10-22-2012, 09:26 PM | #1 |
Private
11
Rep 53
Posts |
Is the X1 baby friendly?
We've got a baby on the way (our first) & I've been looking at the X1 to replace our current car, a Mini Cooper S. I test drove the X1 and was pretty pleased with it -- I mean it's a different experience than driving a Mini, but I thought it handled really well.
I keep hearing that babies & their accessories take up lots of room (stroller, diapers, car seats, etc), and I know the X1's cargo space is a bit smaller than, say, a Tiguan or Q5, so that's a point of consideration. Can anyone confirm whether the X1 is baby friendly? Is the cargo space perfectly adequate & manageable? & (in case we end up having a 2nd) does anyone use the X1 to carry around two toddlers? |
10-22-2012, 09:36 PM | #2 |
Lucky13
219
Rep 1,765
Posts |
A car seat fits behind the passenger side with no problem but it wouldn't work behind the driver seat when I'm driving but I'm 6'2". Our stroller fits behind the seats. I'm basing this on a 10 month old with the seat facing rearward.
__________________
1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-23-2012, 06:56 AM | #4 |
Private First Class
16
Rep 195
Posts |
Im 5'9 and I have two kids that fit comfortably in car seats behind both front seats. I think it works great, and Im coming from an X5. You can recline the back seats too which is nice.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-23-2012, 09:11 AM | #5 |
New Member
0
Rep 8
Posts |
It's fine for front facing seats. Rear facing seats are a challenge. I'm 6'0" and my wife is 5'6" and both of us are uncomfortable sitting in the passenger seat with a rear facing carseat installed. Currently we have arguably the smallest available convertible seat in there rear facing, the Combi Coccoro, and it barely allows some reasonable room in front. A graco snug ride makes the passenger seat unfeasible.
Bottom line, if you have an infant/small toddler and need a large rear facing car seat, the X1 is cramped at best. If you have an older child who can sit in a front facing seat, the car is fine. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-23-2012, 08:11 PM | #6 |
Colonel
440
Rep 2,529
Posts |
X1 is a bit cramped in the rear (not much bigger than the previous gen 3 series). The trunk is smallish so once a stroller goes in there, you don't have a lot of room left (X3 has a bit more cargo room, but not much). The X1 does not have vents in the rear (not sure if that matters to you)
Also, given that the X1 is E90 based, it rides a lot stiffer... will baby be comfortable with a rock hard suspension? I see that you're already looking at the larger Q5 .. so give the X3 a shot (it is cheaper than the audi still). The Tiguan is probably in a similar size class as the X1. My wife and I are pretty much decided on getting another X3 as well .. but if you want another option, take a look at the 2013 RDX V6.. equivalent size, cheaper than the X3, more power and way more comfortable (uses some kind of specially valved adaptive dampeners) |
Appreciate
0
|
10-23-2012, 10:31 PM | #7 |
Private
11
Rep 53
Posts |
Thanks for the advice. It sounds like what I'm hearing is that it might be do-able, but it'll be pretty snug (at least for as long as a rear-facing seat, and/or a stroller is required). That's a good point about the suspension, I hadn't thought of that.
I'd rather avoid going for something as big as a Q5 or X3, though, if I can... & I take some comfort from the fact that Lucky13 and 36Joules are managing to make it work... So here's a question -- would you be able to pack for a week-long trip with the baby (with stroller, a couple of suitcases etc) in the X1 or would that *really* be tight? I guess I don't really know how much space strollers take up! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2012, 07:12 AM | #8 | |
First Lieutenant
75
Rep 318
Posts |
Quote:
I think it depends, to be honest. I have a four month right now and he fits fine in the middle (which is the safest place for the car seat). I'll try to take photos of my setup and I'll throw in the stroller in the trunk for demonstration. You can always get a roof mounted cargo holder too if you need more space to put stuff in. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2012, 09:56 AM | #9 |
New Member
3
Rep 12
Posts |
Mr T-Man I am also coming from a Cooper S (2009 lease return). I just picked up our X1 last night and our first baby is arriving in January. I work for the MINI/BMW group and was really contemplating a Countryman ALL4 but the X1 worked better for overall space and we've wanted a smaller BMW SUV since selling our 2007 X3 last year.
Best of luck with the little one. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2012, 03:04 PM | #10 |
Lucky13
219
Rep 1,765
Posts |
theTonus, you had almost the exact cars as my family, 2007 X3, 2010 Clubman S and 2013 X1. We looked at the Countryman S but its slightly underpowered and overpriced and didn't have that much more room especially behind the seats.
__________________
1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2012, 04:59 PM | #11 |
Lieutenant
277
Rep 515
Posts |
Joining this thread because I am also contemplating an X1 as a baby hauler. We are not the tallest people so hoping a rear facing convertable car seat like the Radion with the angle adjuster would work.
Mr T Man regarding space I think it depends a lot on what you choose, strollers can vary a lot in size. I'll tell you buying a stroller and car seat can be as involved as car buying, so many sizes and options to choose from. We haven't gone on a trip but do carry around a stroller, bunch of stuff, and groceries in the E90 M3 trunk. And since the baby is used to that car I'm not worried about the x1 m sport suspension being an issue, ymmv |
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2012, 10:52 PM | #12 |
Private
8
Rep 54
Posts |
I agree I have a 14 month old and a 9 year old I think there is plenty of room maybe a little crowded if you are traveling but you will do fine . I test drove an x1 tonight I'm so close to ordering one
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2012, 08:04 PM | #13 |
Lieutenant
277
Rep 515
Posts |
I'm beginning to wonder if it would actually be okay without the air vents for the back seats. We have needed the rear vents for AC during the summer and over all aird circulation which is weak enough on the E90 that I'm concerned that without any vents it would be terrible for the baby
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2012, 09:50 PM | #14 |
Lucky13
219
Rep 1,765
Posts |
It has air vents which are under the seats just not in the center console.
__________________
1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-27-2012, 06:27 PM | #15 |
Colonel
213
Rep 2,110
Posts |
I too am contemplating an X1 with a little one. Gotta be realistic regarding the cargo capacity of this car though: Infants and toddlers require ALOT of stuff, especially for weekend trips. Stroller which varies greatly in size, bags, play yards and the kitchen sink! Add two or three passengers, and your packed in like sardines.
Personally, I would only get an X1 with two infants / toddlers if we had something larger for our other car. There is nowhere near enough space for me. So this means my wife will get a highlander and I will get the X1 when my lease is up
__________________
2015 335xi | Mineral Grey Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | NAV | SportLine | ZPP | ZDA | ZCW | Munich Build Retired: 2008, 2011, 2013 328xi |
Appreciate
0
|
10-30-2012, 09:21 PM | #16 |
Private
11
Rep 53
Posts |
Thanks for all the feedback. I'm still a little apprehensive about whether the X1 is large enough... but the reality is that we don't drive around *that* much, nor do we go on road trips all that often... I'm used to trying to squeeze things into a Mini -- I imagine I'll be able to find ways to squeeze things into an X1.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-30-2012, 10:30 PM | #17 | |
New Member
0
Rep 5
Posts |
Quote:
Good Luck! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-31-2012, 12:07 AM | #18 |
Private First Class
40
Rep 163
Posts |
We have a 11 month old baby and have recently traded the wife's 118D hatch for the X1 as the hatch was too small and uncomy if we all jumped in. I'm 6ft and comfortably fit in the X1 and there is still plently of room for shopping once the stroller and baby bag is loaded in which we could never do in the 118d. The X1 obviously sits a little higher which makes it so much easier to get your bay in and out of. The suspenions compared to our 118d M Sport is so smooth and soft and i certainly would not consider it harsh / hard.
Anyway i hope that helps. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-18-2012, 02:36 PM | #19 |
Enlisted Member
6
Rep 30
Posts |
I'm also jumping in as the wife and I are considering an X1 for our upcoming first child. I drove one yesterday and thought it'd be roomy enough - better than small sedan or small hatch, but not as roomy as a bigger SUV. I think it'd be good and I'm glad to hear people are having success - but I picture myself getting frustrated trying to pack for a weekend trip . . .
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|