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The two-tone interior of the 2019 BMW X1 has a modern vibe.In an era when some car brands are all struggling to create memorable designs, the familiar kidney-shaped grille panels on the BMW X1 are a comfort.
At a glance, the grille promises a premium driving experience, even if you don't know much about the X1, which debuted in 2016. The German auto brand has a lot riding on its cars and SUVs delivering on high customer expectations.
Our tester, provided by BMW for a week of driving on Chattanooga roads, was a fun little runabout. Its 228-horsepower turbocharged engine is a hoot; the X1 whistles from zero-to-60 mph in about 6.3 seconds.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2019 BMW XI 28i xDrive * Exterior color: Sunset orange metallic * Interior color: Oyster/black * Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged * Horsepower: 228 * Transmission: eight-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 31 mpg highway, 22 mpg city * Local Dealer: BMW of Chattanooga * Price: $36,950 (before options)
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is a sensible $2,000 upgrade over two-wheel-drive models. It will help you negotiate sloppy weather and pay for itself at trade-in time.
BMW of Chattanooga, 6806 East Brainerd Road, had 13 X1s in digital inventory late this week.
WHAT IS IT?
The BMW X1 is a four-door, sub-compact luxury SUV that has a modest list price, but can grow expensive with options. The X1 features seating for five and an upscale interior with a modern vibe. Meanwhile, its driving dynamics are first-rate. Chose "eco," "sport" or "comfort" driving modes depending on your mood and the driving conditions. The X1 competes with the Audi Q3, Acura RDX and Lexus NX.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
X1s with all-wheel-drive, such as our tester, start at $36,950. Options are available in packages. The Convenience Package - featuring keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, satellite radio and lumbar support - adds $2,500. The Luxury Package ($1,550) adds real leather and wood trim upgrades. Finally, the Premium Package ($2,450) adds heated seats, navigation and LED headlights.
More Info
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WHAT WE LIKED:
The Sunset Orange paint on our tester (a $550 upgrade) is well worth the money. Think University of Texas orange. We also liked the two-tone oyster-and-black interior and the rich exhaust note. With so many generic SUVs on the market it's a pleasure to drive something with personality. The 50,000-mile or 48-month bumper-to-bumper warranty is also a plus.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:
The X1 can easily drift up past the $40,000 mark, at which point the value proposition begins to blur.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
It's no BMW 3-series sedan, but the X1 injects just enough fun into your work commute to make you forget you're driving a small SUV. Speed-sensitive steering is just heavy enough to show you it means business, and the engine likes to rev. The X1's grip on wet roads last week was impressive.
BOTTOM LINE
There are a lot of cool vehicles in the $40K range these days, but the X1 makes a compelling case for customers who want a small SUV that won't bore them to death, and might even quicken the pulse.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.