We have to admit: BMW is step by step moving away from its classic image, which has always been associated with sedans, coupes and, to a lesser extent, station wagons. NEW RULES OF THE GAME Today, the Munich-based company has become an expert in creating niche models — the very ones that were recently considered risky ventures. Such projects could easily tarnish the brand's image and undermine that very intangible value system that automakers spend enormous resources on building. For BMW, the very idea of joining the ranks of SUV manufacturers went against long-standing traditions. But the Bavarians still dared to release the X5. And soon after its premiere, it became a favorite of both brand fans and many other buyers. Of course, you rarely see an X5 on real off-road terrain, and the more compact X3 is unlikely to be bought by anyone for conquering impassable wilderness. The very fact of owning such a car is a demonstration of a certain lifestyle and status. The same can be said about the BMW X1, the latest addition to the family, which is increasingly distancing itself from off-road purpose. The newcomer is ready to make a loud statement in the rapidly growing class of compact crossovers, where more democratic VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4 currently rule. OWN SUV FORMULA However, in Munich they decided not to follow the beaten path. The new crossover, built on the platform of the third series, looks more like the "first" one that has undergone a course of steroids. As a result, the X1 is taller than the "three" wagon, shorter than the sedan and wider than the coupe. And in terms of capacity, it surpasses each of the Bavarian representatives of the D-segment. The main trump cards of the X1 are the technical content and a rich selection of diesel and petrol engines. The interior is executed in a more ascetic key than that of the 3-series sedan: the trim is simple, and thanks to the increased distance to the ceiling, the cabin seems incredibly spacious. There are no differential locks in the xDrive transmission. And the presence of sDrive single-drive versions in the lineup is another confirmation that serious off-roading is not even hinted at here. And what do they think about the newcomer at BMW headquarters? Is the brand really gradually saying goodbye to sedans, which you involuntarily begin to believe after the recent appearance of the Gran Turismo based on the 5th series? DESIGNER'S OPINION Adrian van Hooydonk, who replaced Chris Bangle, unhesitatingly admits: the segment of classic sedans is experiencing stagnation, if not worse, and in recent years the most in demand are models that are in some sense "crossbreeds" — primarily SUVs. At the same time, interest in compact cars is steadily growing. BMW, as usual, decided to play ahead of the curve and offer customers cars that meet both trends and suit everyone. A characteristic example, according to van Hooydonk, is the 5th series. The debut of the fifth-generation sedan is expected in January, but it was slightly preceded by the presentation of the Gran Turismo version, aimed at those who want to combine the incompatible: the functionality of a hatchback and the luxury of a prestigious sedan. The same applies to the X1 — a crossover that is lower, more dynamic and more elegant than competitor cars. "This is truly a car for those who choose an active lifestyle," concludes Adrian van Hooydonk. test-drive-0.jpg SPACE AND LIGHT The X1's interior looks the same as that of the recently updated 3rd series, but it is noticeably more spacious. A panoramic glass roof (optional) can make it even lighter. ALL FOR SKIERS? Having heard this hackneyed phrase once again, we express suspicion that automakers live in some parallel world where free time is the norm, and work, trips to the supermarket and school are just an annoying exception. Van Hooydonk has something to answer: "Today, cars no longer have the task of increasing personal mobility, giving a person more freedom of movement, as it was at the beginning of the 20th century. Now the car demonstrates a certain life perspective, makes the dream more achievable. Ask any of our customers what qualities a BMW car should have. You will get a huge list, but in the end the final product will satisfy everything listed. Another thing is that you will never be able to use the car's potential one hundred percent, but if you want, it will not let you down. Moreover, today "active lifestyle" is not just a common phrase. Look at how people's hobbies and habits have changed. BMW President Norbert Reithofer, for example, is fond of mountain biking. His predecessor was a snowboard fan. Now few people over 40 limit themselves to playing golf, so mature people have the same requirements for cars as young people." We look forward to bringing the X1 into battle with competitors. Recall that the most dangerous of them, the Audi Q3, so far exists only as a project.

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test-drive-2.jpgUSEFUL VOLUME
The trunk holds 420 liters, which increase to 1350 liters with the rear row folded. The latter is divided into three unequal parts.




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test-drive-8.jpgX1 sDrive

The base version sDrive18i has two-wheel drive. Naturally, on the rear wheels – after all, it's a BMW! This alone sets the X1 apart from numerous competitors. We will have to wait for the debut of the single-drive version until March 2010.
test-drive-9.jpgX1 xDrive

In the range of all-wheel-drive xDrive versions, in addition to the top six-cylinder petrol engine with a volume of 3 liters, modifications with two-liter turbodiesels in three power options are offered.
test-drive-10.jpgX3

The X1 and its older brother X3 are quite similar, although in fact they have completely different proportions. Few people know that the X3, sold since 2003, is produced at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria.
test-drive-11.jpgX5

The benchmark SUV in BMW's understanding: it can go off-road, but its main habitat is asphalt. The X5 was introduced in 1999 and underwent a generational change at the turn of 2006 and 2007.
test-drive-12.jpgX5 M

You are unlikely to meet the M version on dirt roads. There is a much better chance of catching it on the track: the 4.3-liter V8 develops 555 hp, and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
test-drive-13.jpgX6

It has all-wheel drive, but unlike the X5, the "six" does not want to leave the asphalt. In addition to three-liter petrol engines and diesels, versions 50i and M with 4.3-liter engines are offered.
test-drive-14.jpgX6 M

It costs a lot of money and has already become a dream for those who love not only speed but also attention. The supercharged engine, the same as in the X5 M, develops the same 555 "horses".



RANGE OF BMW X1 VERSIONS
X1 sDrive18i
• 1995 cm3
• 143 hp

In Europe, the base model is the rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive18d with a two-liter diesel engine producing 143 hp. Its top speed is 195 km/h, and the price starts at €29,500. Slightly more expensive, at €29,950, is the sDrive20d version: the same 1995-cc engine, but boosted to 177 hp. Such a car can accelerate to 218 km/h.

All-wheel drive adds at least a couple of thousand euros to the cost. The X1 xDrive18d with the same 143 hp is priced at €31,950, while the xDrive20d costs €33,751. The top speed of the latter is 213 km/h. At the top of the diesel range is the xDrive23d: 204 hp and 223 km/h maximum speed. In Ukrainian prices, such a car will cost at least 445,231 UAH. The petrol version xDrive28i with a 3.0-liter engine produces 258 hp and accelerates to 230 km/h, starting at 485,731 UAH.

Interestingly, the start of sales in Russia differs from Europe: here, only all-wheel-drive modifications with engines from two liters will appear immediately. Rear-wheel-drive versions and cars with smaller engines will likely have to wait until spring.