2017 BMW X1 xDrive 28i

Date: May, 2016

Mileage: 4,780

This 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i arrived in our long-term fleet 2-months ago, just as warmer weather was also arriving. So quickly, we shed its winter boots for these Bridgestone Potenzas. And since we wanted to get the full X1 experience; we chose to add just about every option package to our long-termer, far more than most buyers will select. And, we’re sure enjoying every one of them, especially the M Sport Package, but it did push this little ute’s price close to 50G’s.

The 2.0-liter I4 turbo has some serious guts, but sometimes is a little laggy in delivering them to you. Mileage is off to a good start at 27.7 miles-per-gallon of Premium. But summer drive time is just kicking in full, so stay tuned to see where the X1 takes us this year.

Date: June, 2017

Mileage:12,769

Speaking of miles, our 2017 BMW X1 has seen 12,000 of them pass beneath its 19-inch alloys; working hard this summer, to help us avoid work. Log book comments include “lots of fun to drive” and “surprisingly useful interior.”

Two gripes so far: despite a very good 29.2 miles-per- gallon, some felt throttle response from the 2.0-liter turbo and 8-speed auto laggy; and after spending a sun-filled day in the saddle, one driver noted that even with the shade closed, the panoramic moon roof lets in too much heat.

Well-done domes aside, our first 5–months with the X1 have been as much fun as we hoped.

Date: November, 2017

Mileage:15,600

All the leaves may be brown, and the sky gray; but our 2017 Estoril Blue BMW X1 has helped stave off the Autumn blues. 

Sharing a platform with Mini, means the X1 is one fun to drive small ute. And, have we ever been driving; tacking another 3,600–miles onto the odo this go-around. 

Like the Mini Cooper, its handling prowess comes with a stiffer ride than most rivals. And, we do wish the front seat bottoms were bigger.

During our first 5-months, we’ve heard few complaints about the xDrive28i’s 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo, which has returned a good 29.9 miles-per-gallon. 

It won’t be long, and we’ll be seeing just how well the xDrive drives us through winter weather.

Date: January, 2018

Mileage:16,300

We’ve put 16,300-miles on it since last spring, as it never seems to sit still for long; despite some recent negative comments that have crept into our log book.

One driver found the ride overly stiff, and handling more darty than good.  Though clearly he’s a lone wolf on that one; as most of us find the driving experience as simply delightful. 

While the ride is firm, it is compliant and seldom harsh. Perhaps more padding in the seats would help for long trips. But, the X1 certainly makes commuting and lunchtime errands pure fun. 

All while delivering a good 29.3 miles-per-gallon, with its 2.0-liter turbo-4 and 8-speed automatic combo. 

Date: March, 2018

Mileage: 23,000

Time marches on and the miles are piling up on our 2017 BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle.  Make that, 11-months in, and 23,000-miles of “activity”.

Winter weather has been almost snowless around here, so we haven’t really put the new winter tires to a proper test. 

But one recent logbook entry just about perfectly summed up the diminutive X1; “just a great car, useful, fun to drive, perfect size.” 

Add a good 29.1 miles-per-gallon average into the mix, from the very responsive 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4; and you’ve got a great overall package. 

A few find the ride overly stiff, and there are complaints about entry-level interior materials; but we’re a hard crew to please. Most, however, are also at a loss at picking anything in the X1’s class they enjoy driving more. 

Date: May, 2018

Mileage: 25,179

 

Our BMW X1 is making its final trek down our driveway and we’ll miss this entry-level Sports Activity Vehicle a lot. 

Final tallies are 25,179-miles over 12-months, averaging 28.8 miles-per-gallon, well over the government’s combined rating of 25. 

That’s perhaps most surprising as we weren’t especially gentle with it, mostly driving it the way BMW intended.

It’s not the best looking utility out there, and the interior is certainly more basic than luxury; but when it comes to driving, few crossovers can hang with the X1. 

We had no mechanical faults, and no trips to the dealer that weren’t scheduled maintenance related; making our time with the X1 as stress free as it was fun.