?2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i?
An SAV with more room, efficiency and Technology

BMW has launched its second generation X1 with the all-new BMW X1 xDrive 28i SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) for 2016, which is focused on continuing the sales success of the first generation that had sold 61,974 first generation through June of last year. That focus includes incorporating a roomier interior, greater efficiency and technology on the forefront of innovation.

The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i bows as the exclusive model in the US at launch, and will be powered by a 2.0-liter TwinTurbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW?s new modular engine family, with a maximum output of 228 horsepower, making it the most powerful entry model in the segment. The engine mates to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, gearing energy to an efficiency-optimized version of BMW?s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology that all combine, helping to enhance the sporting ability and ride comfort over last year?s model. This new X1 also showcases its exceptional versatility with an increase in the cargo area and extra interior room with more headroom than before.

The BMW X1?s design cues display a commanding presence with bold proportions and dynamic lines. The overall height has been increased 1.7 inches, for an athletic stance. The large, vertical BMW kidney grille, lower three section air intake and characteristic ?six-eyed? look, formed by the twin round headlights and fog lamps showcase a distinctive face that also now features standard LED Daytime Running Lights with LED headlights available with the Premium Package.

Flared wheel arches and lines converge in an X-shape into the kidney grille, serving up an authoritative presence. Black borders on the body?s lower edge along with the square contour of the wheel cutouts and the volume of the surfaces above them underline the compact X-models? solid structure. The rear apron?s center rises significantly, closely resembling the characteristic element of the front design. Their outline emphasizes the rear end ?s width, with the vertical black aeroblades perfectly mirroring the roof spoiler, for added sportiness.

18-inch run-flat all-season tires with non-run-flat all seasons and a space saver spare available are now offered as a no-cost option. 19-inch run-flat performance tires are optionally available.

As the roomiest vehicle in it class, the BMW X1 blends versatility and functionality. The interior?s horizontal design surface creates an ambience with a generous amount of space that one would expect to find in a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. Controls located in the lower section of the center console are surrounded by high-quality surfaces and appear with a newly designed trim accent bar. The instrument cluster, consisting of two circular instruments and framed by a small binnacle, helps the driver to focus on driving. Power front seats become standard fare and provide a seating position elevated by more than one inch in the front and more than 2.5 inches in the rear over its predecessor. Rear leg room has increased by 1.5 inches in the standard configuration and by up to 2.6 inches with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while accessible storage areas such as the compartment forward of the shifter emphasize the X1?s versatile character.

The rear 40:20:40 split seatbacks allow the three sections to be folded down individually or all together. An optional sliding and reclining rear bench seat with individual elements that can be slid forward or back by up to five inches enhances seating comfort and storage capacity that is adjustable to fit varying needs. The tilt angle of the rear-seat backrest may also be adjusted when fitted with the optional equipment seats to a range from 31 degrees to a near-vertical cargo position of 1 degree. A power-folding feature enables the rear seats to be folded at the touch of a button inside the luggage compartment. Cargo space has been increased by more than 15 percent (based on European measurements).

The standard automatic tailgate operation makes using the X1?s load-carrying capacity even easier, and Comfort Access, offered as part of the Premium Package also includes a hands-free tailgate opening and closing function.

The passenger compartment of the all-new BMW X1 has large door pockets that provide a selection of smaller storage areas. A storage compartment is integrated into the instrument panel on the driver?s side. The front armrest for the driver and front passenger includes an integrated storage compartment as well. There are nets in the backrest of the driver and the front passenger seats and a central armrest with cupholders for the rear. Secure transportation of items is provided by a strap and net in the trunk.

A high quality audio system with 7 speakers is provided as standard, with an optionally available Harman Kardon HiFi system, complete with 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier with 360-watt output.

My test BMW X1 xDrive 28i sported a Glacier Silver metallic exterior and a Mocha Dakota leather interior and came with a base price of $ 34,800. The final price tag amounted to $46,570. After adding the following options ? Cold Weather Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Package, Premium Package, Technology Package, Slide and Recline Rear Seat, Harman Kardon Premium audio system and Destination Charge.

SUMMARY: The compact 2016 BMW X1 xDrive 28i offers the perfect solution for Bimmer fans who don?t need or want a larger, more expensive SAV. It serves up all the same qualities and attributes as its larger stablemates, but in a more manageable size, and for less money. The ride quality is firm, but both comfortable and supportive. Highly satisfying acceleration is delivered instantaneously by the 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with High-Precision Direct Injection, delivering 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm along with 258 pound feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. Motive force reaches the driving wheels, geared through a smoothly shifting Aisen F22 Eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes. The engine comes with an automatic Stop/Start mode for added fuel efficiency, which may be deactivated if so desired.

The standard Servotronic speed-sensitive steering delivers excellent handling characteristics that adapts for lower speed parking ease or higher highway speed stability. The Driving Dynamic Control switch conveniently located on the center console, allows the driver to dial in the desired setting for the scenario at hand, calling up COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode at the touch of a button to appropriately control the responses of the accelerator pedal and steering as well as shift points of the automatic transmission.

The Dynamic Stability Control stability system includes features such as the Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Assist system, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying Braking and Start-Off Assistant and Performance Control. When DSC is deactivated, an electronic locking function for the front axle differential (known as Electronic Differential Lock Control) comes into play. In tight corners the system brakes a spinning wheel as required and ensures that power is diverted to the other wheel.

The BMW ConnectedDrive features now include the newest BMW Head-Up Display, which projects driving-related activities directly onto the windshield. The optional high-resolution 8.8-inch Control Display with touchpad controller will host BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services and provide Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. An optional high-resolution 6.5? screen navigation with BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services, Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is also available.

All in all, this latest entry level SAV from BMW is an ideal choice for a practical, fun to drive, easily maneuverable, versatile package, that will likely prove to be the ?Ultimate Driving Machine? for many BMW devotees.

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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.