When BMW launched the first-generation X1 in 2009, it didn’t make many buddies. It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t low. And it definitely wasn’t fairly. In truth, to a lot of the BMW devoted, the E84 X1 was a little bit of a monstrosity. Right here was a model identified for sport sedans and chic touring wagons providing up what appeared like a lifted 3 Sequence wagon carrying orthopedic footwear. BMW known as it a “Sports activities Exercise Car,” however to many, it appeared like a confused compromise.
And but, beneath that oddball shell, the X1 xDrive35i was one of the crucial sincere, entertaining, and enthusiast-friendly vehicles BMW bought that decade. The world simply didn’t notice it.
Constructed on a 3 Sequence, Not a Crossover Platform
Constructed on the E91 3 Sequence Touring platform, the E84 X1 shared extra than simply bones with top-of-the-line chassis BMW ever made. It inherited the identical rear-wheel-drive structure, the identical multi-link rear suspension, and most significantly, the identical driving DNA. At its core, it was a 3 Sequence carrying mountain climbing boots. That meant the proportions had been tight, the steadiness was pure, and the dealing with—regardless of the marginally greater trip top—nonetheless carried that unmistakable BMW character.
A Correct BMW Engine The place You’d Least Anticipate It
The highest-dog xDrive35i model made it even higher. BMW dropped within the N55B30, a 3.0-liter single-turbo inline-six with direct injection and variable valve timing. It made 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and it pulled like a freight practice from simply 1,300 rpm all through 5,000. That broad, flat torque curve gave the X1 a shove off the road that stunned most individuals. Regardless of being a lifted wagon, it may dash to 60 mph in simply over 5 seconds—sooner than many sports activities vehicles of its period. The six-speed computerized transmission was easy and well-tuned, and in an age the place BMW’s dual-clutch and eight-speed models had been nonetheless maturing, the normal torque converter setup labored superbly.
Rear-Biased Dealing with That Nonetheless Feels RWD
However numbers solely inform a part of the story. What made the X1 xDrive35i so particular was the way it drove. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system, not like most techniques within the compact crossover phase, was rear-biased. Underneath regular situations, it despatched energy to the rear wheels, protecting the entrance axle principally passive till traction loss known as it into motion. That rear-drive really feel gave the automotive a way of function by way of corners that few crossovers ever handle. Flip off stability management, and the little X1 would even cling its tail out in a slide—one thing no small SUV must be able to, and but right here we’re.
One among BMW’s Final Nice Steering Racks
Much more spectacular was the steering. BMW’s Servotronic variable-assist steering was optionally available on the X1. And in the event you didn’t verify that field, you bought one thing that no trendy BMW provides anymore: a correct hydraulic steering rack. Not electrical, not drive-by-wire, however actual, old-school hydraulic energy steering. The type that talks again by way of your fingertips. The type that builds weight as you load up the entrance tires and provides you suggestions you possibly can really belief. The type BMW was well-known for. And the E84 X1 was one of many final vehicles within the lineup to supply it.
No Drive Modes, Simply Sincere Tuning
This wasn’t a automotive you adjusted by way of modes. There was no Consolation, Sport, or Sport+. No adaptive suspension, no configurable throttle maps, no digital damping. The suspension was tuned as soon as, appropriately, and left alone. That gave the X1 a trip that felt assured and composed with out being overcomplicated. It soaked up damaged pavement with out flinching however stayed buttoned-down in corners. The simplicity made it really feel extra mechanical—extra related—than a lot of its extra superior successors.
Sensible, Fast, and Surprisingly Enjoyable
In fact, it had flaws. The rear seat was a bit tight. The appears had been polarizing at finest. And its barely taller stance didn’t do it any favors on backroads with sharper elevation adjustments. However these quirks light into the background when you discovered a twisty street and let the automotive stretch its legs. It could have appeared like a crossover designed to chase gross sales, however the best way it drove informed a distinct story. This was a 3 Sequence with extra floor clearance and fewer excuses.
The $12,000 Secret BMW Received Proper
What makes all of this much more absurd is the worth. At the moment, you will discover a clear, low-mileage 2015 BMW X1 xDrive35i for round $12,000. That’s $12K for a turbocharged inline-six, one of many final hydraulic steering racks BMW ever made, a rear-drive chassis with all-wheel-drive backup, and acceleration that might embarrass some trendy sports activities vehicles. For lower than the worth of a used Honda CR-V, you will get a automotive that also feels prefer it was constructed throughout BMW’s golden years.
The E84 X1 xDrive35i is a kind of uncommon vehicles that makes extra sense now than it did when it was new. On the time, it confused individuals. However in hindsight, it would’ve been one in every of BMW’s finest unintended hits. It snuck in on the tail finish of the analog period, earlier than steering really feel was tuned out, earlier than drive modes changed tuning, and in the beginning needed to be digitally configurable. It simply drove effectively, full cease.
If you happen to’re the type of one who nonetheless values how a automotive feels—the way it reacts to your arms and toes, the way it communicates by way of the wheel and chassis—the E84 X1 xDrive35i must be in your radar. It may not appear to be a lot. However drive one, and also you’ll get it.
And for twelve grand? You’ll be laughing all the best way to redline.
