The first wave in BMW’s “X marks the spot” offensive was rolled out back in 1999 with the launch of the X5, and such has been the sales success of the big SUV (or “SAV”, for Sports Activity Vehicle, in BMW speak) that the Bavarian manufacturer downsized the same formula to yield first the X3 and then the even more diminutive X1.
They’ve been supplemented by the segment-blurring X4 and X6, and the combined X onslaught yielded more than half-a-million global sales for BMW in 2014 alone, so it has clearly proved to be a well-thought-out strategy.
While in our region, it’s the full-sized X5 and X6 that are the biggest sellers of the bunch, the smaller models have generated a strong following in markets such as Europe and Asia, where fuel economy is a key buying criteria.
No surprise, then, that the X1 has clocked up 730,000 global sales since its 2009 launch, with vehicles rolling out of assembly plants not only in Germany, but also China, India, Thailand, Mexico and Russia.
One consequence of the UAE’s recent petrol price hikes is we might start seeing a few more X1s on our roads, and that’s all the more likely after October 24, when the revamped, second-generation model goes on sale here.
The “all-new” billing tends to get thrown around rather loosely by carmakers, but in this case the description actually applies, because the second-gen vehicle is a clean-sheet design that shares almost nothing with its predecessor (though the styling is heavily evolutionary).
Whereas the oldie was based on a derivative of the rear-wheel-drive architecture that underpins the X3 and 3 Series Touring, the new model shares its front-drive-based platform with the Mini line-up, as well as the 2 Series Active Tourer.
Why the change? It’s all in the name of efficiency, as fuel consumption is improved by up to 17 per cent vis-à-vis the old model, and accelerative performance is also sprightlier.
The new X1 is 38 millimetres shorter than before, yet the taller, wider bodyshell and the benefit of housing the engine transversely (rather than lengthways) in the new chassis means the cabin offers more space and a better view out, thanks to higher set, stadium-style seats.
Rear-seat legroom also swells between 37mm to 66mm, depending on variant, while the 505-litre boot (now accessed via an optional electric tailgate) is 85L bigger than the outgoing model. Cargo space may be expanded up to 1,550L by way of 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats.
Other handy features include large door pockets with bottle-holders, a storage compartment integrated within the lower dash fascia, covered cup-holders on the centre console and armrests for both front-seat occupants. There are also drawers under the front seats, a central armrest with cup-holders in the rear and an additional rear 12-volt outlet.
Meanwhile, the equipment list now features goodies such as full-LED headlights, adaptive dampers, head-up display and BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus system.
The new model will initially be offered here in two variants: the X1 sDrive20i (front-wheel-drive) and X1 xDrive25i (all-wheel-drive). Pricing is expected to start at about Dh150,000 for the basic version.
Even the entry-level X1 sDrive20i is no slouch, punching out 189bhp and 280Nm for a 0 to 100kph split of 7.7 seconds, which is pretty handy for a practical compact SUV. It’s pretty frugal, too, with a claimed consumption figure of 5.9L / 100km.
The range-topping motor in the xDrive25i is essentially the same unit found in the Mini John Cooper Works, and serves up 228bhp and 350Nm for a brisk 6.5-second dash to 100kph.
Buyers in Europe will have the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, but in our clutch-pedal-averse region, only the latter will be offered.
The xDrive25i’s all-wheel-drive system continuously varies the torque split between front and rear axles, depending on how much traction is on offer at each end, and it’s also clever enough to adapt the front-rear split to help keep the car balanced under spirited cornering.
Does it all work in real-world conditions? In a word, yes. The X1 is still the most dynamic compact crossover out there, and it can cover sinuous mountain roads at a brisk clip, as I gleaned at the international launch in Achenkirch, Austria.
Obviously, you’re not going to outpace an M235i, but its performance reserves are more than adequate for this genre. It’s also impressively smooth and refined, with a decently supple ride and generally low noise levels.
There’s really not a whole lot to fault, and the new X1 seems assured of building on the sales success of its predecessor. It might just help forge a greater X1 presence in our region, too, provided BMW can nail the pricing.
motoring@thenational.ae
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