BMW’s latest Bavarian baby a trim, sporty crossover

BMW refers to its products as ultimate driving machines. An ambitious boast, to be sure, but for the most part, it’s pretty well justified.
There’s a certain sense of sportiness in all the Bavarian firm’s vehicles, from the suspension tunings to the power delivery to the cabin layouts.
BMW has an uncanny — and much-envied — way of making most every aspect of its vehicles feel just right. And the X1 — the new-to-the-U.S. compact luxury crossover — is no exception.
Since it is a BMW, the little hatchback utility wagon offers plenty of power, in two guises. The base model, known as the 28i, is propelled by a 240-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded powerplant in the 35i is BMW’s much-praised 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 that spins out a potent 300 horsepower through a six-speed automatic.
The four can be had with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; the six comes only in all-wheel drive, xDrive in BMW parlance.
Fuel economy with both engines is pretty impressive given their performance potentials. The four garners EPA ratings of 24 mpg city/34 highway (22/32 with xDrive), while the xDrive35i lowers that to 18 mpg city/27 highway.
Our xDrive35i tester sported deep, glossy Glacier Silver Metallic paint, punctuated with an eye-popping, bright-red leather interior. It featured the Sport Line trim package that included handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black exterior trim and multi-adjustable, form-fitting sport seats.

2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, five-passenger, compact crossover SUV BASE PRICE: $38,450 PRICE AS TESTED: $48,395 (incl. delivery fees) POWERTRAIN: 3.0-liter, DOHC, turbocharged inline six-cylinder; 300 horsepower; 300 pound-feet torque; six-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive WHEELBASE/LENGTH: 108.6”/176.5” CURB WEIGHT: 3,891 pounds EPA FUEL RATING: 18 mpg city/27 highway (premium grade)

Like all German prestige marques, a too-heavy hand with the options list can quickly ratchet up the price: From a $38,450 base our tester soared to $48,395. Granted, that included nearly every available tech and safety add-on, luxury-and-comfort upgrade and convenience doodad BMW offers.
Those sport seats cradle driver and passenger in a sublime embrace. Switchgear operates with surgical precision, while large, white-on-black gauges deliver information at a glance. Employing Teutonic design restraint, top-flight materials grace dash, doors and floor, all displaying meticulous assembly.
The rear split bench seat accommodates two comfortably, three in a pinch. Cargo room is a bit shy of its competitors, but the area is nicely finished.
Behind the wheel, the X1 lives up to that vaunted BMW mystique. It accelerates, stops, corners and cruises in a way that few other automakers have been able to emulate. Basically, it drives very much like a 3-Series sedan, although from a more elevated point of view.
In fact, outward visibility is one of this vehicle’s more appreciated features. Add in the X1’s compact dimensions, and you have the makings of an excellent urban vehicle.
But it’s most at home on the open road, whether confidently cruising the interstate or carving through corners on two-lane blacktop. Whichever route you care to choose, the X1 just feels right.