The moment you lay your eyes on the 2017 X1, you know there’s something not quite right with it. You rub your eyes for a second and stare again: the proportions are out of whack for a BMW. The long hood, short deck associated with the “Ultimate Driving Machine” has been swapped with something that’s stubby and MPV-ish. You pop the hood and see that the engine’s oriented the “wrong way” too—transversely rather than longitudinally. Is BMW mad? Have they lost the plot or is this an April Fool’s prank played several months too late?

Play the purist all you want, but BMW understands its customers quite well. Mr. 3 or 5 Series isn’t ready to let go of his penchant for rear-wheel drive and for the time being, they’re sticking with tradition. The X1, meanwhile is meant as an entry-point to BMW ownership. It’s meant for people who’re ready to graduate from sushi to caviar. And for the most part, it’s worked. The first-generation model, despite its awkward looks and poor packaging was received very well. Now, the second-generation model erases all those shortcomings and comes out all the better.





Open the doors (it doesn’t require any key to open) reveals space; more so than even, say the 3 Series. Despite its narrow width, BMW has managed to recover precious millimeters here and there by simply rotating the drivetrain 90 degrees. For one, the tall transmission tunnel is now set low with the shifter sticking out more to meet your hand. Not only does this free up knee room, but it also produces two storage spaces and two Venti-sized cup holders (a rarity in German cars). Next, towards the back, you’ll find accommodations that aren’t just hospitable, but actually generous. You still can’t sit cross legged back there, but at least knees don’t brush against the front seat cushions. Three adults can actually abreast. Plus, not only are the rear seats reclinable in a 40/20/40 split, but they also slide fore and aft. It reduces cargo room for sure, but it also keeps your pesky in-laws’ mouth shut. Oh, and there’s also the case or rear A/C vents which makes any ride extra comfortable.





And while there are no complaints when it comes to the X1’s packaging, the design of the interior itself is rather austere and plain. There are some nifty cues, like the adjustable ambient lighting, but as a whole, there’s no visual drama, no oomph that makes you think you got a luxury crossover; sorry, SAV. Still, touch any surface and everything’s excellently finished. Plus, it’s generous in terms of features: automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, power front seats (with memory for the driver), power tailgate, leather seats—they all come standard. This is money well-spent here. Plus, everything is put together with a resoundingly high quality that actually puts some higher-priced cars to shame.

Push the Engine Start button and the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel comes to life with a worrying level of clatter. It sounds unrefined with high levels of noise that’s more pickup truck than luxury crossover. But close the door and those worries get shut away. Whatever voodoo magic BMW has done to quell and isolate the diesel ruckus has certainly worked (though it’s likely to do with copious amounts of sound deadening), enabling the X1 to match a typical gasoline-engined car for quietness and smoothness.




 The single best aspect of the motor though has got to be its flexibility. Paired with an equally great 8-speed automatic, it gives the X1 unmatched tractability at just about every RPM range. It can rocket from a standing start with ease (0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds), cruise worry-free on the highway, and even give you commanding power to overtake. For sure, enthusiastic drivers would decry the absence of paddle shifters (and they would have for a good addition for sure), but for most occasions, the gearbox can do the job beautifully.

Interestingly, BMW has been pushing their idea of ecological driving which they call “EfficientDynamics.” It’s the same case with the X1 and its dedicated ECO PRO mode. It fiddles with several vehicle parameters including making the idling start/stop more aggressive. It also trades outright responses (and even smoothness) for 10 percent efficiency in traffic. With ECO PRO on, it does 11.36 km/L and without it, it does 10.20 km/L. It sounds like a small difference, but sticking to ECO PRO mode enables the X1 to go 1,000 kilometers between fuel stops.





Now, if you were not told that the X1’s primarily a front-driver (its xDrive all-wheel drive system only kicks power to the rear wheels when needed), you won’t notice the difference. It handles tidily with the same BMW directional responsiveness. It takes transitionary curves with almost no body lean. It also resists understeer which would otherwise eat a typical crossover for breakfast. Oddly, the electric power steering feels hefty at any speed. Though it gives a reassuring sense of solidity and precision, it also limits its chuckability and agility. Meanwhile, the ride itself is pretty solid. It’s firm, but without the brittleness or hop. It also absorbs potholes very well thanks to its solid body structure.

It's a given that the 2017 BMW X1 delivers on all important fronts: space, comfort, flexibility, and maneuverability. While its “unique” drivetrain layout may turn off some long-time fans and enthusiasts, BMW has done well to eschew long standing traditions. And while that may tarnish a bit of the brand panache, a simple drive is enough to allay those fears. The driven wheels may be different, but given the chance and the X1 is still on point as a member of the family that spawns ultimate driving machines.