When BMW launched the first-generation X1 in 2009, it didn’t make many mates. It wasn’t modern. It wasn’t low. And it definitely wasn’t fairly. In truth, to a lot of the BMW trustworthy, the E84 X1 was a little bit of a monstrosity. Right here was a model identified for sport sedans and stylish touring wagons providing up what appeared like a lifted 3 Collection wagon carrying orthopedic sneakers. BMW referred to 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 vital trustworthy, entertaining, and enthusiast-friendly automobiles BMW offered that decade. The world simply didn’t notice it.
Constructed on a 3 Collection, Not a Crossover Platform
Constructed on the E91 3 Collection 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 Collection carrying mountaineering boots. That meant the proportions had been tight, the steadiness was pure, and the dealing with—regardless of the marginally increased 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 prepare from simply 1,300 rpm during 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 might dash to 60 mph in simply over 5 seconds—sooner than many sports activities automobiles of its period. The six-speed computerized transmission was clean and well-tuned, and in an age the place BMW’s dual-clutch and eight-speed items had been nonetheless maturing, the normal torque converter setup labored fantastically.
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, in contrast to most techniques within the compact crossover phase, was rear-biased. Beneath regular situations, it despatched energy to the rear wheels, protecting the entrance axle principally passive till traction loss referred to as it into motion. That rear-drive really feel gave the automobile a way of objective by means of corners that few crossovers ever handle. Flip off stability management, and the little X1 would even grasp its tail out in a slide—one thing no small SUV ought to be able to, and but right here we’re.
One in every of 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 should you didn’t verify that field, you bought one thing that no fashionable BMW affords anymore: a correct hydraulic steering rack. Not electrical, not drive-by-wire, however actual, old-school hydraulic energy steering. The sort that talks again by means of your fingertips. The sort that builds weight as you load up the entrance tires and offers you suggestions you’ll be able to truly belief. The sort BMW was well-known for. And the E84 X1 was one of many final automobiles within the lineup to supply it.
No Drive Modes, Simply Sincere Tuning
This wasn’t a automobile you adjusted by means 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, accurately, 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 lots of its extra superior successors.
Sensible, Fast, and Surprisingly Enjoyable
In fact, it had flaws. The rear seat was a bit tight. The seems to be 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 automobile stretch its legs. It might have appeared like a crossover designed to chase gross sales, however the way in which it drove advised a distinct story. This was a 3 Collection with extra floor clearance and fewer excuses.
The $12,000 Secret BMW Acquired Proper
What makes all of this much more absurd is the worth. In the present day, you’ll find 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 will embarrass some fashionable sports activities automobiles. For lower than the worth of a used Honda CR-V, you will get a automobile that also feels prefer it was constructed throughout BMW’s golden years.
The E84 X1 xDrive35i is a type of uncommon automobiles that makes extra sense now than it did when it was new. On the time, it confused individuals. However in hindsight, it’d’ve been certainly one 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 at the beginning needed to be digitally configurable. It simply drove effectively, full cease.
In the event you’re the sort of one who nonetheless values how a automobile feels—the way it reacts to your fingers and ft, the way it communicates by means of the wheel and chassis—the E84 X1 xDrive35i ought to be in your radar. It may not seem like a lot. However drive one, and also you’ll get it.
And for twelve grand? You’ll be laughing all the way in which to redline.
