The sub-compact BMW X1 premium sport activity vehicle (SAV) combines the utility of an SAV with the driving dynamics of a BMW sports sedan. This combination has already proved popular in markets outside the U.S. Now the X1 is heading to our shores this coming fall.
The U.S. version gets some unique updates for American drivers including exterior and interior refinements and the addition of various EfficientDynamics technologies. These include regenerative braking for all models with Auto Start/Stop and ECO PRO modes in the X1 sDrive28i and all-wheel drive xDrive28i variants, all to improve fuel efficiency.
Both the sDrive28i and xDrive28i feature BMW’s latest 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, which features 240 horsepower with 260 lb-ft torque at a low 1,250 rpm. It connects to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Performance is a given with the sDrive28i and xDrive28i achieving zero to 60 mph in 6.2 and 6.3 seconds, respectively.
Even with this level of performance, EPA estimated fuel economy is 24 city/33 highway mpg in the former and 22 city/30 highway mpg in the latter. The X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i will retail for $31,545 and $33,245 with the more powerful, and somewhat less fuel efficient, 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo-powered xDrive35i starting at $39,345.