2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I've been driving my X1 for about a month now, and can say it's the perfect combo of fun and functionality for me. The 2 liter turbo is wonderfully paired with the 8 speed auto. I've driven stick shifts for the past 20 years, and haven't missed the control of a manual -this auto reads my mind. I was looking for an AWD wagon that was fun to drive, compact, but not cramped. It came down to this and the Subaru Outback, but the Outback was a little too big and soft for me. I said "no" to all the pricey packages, getting ala carte options like heated seats, panoramic moonroof (worth every penny), and some nice wood inlays. The car was about $33k - a real value for such a well built vehicle
The powertrain is great - the car is fast, and the AWD and suspension tuning makes the car fun to drive, very comfy and confidence-inspiring, whatever the weather. The panoramic moonroof is a must-have. Makes the car feel huge inside. I paid extra for the wood inlays, and I find myself admiring them all the time. No Nav - I'd rather have and extra cubby in dash then another screen feeding me info. A portable unit gets it done for $2,000 less. The value - stay away from the packages, and you have an affordable, capable and really wonderful vehicle without breaking the bank. A stripper BMW is better than a loaded anything else IMO. Plus less to break, which can get pricey with German cars
I wish there was a power lift gate. My wife's Odyssey has one, and while it seems like a luxury, it's actually quite useful. Can't get one on an X1. "Sport" button. I drove the new 328, which has the same tranny/engine combo as the X1, and the throttle response when the car is in "sport" mode is downright ferocious - lots of fun. The X1 has "Drive Sport" on the trans which holds gears longer, but it doesn't put the car on full-boil the that button in the 3'er. Rear vents - I drive the kids to school in the morning, and they shiver a bit while the car warms up (while I enjoy my seat heater!) All these are nitpicks - this is great vehicle, one that's really in a class all by itself.