(continued from above)
BMW has timed the introduction of this technology package in the new BMW X1
xDrive28i to coincide with the launch of a new generation of BMW 2.0-liter
petrol engines. The new 245 hp powerplant combines a power and torque upgrade
over the previous engine with substantially reduced fuel consumption and
emissions. This twofold improvement is reflected in some impressive performance
specifications. The 0 to 60 mph sprint time is 5.9 seconds (automatic: 6.3
seconds), an improvement of 0.7 seconds (automatic: 0.3 seconds) over the
previous model, which was only available as an automatic. At the same time,
average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has been cut by 16 per cent to 7.9
liters/100 km (35.7 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of 183 grams per kilometer.
The new BMW X1 xDrive28i comes with a six-speed manual transmission as
standard. The standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes -
amongst other features - Brake Energy Regeneration, an Optimum Shift Indicator,
the Auto Start-Stop function and on-demand control of auxiliary units. An
optional eight-speed automatic version is also available. Thanks to its
exceptionally high internal efficiency, models with this transmission offer
identical fuel consumption and emissions performance to those with the manual
version.
As standard specification, the new BMW X1 xDrive28i is equipped
with the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, whose electronically controlled
multi-plate clutch continuously varies the drive power split between the front
and rear axles. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system is integrated with
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and responds quickly to the first signs of
oversteer or understeer. The result is improved traction in slippery conditions
or away from surfaced roads, and improved cornering dynamics. xDrive is
calibrated for optimized driving dynamics, which results in precise steering
response when cornering.
To add to the agile driving qualities, from
spring 2011 the BMW X1 will for the first time be available with an M Sports
package. This option, which is available ex works for all engine versions,
comprises a range of suspension, exterior and interior components which have
been developed specifically for this compact BMW X model.
Confident
Styling
The BMW X1 delivers unfiltered driving pleasure, all-round
sporty performance and extreme agility both in urban traffic and out of town.
The styling is marked by confident elegance, upscale functionality and
trendsetting modernity. The unique vehicle concept combines typical BMW driving
pleasure with a level of interior adaptability which is quite unusual for the
compact segment and will appeal to customers with an active and varied
lifestyle. Both the versatility and the sporty, agile driving qualities are
closely echoed in the body styling, with its seamless transitions between front,
sides and rear, and well-defined lines which create fluent connections between
the different elements of the body.
The five-door X1 measures 175" in
length, but despite the smaller dimensions compared with the BMW X6, BMW X5 and
BMW X3, it is clearly identifiable as a BMW X model from every angle.
Square-contoured wheel arches, increased ground clearance, narrow guard strips
along the lower edges of the body and the upright BMW kidney grille all point to
robust design. The long bonnet, short front overhang, a long wheelbase of 108.6"
and the steeply sloping rear windscreen accentuate the sense of length and
confirm the sporty credentials of the BMW X1.
BMW X1 xDrive28i: Review (2/2)
