BMW's x-Drive family has introduced its latest addition to New Zealand. Catherine Pattison enjoyed touring her local roads in the new baby X1.
A decade ago BMW released the X5 and gave it the first SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) acronym. Its slightly smaller sibling, the X3 arrived in 2004, followed by the X6 in 2008.
"We created this X segment, and it's gone from strength to strength,'' BMW Group New Zealand managing director Mark Gilbert says, adding that the X5 is one of the company's best sellers.
The X1 is billed as the world's first premium compact SAV and is destined to appeal to the younger section of the market. It is lower and shorter than the X3 and is comparable in size to the 3-Series Touring, as they share the same 2760mm wheelbase.
Initial New Zealand deliveries are a choice of two four-cylinder common-rail fuel-injected diesels. The more lusty X1 xDrive23d comes with a 150kW/400Nm powerplant, while the X1 xDrive20d drops a turbo and 27hp, but still offers a healthy 130kW/350Nm.
Two petrol-powered variants, the X1 18i and flagship X1 25i, will be launched later this year.
The sDrive (rear-wheel-drive) versions will not be available in the 25i, or 23d, but a manual and auto sDrive20d will be available from June onwards.
All models except the xDrive23d and xDrive25i (automatic with Steptronic only) will be available with either auto or manual six-speed transmissions.
The all-wheel-drive x versions are 75kg to 95kg heavier than their s counterparts, making them slightly less fuel-efficient, yet all models come equipped with Hill Descent Control - although, let's be honest, these beamers are not going to be seen ploughing along muddy trails - even BMW training manager Lance Roskilly estimates they will spend 95% of their time on-road.
It's really over to the buyer whether they think it is worth shelling out an extra $4000 for the manual and auto xDrive20ds over their sDrive counterparts.
The press launch roads included the Crown Range linking Queenstown and Wanaka, a regular trip for me, and the ideal proving ground to test the xDrive 23d's stamina. It negotiated the sharp inclines, tight corners and passing of numerous campervans with ease.
Blessed with variable-twin-turbo technology, which blips a tiny turbocharger off the line, thus eliminating lag, and a second, larger turbocharger that cuts in under higher load, power was abundant and seamlessly delivered.
Getting in and out of the X1 during the day, I could not help but be a little captivated by its smart lines: appealing wheel arches, nicely chiselled rear end and a non-fussy interior. Perhaps Mr Gilbert is on to something when he predicts the X1 will outsell the X5.
In-cabin, the iDrive control system is located under a little hood, while other standard tech features include Bluetooth and a USB interface. Expect to dip into your wallet for additionals like navigation systems, flasher speaker systems than the standard six-plus CD player provided, and the option to integrate an MP3 player and other data media.
At its launch the X1 was pitched as being "all about lifestyle'' and certainly the internal dynamics make carting equipment to sporting endeavours easy. The rear three seats split into three foldable sections, increasing luggage capacity from 420 litres to 1350 litres.
Creative folding - say the centre only - allows a space large enough to accommodate two fair-sized golf bags, or four pairs of skis or two snowboards.
In the boot a lift-up lid conceals a partitioned storage compartment. Other helpful stowaway features are above the driver's head (for sunglasses) and water-bottle-sized ports in both driver and passenger doors.
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