2011 BMW X1

What's New for 2011

The 2011 BMW X1 is an all-new compact crossover that slots under the X3 in the company's model lineup.

Introduction

Car shoppers looking for a fun-to-drive luxury vehicle that also boasts decent utility will have an all-new option early next year: the 2011 BMW X1 compact crossover. The X1 is smaller than the current X3 (which is due for a redesign) but is still related to both the 1 Series and 3 Series. This should give it the same impressive handling abilities of those cars. Also contributing to the X1's agile demeanor is its significantly lower overall height (and center of gravity) than most rival compact crossovers.

The price paid for the X1's trick combination of more maneuverable size and a reasonably accommodating rear seat is cargo space. With the rear seats up, the X1 has 14.7 cubic feet and 47.7 cubes with them down. The X3 rates 30 and 71 cubes, respectively.

In terms of powertrains, all U.S.-market X1s will be all-wheel drive (aka "xDrive") variants and will be powered by the 3.0-liter 230-horsepower inline-6 used in other BMW vehicles. This makes its official name the BMW X1 xDrive28i. Notably, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel is expected to become available for 2012 and will make 174 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. That low-revving workhorse should also deliver impressive fuel economy.

If our first drive of an X1 with the turbodiesel is any indication, those who require responsive, entertaining dynamics in their crossover SUV won't be left wanting. What you lose in driving fun with the X3, you gain back here in the X1. And with a reportedly more compliant suspension setup than the X3, the X1's ride is supposedly not too tough to take either.

Check back later for a full review of the 2011 BMW X1 with additional driving impressions and buying advice.