2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i

2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i

2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i: xDrive ensures traction, stability, cornering dynamics

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, November 17, 2017 1:30am

The 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i is a luxury compact SUV that could almost be mistaken for a high-riding sedan. No kidding.

It’s also an overachiever. So much so that BMW proclaims the model to be a SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle.

The X1 is the perfect balance of thrills and peace of mind, with advanced safety features, exhilarating options, and all special handling you expect from a BMW. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds, provides 58.7 cubic-feet of cargo volume, seats up to five adults in abject bliss, and provides 31 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.

My tester came in with a base price of $35,100 – and included $10,000 in options. When the sun shined, a “Dark Olive Metallic” coat of paint and 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels made the X1 irresistible.

Most notable, a premium package ($3,250) added power folding mirrors, keyless entry, panoramic moon roof, lumbar support, ambient lighting, LED headlights and cornering, along with XM satellite radio.

A driving assistance package ($1,150) includes a rear-view camera, park-distance control and parking assistant. And finally, heated Canberra beige, Dakota leather, heated seats add another $1,950 to your bottom line.

X1 is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-turbo, four-cylinder engine with maximum output of 228 horsepower, making it the most powerful entry-level model in the segment. It’s mounted to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

And what is the xDrive all about? It’s an efficient all-wheel-drive system that distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle exactly as the situation requires – at all times. The xDrive system ensures excellent traction, optimized directional stability and enhanced cornering dynamics in all weather and road conditions.

The X1 is also equipped with standard Servotronic speed-sensitive steering assistance. This system allows parking and turning maneuvers to be completed safely and comfortably with little steering effort, and at higher speeds drivers can also benefit from steering precision and straight-line stability as the steering effort is increased just the right amount.

The Driving Dynamic Control switch on the center console allows the driver to give the car’s set-up an even sportier, more comfort-oriented or efficiency-optimized character. Calling up COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode at the touch of a button adapts the responses of the accelerator pedal and steering as well as shift characteristics of the automatic transmission are also adjusted if the relevant equipment has been specified.

Basically you can dial up a sports car if your heart desires.

The list of creature comforts is not short, either. The standard sound system with seven loudspeakers provides high quality audio. The power tailgate makes loading the X1 a breeze. And simply push a button to fold the 40/20/40 second-row seats to turn it into a hauler.

Other amenities include a heated steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, slide and recline rear seat, USB connectivity and Bluetooth.

Base Price: $35,100

Price As Driven: $45,120

Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.

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