2013 BMW X1 xDrive 35i Review

Warning: it boogies!
The X1 struck fear in many BMW enthusiast’s hearts when it was introduced in 2011 as a 2012: many assumed that it signaled the end of the 3 Series wagon, but it was not. Then came the 3 Series GT and more fear, but still no end to the delightful wagon.

Highly popular, the BMW X1 quickly became an alternative to the perennial 3 Series. The fact is there is no less expensive way to get behind the wheel of an AWD BMW with more powerful engines than in a 2013 X1.

The X1 xDrive35i may be one of the fastest, certainly most unassuming, luxury German vehicle for $40,000. My issues with the 2013 X1 are essentially limited to its shape as the drive is beyond impressive as is fit and finish, and luxury levels.

What is a BMW X1?
The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW’s collection of crossover vehicles. This once niche category continues to expand and shows great potential for the near future as a conquest segment.

The X1’s lineup gains one new trim; more precisely, a new engine that transforms the BMW crossover from friendly to monstrous with the simple addition of a new powertrain.

The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW’s collection of crossover vehicles. (Photo: BMW)
Technicalities
The 2013 BMW X1 features a gem of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Its 241 hp are strong and healthy. The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW’s superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 4-pot’s transmission gets an 8-speed, while the 6 gets the same number of gears. All BMW X1s include BMW’s xDrive intelligent AWD system. Steering is managed by good, old hydraulics.

A base 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i sports a $36,900 sticker price while stepping up to the xDrive35i requires $39,900. As tested, my 35i with options (Executive and xLine packages) retailed for $52,100.

The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW’s superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: BMW)
Driving the BMW X1
I keep blabbing about how BMWs no longer drive like BMWs. I touch on it in a number of my reviews, including the one on the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, but as I state: the car is still fantastic.

Not quite as dedicated to clawing at the tarmac as a 3 Series, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i can still make way at a stunning pace. The 3.0T has gobs of power -- it’s almost mind-blowing. As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly.

With a gentle stab at the brake pedal, the X1’s forward momentum is cancelled. As with all BMW products, the X1’s road manners are just about flawless. It’ll hug, it’ll glide, and everything in between without ever struggling.

The “good, old” hydraulic steering is surprisingly heavy at first, especially at low speeds, but the weight evens out beautifully at speed. I would suggest BMW increase power assistance at low speeds if only to improve maneuverability in tight spaces.

By week’s end, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i fuel consumption averaged at 11.5L/100 km.

As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly. (Photo: BMW)
Inside and out of the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1’s shell is where my love for it turns to like. The profile or side view disturbs the eye to a point that even the hottest 19” M wheels do little to improve its looks. Despite this, the simple fact that it wears the right crest makes it all OK.

The X1’s innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. Fit and finish are also to BMW standards.

Some of the controls in the lower portion of the center stack are smallish; however, the 2013 BMW X1’s HMI controller holds not only a level of simplicity but the majority of the required commands for comfort and entertainment.

The xLine package brings with it specific terrific touches such as Oyster Nevada leather with orange and black piping. The seats are firm and comfortable, but short on lateral support. The rear bench serves a pair of anything, and the X1’s overall dimensions limit the trunk.

The X1’s innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. (Photo: BMW)
Comparing the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i is hugely compelling, especially because of its performance and drive. It will reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds! A more powerful-on-paper Infiniti EX37 takes 0.3 seconds more. Seriously, with a little weight reduction and some slicks, the X1 xDrive35i could be a drag-strip monster.

In the real world, the X1 must tackle the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3, the Land Rover LR2 and to a lesser extent, the Volkswagen Tiguan. In this lineup, the Bimmer needs little encouragement as it holds its own very well.

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2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe Review

Grand in more ways than one
The idea of a four-door coupe may be lost on some, but not on BMW. Somehow, they’ve managed to design a vehicle that’s cavernous inside but feels small and nimble on the road. From long sweeping lines to tight, taut handling, the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is just that: Grand.

There’s another thing that’s quite grand about the 650i, and that’s its price tag. However, in my mind, BMW justified the numbers (and there are many) attached to the Gran Coupe. While it is quite a large vehicle (stretching nearly 16 ft in length), it’s the attention to detail that really dragged me into the luxurious stronghold that is the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe.

What is the BMW 650i Gran Coupe?
BMW’s 6 Series is a coupe model, and first hit North American soil in the ‘70s. Available as a two-door and later, a convertible, the 6 Series was, and still is, seen as the sportier brother to the 7 Series. Larger in size and with ample power, the 6 Series is the sporty businessman’s vehicle of choice.

It wasn’t until its third iteration that the BMW 6 Series gained an extra pair of doors to rival the likes of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. The Gran Coupe four-door model was first seen in 2012.

Technicalities
While there are a few engine choices available in Europe, we only get one here in Canada for 2013, but at least it’s a very good power source. The 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe features a TwinPower Turbo V8 that pumps out a glorious 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. One hundred from a standstill happens in just 4.8 seconds. The power in the 650i Gran Coupe is fluid and always there.

Turbo lag is nearly non-existent and the 8-speed sports automatic transmission is a joy to manipulate. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer more control, but I rarely used them as the transmission is that quick to respond and functional on its own.

The 2013 BMW 650i starts at $98,800. At the top of the 6 Series lineup sits the M6 Gran Coupe for $127,900. Where does the 650i Gran Coupe fit in? Well, it sits pretty at $99,800 -- to start. BMWs are highly customizable and are made to order. As such, my tester’s price rose to a dramatic $131,100 after various packages for seats, sound, and technology were added.

The 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe features a TwinPower Turbo V8 that pumps out a glorious 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)
Driving the BMW 650i Gran Coupe
For a vehicle weighing somewhere in the 4,500lb range, the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is quite light on its feet. I expected to feel as if I was piloting a small land yacht; instead, I felt like I was behind the wheel of a slightly fatter 3 Series. That’s the thing about BMWs; they really are driver’s cars (no matter how big the backseat is).

I’ll admit, the nose on the 650i Gran Coupe was a little stretched out for my liking (I paid close attention when parking near curbs, etc.). However, as far as handling, cornering and acceleration were concerned, the 650i is an absolute joy to drive -- and the bark from the dual exhaust will keep you coming back for more.

Visibility in the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe isn’t the best as the rear window has quite a severe angle; however, the available backup camera will help with that.

For a vehicle weighing somewhere in the 4,500lb range, the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is quite light on its feet. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)
Inside and out of the BMW 650i Gran Coupe
There’s no denying that the 650i Gran Coupe is a big beast of a car. I adore the recessed, angel-eye headlights and bulbous, ferocious nose of the front fascia. A traditional kidney grille and sporty front lip complete the intimidating look that ensures traffic parts in your wake. The coupe line is stunning on the 650i Gran Coupe. Four-door vehicles that can wear the coupe line so well without looking awkward always intrigue me, and the 650i is one such vehicle.

Here’s where the little things come to light: From subtle “Gran Coupe” branding below the rear side windows (integrated into the door frame) to “BMW LED” branding in the headlamps, BMW really took a fine-tooth designing comb to the 650i.

Space in the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is ample front and back, and standard fare is present in terms of amenities (iDrive, heated seats, privacy screens in the rear, Bluetooth, etc.).

I adore the recessed, angel-eye headlights and bulbous, ferocious nose of the front fascia. A traditional kidney grille and sporty front lip complete the intimidating look that ensures traffic parts in your wake. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)
Comparing the BMW 650i Gran Coupe
As mentioned above, the 650i Gran Coupe was released to compete directly with the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. As far as a grand touring saloon goes, I’m not sure the BMW is at the top of the pack; however, when it comes to sporty driving dynamics the BMW has it in the bag.

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