Also in pure BMW tradition, the X1’s seats are firm and supportive, despite minimal power adjustments. Leatherette upholstery is standard, Nevada leather is a $1,900 option. Like we said earlier, this is a small vehicle; room up front is adequate for most people, and two adults will fit comfortably in back. No more.
As for the cargo area, you get 420 litres of space with the rear seats up, and 1,350 litres when you fold them down. That’s actually less than in the 3 Series Touring.
How much?
What’s especially interesting about the 2012 X1 is its entry price. It carries a $38,500 MSRP, while our tester includes the $1,490 Premium Package (panoramic sunroof, roof rails, lower-body cladding, auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated wheel) as well as the $950 power seats with driver-side memory, for a total of $40,940. That’s not a bad deal for an all-wheel drive BMW truck... or crossover... or whatever you want to call it.
The only problem is that the bigger X3 is only about $3,500 more.
How about competition? Right now, there aren’t really any similar-sized rivals at Audi and Mercedes-Benz, although the Q3 might eventually make its way to Canada. The MINI Cooper Countryman S ALL4, a cousin of the X1, is about as close as you can get in terms of size, price and turbo 4-cylinder power.
While it’s sad to see the 3 Series Touring likely get the boot in favour of the X1, this little crossover is perfectly sized and perfectly priced for Canada. It’s not very spacious, but it’s capable, fuel-efficient and it’s got that all-important luxury-brand badge on it. Toss in free scheduled maintenance for four years, and the X1 almost feels like a bargain.
As for the cargo area, you get 420 litres of space with the rear seats up, and 1,350 litres when you fold them down. That’s actually less than in the 3 Series Touring.
How much?
What’s especially interesting about the 2012 X1 is its entry price. It carries a $38,500 MSRP, while our tester includes the $1,490 Premium Package (panoramic sunroof, roof rails, lower-body cladding, auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated wheel) as well as the $950 power seats with driver-side memory, for a total of $40,940. That’s not a bad deal for an all-wheel drive BMW truck... or crossover... or whatever you want to call it.
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| The $38,500 base price is very interesting. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
The only problem is that the bigger X3 is only about $3,500 more.
How about competition? Right now, there aren’t really any similar-sized rivals at Audi and Mercedes-Benz, although the Q3 might eventually make its way to Canada. The MINI Cooper Countryman S ALL4, a cousin of the X1, is about as close as you can get in terms of size, price and turbo 4-cylinder power.
While it’s sad to see the 3 Series Touring likely get the boot in favour of the X1, this little crossover is perfectly sized and perfectly priced for Canada. It’s not very spacious, but it’s capable, fuel-efficient and it’s got that all-important luxury-brand badge on it. Toss in free scheduled maintenance for four years, and the X1 almost feels like a bargain.
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