Review: BMW E84 X1 (2010-15)

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• Frugal turbo-diesel engines
• Competent dynamics
• Spacious interior
• Steering is accurate, but heavy at low speeds

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• Firm ride tends to harsh with lower profile tyres
• Short rear seat squabs and limited legroom
• Rear seats not suited to child booster seats

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Review: BMW E84.I X1 (2010-12)

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Overview

Released in April 2010, the BMW E84 Series I (E84.I) X1 was a compact SUV. Manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, the E84 X1 was available in two- and four-wheel drive models (the ‘sDrive’ and ‘xDrive’ variants, respectively) and the range initially consisted of the xDrive20d and xDrive23d variants, but was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the sDrive18i, sDrive20d and xDrive 25i. In April 2012, however, the xDrive25i was discontinued.

Compared to the E91 3-Series Touring platform on which it was based, the E84 X1 was 34 mm longer (at 4554 mm), 21 mm narrower (1796 mm), 127 mm taller (1545 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2760 mm). The X1 had a double-joint thrust bar front axle with MacPherson strut suspension and a five-arm rear axle.

EfficientDynamics

The sDrive20d, xDrive20d, xDrive25i and xDrive23d were fitted with Brake Energy regeneration which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting. Furthermore, the xDrive20d was fitted with a gearshift indicator light and ‘Auto Start-Stop’ which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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xDrive

The xDrive variants were fitted with BMW’s permanent ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive system which had an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front/rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could also be fully engaged (50:50 front/rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the X1 received a five star safety rating which included an 87 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.02 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the sDrive18i included 17-inch alloy wheels, four 25 watt speakers with an additional central bass speaker under the driver’s seat, a CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Sensatec’ faux leather upholstery, cruise control (with brake function), front fog lights, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power outlet, a cargo net, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The sDrive20d and xDrive20d were further equipped with rain-sensing wipers, while the xDrive25i and xDrive23d were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

X1 M Sport

From 2011, the X1 was available with an optional M Sport package which included 17-inch double-spoke ‘M’ light-alloy wheels, firmer ‘M Sport’ suspension, high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim and roof rails, ‘M’ -badged door sills and an ‘M’ Aerodynamic package. Inside, there were contoured sports seats with alcantara anthracite trim, BMW Individual anthracite headlining, aluminium brushed aluminium trim and an ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel. The xDrive M Sport models were also fitted with ‘Performance Control’, which provided a greater rear-wheel torque distribution.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E84.I X1 (July 2009)

Review: BMW E84.II X1 (2012-15)

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Overview

Released in August 2012, the E84 Series II (E84.II) X1 introduced eight-speed automatic transmissions and a revised range which consisted of sDrive20i, xDrive28i, sDrive18d and xDrive 20d variants. As for the E84.I X1, all models were fitted with Brake Energy regeneration; for the E84.II X1, however, an ECO PRO driving mode was standard, Auto Stop-Start was standard for models with manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions, and models with manual transmissions had an Optimum Shift point indicator.

Visually, the E84.II X1 could be identified by its tripartite air intake, new headlights with chrome-coated accent strips and circular fog lights, front and rear apron inserts, side skirt covers, larger body-coloured areas for the front and rear masks and side indicator lights integrated into the door mirrors. Inside, the E84.II X1 had higher quality materials covering the centre console, new centre panel trim surrounds and new chrome trim elements. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to their E84.I predecessors, standard features for the E84.II X1 were extended to include Bluetooth audio streaming, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. The xDrive variants were further equipped with 18-inch Star-spoke alloy wheels and a sports leather steering wheel; the xDrive variants were also fitted with a Chrome Line exterior pacakge.

xLine and Sport Line packages

The E84.II X1 was also available with ‘xLine’ and ‘Sport Line’ styling packages –

• The xLine package included 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels and Titanium Silver matt exterior finishes; and,
• The Sport Line included black high-gloss exterior finishes, Black Chrome tailpipe finishers and double-spoke alloy wheels with bi-colour surfaces. Inside, the Sport Line package featured sport seats upholstered in anthracite fabric with coral red accents and black high-gloss interior trim finishes.

March 2014: X1 update

In March 2014, the X1 range was revised as the manual transmissions were discontinued. Visually, the post-March 2014 models could be identified by their extended front bumper inserts (in satinated aluminium or, for the Sport Line high-gloss black); the sDrive variants were also fitted with new 17-inch alloy wheels style, the chrome line exterior package, aluminium satinated roof rails and a sports leather steering wheel as standard.

Inside, changes included a soft-touch finish for the instrument cluster binnacle and a stainless steel finisher to protect the luggage compartment. For the Sport Line, xLine and M Sport packages, the interior also featured contrast stitching in Fire Red, Oyster or Everest Grey.

Standard features for the X1 were extended to include enhanced Bluetooth functionality (including audio streaming, album cover display, pairing of multiple devices and provision for a snap-in adapator), an electrochromatic rear view mirror and a ‘lights package’ which included illuminated vanity mirrors, reading light, luggage compartment lighting and vicinity lighting for the exterior door handles.

Beyond this, the xDrive20d and xDrive28i variants gained steering wheel gearshift paddles, a rear view camera, front parking sensors and electrochromatic door mirrors.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E84.II X1 (May 2012)
• BMW Australia: BMW X1
• Wikipedia.org: BMW E84 X1