State-of-the-Art Interior Functionality

The higher seating position and driver-centric cockpit design add to the intense driving experience. This layout also provides convenient entry and gives the driver a commanding view of the road. High-quality materials and striking surface textures, plus iDrive for models equipped with an optional navigation system, all reflect the premium-class quality of the BMW X1. Expressive graphic elements, extensive trim panelling and dynamic styling create a sporty, youthful aura in the BMW X1. Horizontal lines give the instrument panel a layered look which continues into the door trim, accentuating the width of the instrument panel as well as the general sense of spaciousness. The center control styling creates a clear demarcation between the driver's and front passenger's areas.

The rear offers three full-size seats. One or more sections of the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seatback can be lowered to increase luggage capacity from 420 right up to 1,350 liters (14.8 to 47.6 cu. ft). At the detail level, functionality is further enhanced by a wide range of trays, cupholders and stowage compartments.

The Engine: New Benchmark in Efficiency and Dynamism

BMW X models offer their own distinctive interpretation of typical BMW driving pleasure. The BMW X1 xDrive28i combines this special driving experience with efficiency that is unrivalled in this power class. As a result, this new BMW X1 model offers sporty power delivery of a kind that was previously confined to six-cylinder engines - but combines it with outstanding fuel consumption and emissions performance.

It's all down to the latest-generation 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which sets new standards with its various innovative technologies.

The BMW X1 xDrive28i's powerplant achieves the twofold goal of BMW EfficientDynamics in impressive style: it continuously raises the bar on driving pleasure, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. With a displacement of 1,997 cc and world-exclusive BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, incorporating twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC, it delivers maximum power of 245 hp at 5,000 rpm - 74 hp more than the previous top-powered BMW 2.0-liter petrol engine.

First Application of BMW TwinPower Turbo in a Four-Cylinder Engine

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology gives the new four-cylinder engine the sort of power which naturally aspirated engines can only achieve through more cylinders and substantially larger displacement. The four-cylinder engine with its all-aluminum crankcase, including a motor sport-derived bedplate, is lighter and more compact than a six-cylinder engine of equivalent power.
This has direct benefits for the efficiency of the BMW X1 xDrive28i and also, thanks to the reduced front axle load, for agility.

The new engine offers more torque, too, than the previous naturally aspirated engines. Rated torque of 258 lb-ft (350 Newton meters), which comes on stream at just 1,250 rpm, ensures very good low-end response. The vigorous power delivery, from only slightly above idling, is a very seductive feature of this new engine, and the power climbs steadily all the way to the upper area of the load range. The new BMW X1 xDrive28i has a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 5.9 seconds (6.3 seconds with automatic transmission). These times are an improvement of 0.7 seconds and 0.3 seconds respectively on those for the previous model with six-speed automatic transmission. The new BMW X1 xDrive28i hits a top speed of 149 mph.

The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system. The exhaust streams leaving the two pairs of cylinders are kept completely separate as they flow through the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, taking a spiral path to the turbine wheel. This configuration results in very low exhaust back pressure at low engine rpm, and allows the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be optimally managed and translated into powerful rotation of the turbine blades, without a response delay. The result is instant throttle reaction and typical BMW fast-revving performance.

VALVETRONIC, Double-VANOS and Direct Injection

The fully cylinder head-integrated VALVETRONIC variable valve control system, and the double-VANOS variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, have a further positive impact on power development. The BMW X1 xDrive28i engine features assembled intake and exhaust camshafts and a latest-generation VALVETRONIC system which is even faster-acting thanks to an optimized stepper motor with integrated sensor.

The new engine's unusually high efficiency, for a turbocharged unit, is also down to the High Precision Injection petrol direct-injection system. Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion. The cooling effect of the injected fuel also results in a higher compression ratio than on turbocharged naturally aspirated engines. This results in further efficiency improvements.

The efficiency theme continues with a computer-controlled oil pump and an on-demand electric coolant pump. Also, the new BMW X1 xDrive28i is specified as standard with a six-speed manual transmission with Auto Start-Stop function. This system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle stops at crossroads or is sitting in stationary traffic in order to prevent unnecessary idling and wasteful use of fuel.

Optional Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The BMW X1 xDrive28i is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optionally, the power can be managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Innovative gear train design makes this transmission comparable in size and weight to the previous six-speed automatic transmissions. The additional ratios provide an appreciable improvement in driving comfort, sporty performance and efficiency. Also optional are a sports leather steering wheel and an M leather steering wheel, which both come with shift paddles which allow the driver to operate the transmission manually yet still keep both hands on the wheel. In typical M style, the right-hand paddle is used for changing up and the left-hand paddle for changing down.

Best-in-Segment Agility, Thanks to BMW xDrive

A variable drive power split between the front and rear wheels, courtesy of the new BMW X1 xDrive28i's standard-fitted BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, results in improved agility - and confident traction away from unsurfaced roads. Via a transfer case with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, xDrive finely controls the drive power in line with changing conditions, always sending the right amount of power to the axle whose wheels have the best grip.

The permanent all-wheel-drive system is integrated with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and with the engine management. Wheel slip is detected at the very first signs by sensors at the wheels. The system then responds with split-second speed by varying the drive split to efficiently correct under- and oversteer at the earliest possible stage. During cornering, more drive power is sent to the rear axle to improve manoeuvrability and prevent understeer.

High-Performance Suspension Technology

The agile, precise, confident handling of the BMW X1 xDrive28i is a direct result of its high-performance suspension technology and a very robust body structure. The double-joint spring-strut thrust bar axle at the front and the five-arm rear axle provide an optimal combination of ride quality and sporty handling. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering system comes with precise power assistance.

In part, the BMW X1 owes its extreme torsional rigidity to intelligent use of high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steels. Material choices, and the positioning and geometry of struts, braces and other supporting members, are designed for maximum crashworthiness, while also optimizing weight and agility. Front and side airbags along with side curtain head airbags for the front and rear rows of seats are standard specification. Three-point inertia-reel belts are standard on all seats, with belt force limiters and belt latch tensioners at the front.

The BMW X1's standard twin round headlights also feature daytime running lights. The optional bi-xenon headlights incorporate sidelights and daytime running lights. They are combined at the rear with LED fibre optic technology which makes the L-shape of the tail-light clusters stand out even more strikingly. Further options for the BMW X1 include High-Beam Assistant, a rain sensor and Adaptive Headlights, which swivel in line with the steering angle.

Optional Equipment

The everyday practicality, driving pleasure and comfortable touring qualities which are hallmarks of the BMW X1 can be expanded even further by a range of top-quality optional equipment features. Roof rails, a storage compartment package and a tow bar with removable ball head provide additional transport capacity. Interior customization options include sports seats, seat heating, an interior lights package and the large panorama glass roof. The powerful and efficient automatic climate control system offers a choice of five different climate control modes and maintains a pleasant temperature inside the vehicle at all times of year and in all weather conditions. The standard-fitted audio system includes six speakers, a CD drive and an AUX-IN connection for external audio devices. Optionally, MP3 players and other data or music storage devices can be integrated in the in-car entertainment system via a USB interface.

BMW X1 models equipped with the Business or Professional navigation system also feature the new-generation iDrive operating system with centre console-mounted Controller and direct selection buttons, functional bookmark buttons below the climate control panel and a 6.5- or 8.8-inch Control Display. A wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from
BMW ConnectedDrive are also available. To supplement the optional sensor-equipped Park Distance Control system, a further maneuvering aid can be specified - the optional rear-view camera. BMW ConnectedDrive also offers in-car internet access and innovative solutions for the integration of smartphones and external music players.

The optional apps from BMW ConnectedDrive offer an attractive extension of the range of infotainment features in the BMW X1 as well. With this special option Apple iPhone users can download free software from the Apple App Store that allows them to select internet radio stations from around the world using the iDrive system or to have the latest posts from their personal Facebook or Twitter account shown on the car's Control Display. In addition, the online services allow standardized messages to be sent from the car. Additional apps and functions are set to follow in the future.

M Sports Package for the BMW X1

Simultaneously with the market launch of the new BMW X1 xDrive28i in spring 2011, an M Sports package will make its debut in this series. It will be available for all engine versions of the compact BMW X model and comprises suspension, exterior and interior components specially developed for this model. These features further enhance the vehicle's sporty and agile driving qualities and give them a distinctive visual dimension as well. They include sports suspension calibration and 17-inch double-spoke M alloy wheels for even sharper driving dynamics. Alternatively, the M Sports package can be supplied with 18-inch double-spoke M alloy wheels.

The M Sports package for the BMW X1 also features an M Aerodynamics package, door sills with the "M" logo and BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and roof rails. Also available in conjunction with the M Sports package are the metallic exterior paint colors Alpine White, Le Mans Blue, Sapphire Black, Space Grey, Vermillion Red and Mineral White.

Sports seats upholstered in cloth/alcantara, an M leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction buttons and an M footrest for the driver add to the driving pleasure when the BMW X1 is equipped with the M Sports package. The high-end sporty theme is capped off by a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, dark cross-brushed aluminum interior trim, the M gearshift lever for vehicles with six-speed manual transmission and a leather handbrake lever gaiter.

BMW X1 xDrive28i: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications