Used 2013 BMW X1

The 2013 BMW X1 is almost ready to make its American debut. The 5-passenger SUV will slot in under the X3 when it goes on sale in this fall. The BMW X1 has been a popular SUV in global markets, and furthers the trend of downsizing premium vehicles. The 2013 X1 will be available with rear- or all-wheel drive, and will offer the choice of a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. Like the other X models in BMW’s lineup, the new X1 is meant to be a versatile, quick and plush vehicle that is comfortable on a variety of road surfaces.

BMW’s tagline – "The Ultimate Driving Machine" – is no joke and despite the fact that it’s an SUV, the X1 is no exception. The little crossover effectively blurs the line between being a comfortable low-speed cruiser and a high-speed corner carver as it’s plush enough for the daily drive, but can handle any turn with graceful agility. The X1’s smaller size and lighter weight make it feel exceptionally more agile than its X3 bigger brother and athletic prowess makes for a far more exciting drive as compared to the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

The X1 is available with all the accoutrements you’d expect in a BMW luxury vehicle. Among the options are high-quality leather upholstery, navigation, a hi-fi sound system, and panoramic glass roof. One particularly interesting feature is an app that lets iPhone owners use Internet-based services such as streaming audio or access to Facebook and Twitter feeds. Though considered a subcompact, BMW says the X1 offers 47.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row 40/20/40 seats folded. That’s enough to hold two 46-inch golf bags, the German automaker says. With seats up, there is 12.7 cubic feet of storage, comparable to the trunk of a car.

Not surprisingly, the 2013 X1 SUV’s exterior looks familiar to anyone who has seen its slightly bigger brother, the X3. Up front is BMW’s signature kidney grille, while a high beltline wraps the sides. The rear of the vehicle is distinguished by a horizontal pane of glass above the rest of the hatch’s metal, and a thick bumper and prominent undertray below.

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
While a powerful 6-cylinder is available, we look favorably on the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder because its potent enough to move this crossover to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds while returning stellar fuel economy numbers (34 mpg highway).

Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
With 11 speakers and a 340-watt amplifier, the Harmon Kardon sound system delivers sharp, clear sound to satisfy anyone – from the avid news radio listener to the picky audiophiles.

2013 BMW X1 models, including the base sDrive28i, features an 8-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split/fold-down rear seats, automatic climate control, HD Radio and rain-sensing wipers. Higher-trim xDrive35i models come with a panoramic glass roof, power front seats and xenon headlights.

X1 models can be further outfitted with a harman/kardon surround-sound system with satellite radio, distance control with a rearview camera to aid with parking, and a collision-warning system. The M Sport package offers a sport suspension, sport seats and wood or aluminum interior trim.

The 2013 BMW X1 offers a choice of two gasoline engines. The base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that is good for 240 horsepower and is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine propels rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i models from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds, while xDrive28i all-wheel-drive versions with that engine do it in 6.3 seconds, BMW says. In addition to making the X1 quick, the engine helps rear-wheel-drive models attain up to 34 mpg on the highway.

The second engine option is a stronger, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder good for 300 horsepower. That engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and powers all-wheel-drive xDrive35i models. BMW says that potent version of the X1 goes 0-60 mph in a scant 5.3 seconds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 22/33 mpg (all-wheel drive)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg