2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i Review: The Underrated CUV Rocket

The underrated luxury compact crossover.

Pros:

  • 300-hp 3.0L engine
  • Sports Handling
  • Unassuming

Cons:

  • $55,000 as tested
  • Competes with X3 sibling

Unless I’ve been living under a rock and out of the loop (very plausible), I don’t think the 3.0L, 300-hp BMW X1 xDrive35i gets the props it deserves. Granted, the X1 xDrive35i still starts high at $39,900 MSRP CDN (rightfully so; we’re talking German precision here), and my BMW X1 price, as tested here, is $53,150.

2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i rear view
2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i. Photo: Amee Reehal

Yes, over $50k for a premium compact CUV, and most of the market will likely turn to the X1’s older X3 sibling. But that’s my point. Those not concerned with budget but simply seeking a fun, underrated CUV that’s exciting to drive should take a serious look at the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i.

This 2013 BMW X1 finds the Sport Line Package at $1,900, adding black high gloss roof rails, a high gloss shadow line, aluminum trim, and a sports seat. This package also adds 18-inch performance RFT (style 421) wheels, but my BMW X1 here gets blessed with 19-inch M-Performance run flats (style 324) for an extra $1000. Fitted with xDrive – BMW’s all-wheel-drive system – passengers can feel and sound, but it’s the BMW Performance Control setup that shines on the open roads and twisty back roads, where on a bend, the outer wheels have a longer path than the inner; thus, more control at each wheel.

2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i interior front cabin
2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i. Photo: Amee Reehal

The lower-trim X1 xDrive28i has a 2.0L turbo with 241 hp, whereas the X138i is powered by a stellar 3.0L TwinPower Turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine that reaches 100km in just 5.6 seconds. It produces 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb. ft of peak torque at 1,300 rpm up to 5,000 rpm. Hence, there is more-than-necessary-yet-so-awesome power behind the wheel of a “cute-ute.”

So what separates $39,900 from $53,150 (before the extra $2,095 destination charge)? As we know, BMWs can arrive incredibly customized straight from the factory. This particular 2013 BMW X1 has several packages, including the Executive Package ($2,900), Nav + Communication Package ($2,200), Premium Package ($1,500), BMW Apps Package ($300), plus the Sport as mentioned earlier Line Package. Add several stand-alone options; my tester here includes Park Distance Control ($450), Metallic Paint ($800), and the Harman Kardon audio system ($800), to name a few. Shave half these options, pay around $47,000, and get a terrific 3.0L 300-hp compact CUV that’ll get you to the cabin in style and in half the time.

2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i Photos and Specs

Photos: Amee Reehal

SpecificationDetails
Engine3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6
Power300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm
Transmission6-speed automatic
DrivetrainxDrive (AWD)
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)Approximately 5.3 seconds
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)18/27 mpg (13.07/8.71 L/100km) approx.
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Cargo Volume14.8 cu ft (419 L) with all seats in place
Dimensions (L x W x H)176.5 x 70.8 x 60.8 inches (4483 x 1798 x 1544 mm)
Wheelbase108.7 inches (2761 mm)
MSRPStarting at $39,900 USD (as of 2013, without options)
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.