MOTOR TREND hates us...

[zeevette]

In the long-term test of a 2014 X1-x28, the writer was less than impressed, to say the least. The thing they seemed most upset about, was whether it should be labeled as a SUV, or a wagon. This huge issue means all of us were either confused, or misled into thinking our car is a SUV. Horrors!

[ca318i]

...does it really matters????

[zeevette]

Originally Posted by ca318i

...does it really matters????

Of course not, but this' supposed to be a forum for discussion, so...

[atomic]

Originally Posted by zeevette

In the long-term test of a 2014 X1-x28, the writer was less than impressed, to say the least. The thing they seemed most upset about, was whether it should be labeled as a SUV, or a wagon. This huge issue means all of us were either confused, or misled into thinking our car is a SUV. Horrors!

It is mislabeled as an SUV. It is a hatchback. I guess Americand don't want to spend 40k for a hatchback though thus the SAV misnomer.

[Eric5273]

I don't think it's mislabeled as an SUV. Because of a bad back injury, I cannot sit comfortably in a regular sedan/coupe/hatchback. However, the X1 has a higher seating position like an SUV and I can sit comfortably in it. In a 2/3/4/5 series BMW, you sit with your legs almost straight out in front of you. In the X1 you sit more like in a chair with your legs lower than your body, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Ground clearance in the X1 is 7 inches which is similar to other small SUVs like the RAV4 & CR-V. Most regular coupes/hatchbacks/sedans have around 5 inches ground clearance.

Yes, it's not as tall as an X3 or X5, but it's certainly splits the difference and is over 60" in height. Tell me a hatchback that is taller than 60"??

[atomic]

Originally Posted by Eric5273

I don't think it's mislabeled as an SUV. Because of a bad back injury, I cannot sit comfortably in a regular sedan/coupe/hatchback. However, the X1 has a higher seating position like an SUV and I can sit comfortably in it. In a 2/3/4/5 series BMW, you sit with your legs almost straight out in front of you. In the X1 you sit more like in a chair with your legs lower than your body, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Ground clearance in the X1 is 7 inches which is similar to other small SUVs like the RAV4 & CR-V. Most regular coupes/hatchbacks/sedans have around 5 inches ground clearance.

Yes, it's not as tall as an X3 or X5, but it's certainly splits the difference and is over 60" in height. Tell me a hatchback that is taller than 60"??

Toyota Matrix. It is closer in height to tiny hatchbacks than any SUV. I have my seat all the way back and all the way down. I am lower than a lot of sedans. My legs are straight in front of me. Maybe that is why some of you claim more rear seat room as you have yourself all squashed up.

The standard X1 is 60.8 inches the tiny subcompact hatchback Honda Fit is 60 inches. The M version of the x1 is lower.

[jaeezzy]

Originally Posted by atomic

... The M version of the x1 is lower.

Do you have an official link to this?

Also, when I test drove X1 sdrive18d in X-line trim the ride wasn't anywhere near exciting but now I'm driving the same model on M Sport trim and I feel the engine is more responsive and punchier compared to how I felt in X-line trim. The only difference that I see mentioned officially is the stiffer suspension and the aerodynamics. So, I've been wondering if there's more to M Sport than just the tighter suspension and the aerodynamics.. I have seen other quote that M Sport is lower but can't find anywhere in bmw site where they state this. Even I've read that M Sport trim had higher tuned engine but then again nothing on bmw site..

[HBWT]

NOT a hatchback, IMO. And in the opinion of:
MSN Autos ...SUV
Edmunds ...SUV
KBB ...Crossover
Yahoo Autos ...Crossover
Repeat, NOT a hatchback.

[johninjax]

Read the sticker in the drivers door jamb, it says passenger car. X3,X5, etc. reads MPV.

[fw_fw]

Even BMW classifies the X1 under Cars when it publishes their sales reports, while all other X vehicles are classified as Utility Vehicles/Trucks for regulation purposes.

[nyalpine90]

correct term is SAV and SAC

x3,x4,x5 are SAV
x4 and x6 are SAC

[ScottE]

I believe it was Car and Driver that had the less-than-flattering long-term final review in their latest issue. The only notable positives they called out were the strong 4 cyl engine and the seamless pairing of the 8 sp trans. Other than that, they dinged it for its heavy weight, lumpy ride (with M Sport and 19s), dull hydraulic steering, limited back seat room, and mediocre handling. Funny, since their own Csaba Csere couldn't say a bad thing about it only a little over a year ago.

Oh well, I still love it.

[jkrazy]

Originally Posted by ScottE

mediocre handling. Funny, since their own Csaba Csere couldn't say a bad thing about it only a little over a year ago.

Oh well, I still love it.

"mediocre" compared to what? Every crossover/SUV I've driven has had really poor handling. The X1 drives like a car. The hydraulic steering is a huge plus. Love the road feel without it being too much.

Love the X1. I think the back and front end could use some work but the car itself is perfect for me.

[ScottE]

I think it handles great, too. Especially for what it is. Pulling more than .85g around a skidpad was not a priority for me. The thing feels great up to that point, anyway.

It sounds like they ultimately didn't like it as much as they thought they would. They admitted to piling on too many pricey options that tainted the value proposition, as well... even providing a sidebar that illustrated why they thought the perfect X1 would cost closer to 40K, instead of the near 50K version they were driving.

[zeevette]

Originally Posted by ScottE

I believe it was Car and Driver that had the less-than-flattering long-term final review in their latest issue. The only notable positives they called out were the strong 4 cyl engine and the seamless pairing of the 8 sp trans. Other than that, they dinged it for its heavy weight, lumpy ride (with M Sport and 19s), dull hydraulic steering, limited back seat room, and mediocre handling. Funny, since their own Csaba Csere couldn't say a bad thing about it only a little over a year ago.

Oh well, I still love it.

Yeah, it was C&D. They've gone so green; if it's not a million $$ Porsche hybrid, they're not interested. It's a niche vehicle that happens to be exactly what I needed. It's not as fun as the GTI it replaced, but it's lots easier to ingress/egress, and has a roomier load area.

[Red Bread]

I did find it interesting that their 2.8i xDrive apparently weighed over 3,900 pounds.

[Eric5273]

Originally Posted by atomic

I have my seat all the way back and all the way down. I am lower than a lot of sedans. My legs are straight in front of me. Maybe that is why some of you claim more rear seat room as you have yourself all squashed up.

I'm not all squashed up, I just need an upright seating position or else I get terrible back pain after about 5 minutes of driving. Most of my previous cars were 2 seat sports cars, but I can't drive those anymore due to my bad back.

So when I was shopping for a car, my goal was to get a car that is as close to a sports car as possible, but with the upright seating position.

I guess the seat has a lot of vertical travel. My biggest issue with most regular cars is not that the seat does not go high enough, but I'm 6 ft tall and I would have no head room in most cars with the seat in a higher position. In the X1 I have the seat most of the way up, and still have plenty of head room. I also have the seat most of the way back as well, and the steering wheel is in the highest and most telescoped position. I am very comfortable and have plenty of room, but yes there is not much rear seat room. But that doesn't matter to me. I'd buy a 2 seater if they made something I found comfortable.

I think the X1 is the best bang for the buck in this segment, but there are nicer cars that can be had for more money. If money were no object, I think the Porsche Macan would be calling my name, or maybe even the new GLA45 AMG.

[zero-2-sixty]

Don't forget Car and Driver had an article a few months back testing a sport line xdrive 35i praising the vehicle's hydraulic steering because of good feedback. No real negatives in that article. Automobile mag had good things to say as well.

[zero-2-sixty]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...5i-test-review

Good article on 35i

[NumberSix]

BMW didn't pay Car & Driver as much as other manufacturers

[Kennyboy]

Most car magazines don't even do their own road tests. They just quote the figures given by BMW's official websites. If the website says 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, they will say the same. Car and Driver takes the most steps to do the tests themselves. Notice the new 428i Xdrive gran coupe weighs 3740lbs, and according to BMW goes from 0 to 60 in 5.7 sec. the X1 28i X-drive, weighing 3726 lbs with 5 lbs/ft extra torque, takes the same trip in 6.3 sec. Motor trend gave a 6.4 sec.

[Red Bread]

C&D also listed their 28x as weighing 3,822 with a 0-60 as 6.2. Interestingly, the 4er and the X1 seem to share the same gearing and final drive.