The first time I laid eyes on the BMW X1, I nearly didn't. The car was parked between a BMW 1 Series and an Opel Corsa but I didn't register it as the X1 xDrive 23d that BMW was delivering to us for a road test because it was barely higher than the cars on either side.
I'd been expecting the X1 to be a tall Heffalump, sort of an X3 with a shorter wheelbase.
But this turned out to be no bloated Beemer on stilts - it's more of a Usain Bolt than a sumo wrestler. It's the model designation that's the confusing part as the X1 is built on the new 3 Series station wagon chassis and not the 1 Series as you might expect. Instead of a station-wagon's extended derriere it has an abbreviated hatchback-style bum.
Its 194mm ground clearance is higher than an average car but lower than any serious off-roader, hence the low profile.
So could Kingsley Holgate consider the X1 for his next across-Africa expedition? Not quite; not on those pothole-unfriendly low-profile tyres and no sign of a spare wheel (the X1 rides on run-flats and the boot contentiously holds only a tyre inflator).
The ground clearance and traction aren't actually too bad and the car didn't slip and slide or scrape its nether regions when we attempted a mild 4x4 course of smooth, unrutted dirt with medium hill-climbs.
There are two-wheel drive versions of the X1 but this particular model features an xDrive 4x4 system that automatically apportions the right amount of drive to the wheel that needs it most. It adapts to the terrain and delivers maximum traction whether you're on a twisting tar road, attempting a hill-start or tackling a slippery surface
On top of all that the car has stability and traction control so to skid you really have to be trying hard.
The xDrive 23d is the top-of-the-range model selling for R464 000 and, as if the X1 badge isn't confusing enough, the 23d has nothing to do with engine size. The car's actually powered by BMW's ubiquitous two-litre turbodiesel but one that packs more grunt by having two turbos instead of one. That takes power to a very meaty 150kW - an impressive feat for a two-litre engine - and 400Nm of hill-munching torque.
This puts it a fairly lively spring in its step with negligible turbo lag and the horses start bolting from the barn without much whipping. The smooth and quick-reacting six-speed Steptronic auto gearbox forms a happy partnership with this strong performance.
HEIGHT? NO PROBLEM
At Gauteng altitude we recorded a 0-100km/h time of 8.5sec and a quarter-mile in just over 16sec. That's brisk, but in a dice you'll still be staring at the disappearing tailpipes of a Golf GTi or similar. Given this car's power output, the nine-litre/100km fuel consumption is pretty good, although BMW claims 6.6 is possible.
What I liked best about the X1 was that its driving dynamics gave little hint of its increased ground clearance; even when thrashed through our twisty handling course it displayed no top-heaviness or Heffalump feel. In fact it feels very much like driving a 3 Series, with the same precise handling, chassis tautness and steering accuracy.
The cabin is 3 Series-sized so there's comfortable space for four adults. The design and finishes are presented with typical high-class BMW flair. Equipment levels are generous and, among many others, include cruise control, parking radar, automatic aircon, a CD/MP3 audio system, and an "intelligent key" - you simply touch a door release to lock or unlock the car.
VERDICT
I think BMW has too many crossover models and is sometimes answering questions no one is asking but that's not to say there's anything wrong with the X1.
There isn't much to criticise apart from the lack of a spare wheel and it's a good car with all the requisite BMW-ness in terms of driving pleasure, comfort, safety and solid build. It just has a dash more multi-terrain versatility and all-weather traction than a standard car.
My only quandary is how to classify it. Hmm... how about a 3 Series hatchback wearing hiking boots? - INL Motoring