Pouring over the specifications of this little BMW, I found a clear favorite: its length. At just 175.5 inches long, the X1 is actually a smidge shorter than a M240i coupe. And that, more or less, encapsulates the entire attitude of this little Bavarian crossover. Despite being a bit tall and boxy, it’s also agile and amiable, cheerfully going about its job of getting you from point A to B.
It is tall, though. Its roof is more than 5 feet above the ground, which helps avoid any confusion over the X1 being a small sports wagon. You could, however, mistake it for a slightly oversized hatchback. It moves much like one, and the base model is, indeed, front-wheel drive. Get too enthusiastic, however, and another X1 spec rears its ugly head: the 3,713-pound curb weight.
But, no matter, add it all up and you get a roundel-badged starter family ute for the maturing car nerd. The X1 is a vehicle set to handle all the mundane work of adulthood with just enough of that positive response enthusiasts crave. Steering feel falls below Porsche levels, but you get a nice, fat-rimmed wheel, weighted well with no dead spots. Furthermore, the seats support you and feel comfortable. I appreciated the adjustable upper bolsters and squeezed them against my kidneys a touch.
Power from the X1's four-cylinder engine proved adequate, 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; it's never overwhelming, but proved plenty to keep up the pace and get around sauntering traffic. I took it on a couple-hundred-mile road trip and enjoyed the low rpm the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder spun at on the interstate.
While cruising, the cabin was louder than, say, a 7-series, but reasonably quiet overall. I did catch myself having to turn the radio up a considerable amount, but it was never distracting. Critically, the X1 kept me entertained with wireless access to my phone via Apple CarPlay. Not having to get out, find the port, and connect a USB cord proves an important improvement since otherwise I tend to stick with a Bluetooth connection.
Being a grown-up sucks. Responsibilities, bills, the lot of it. The BMW X1 softens the blow of adulthood and allows moments of youth to continue, all the while providing a decent 27.2 mpg, at least it did for me. If you have to be an adult, know you could do worse than the X1 to carry you along the way.
On Sale: now
Base Price: $38,195 As-Tested Price: $48,645
Options: Premium Package, $4,950; Mocha Dakota leather interior, $1,450; Storm Bay Metallic paint, $1,200; adaptive cruise control and active drive assist, $1,000; 19-inch Y-spoke wheels, $600; sport seats, $400; fine wood Fineline Trim, $350; slide and recline rear seat, $300; parking assistant, $200
Powertrain: turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, eight-speed automatic, AWD
Output: 228 hp between 5,000-6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,450-4,500 rpm
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length/Width/Height: 175.5/71.7/62.9 inches
Curb Weight: 3713
Fuel Economy: 23/26/31 mpg (city/highway/combined)
Pros: Composed, effortless transportation; good connectivity
Cons: There’s a bit of sticker shock as our X1 was equipped
