sometimes complicated iDrive system, but when you learn where everything is in the system, we were able to operate it seamlessly. With a base price of just over $30,000 and coming well-equipped for a bit more, we think the X1 is an excellent vehicle for someone who doesn’t want a larger SUV but also wants something a little larger than a sedan.

Pros: Very fast for what you’re getting — a small sport activity vehicle. Great amount of space in back seat and trunk, ample leg room, affordable price.

Cons: Seems as if the cupholder was an afterthought, iDrive system is very complicated.

 

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $30,800 || Price as Tested: $42,045

Vehicle Layout: Front engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 5-door sport activity vehicle

Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, 240hp, 255lb-ft. tq. || Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Curb Weight: 3,726 Lbs || Length/Width/Height: 176.5/70.8/60.8 inches

0-60:  6.3 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 22/33 MPG

 

RATING: 8.4/10

Exterior: 8

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 9

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 8

Audio: 8

Tech: 9

Value: 8