BMW X1 Review

Similar to, but smaller than, the X3, the BMW X1 is a compact luxury crossover. As such, it is nearly alone in the U.S. market for the present, though the Audi Q3 may join it soon, and Mercedes-Benz is thought to be working on a compact crossover as well. The Range Rover Evoque is the X1's nearest competition at the moment.

The BMW X1 is a very new model to the BMW lineup, though it's newer here in the U.S. than it is in the rest of the world. In fact, the X1 has been on sale in Europe and elsewhere since 2009, but we won't get it until this fall, as a 2013 model.

Available in its initial model year with two engines, both sharing an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive, the 2013 BMW X1 shares its core architecture with the BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon with xDrive.

Named to reflect their different engines, the two X1 models available are the xDrive28i, powered by a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the xDrive35i, powered by a 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The X1 xDrive35i is exclusive to the United States--no other market gets such a powerful version of the crossover--and is only available with all-wheel drive.

The X1 also features technology aimed at improving fuel economy: start-stop engine function, and brake energy regeneration. Start-stop functionality enables the engine to shut itself off when stopped in traffic or otherwise idling, immediately restarting as soon as the driver lifts off the brake. Brake energy regeneration stores energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat in the brakes for use by the electrical system, power accessories and other functions.

In terms of design, the X1 also looks much like its larger crossover brandmates, the X3 and X5, though in a leaner, more compact form. Inside, the X1 looks like any modern BMW: a driver-focused cockpit, with dual instrument dials and an information screen in front of the driver, a center-mounted display screen (on equipped models) and a sculpted, tiered dash. The center stack houses audio and climate controls, while the console holds a joystick-like gear selector and the iDrive controller to interface with the infotainment system and navigation.

The BMW X1, unlike its X3 and X5 counterparts sold here in America, will be built at the Leipzig plant in Germany. It goes on sale this fall, starting at prices ranging from $31,545 to $39,345.