When BMW launched the first-generation X1 in 2009, it didn’t make many buddies. It wasn’t modern. It wasn’t low. And it definitely wasn’t fairly. In reality, to a lot of the BMW devoted, the E84 X1 was a little bit of a monstrosity. Right here was a model recognized for sport sedans and chic touring wagons providing up what seemed like a lifted 3 Collection wagon sporting orthopedic sneakers. BMW known as it a “Sports activities Exercise Automobile,” however to many, it seemed like a confused compromise.
And but, beneath that oddball shell, the X1 xDrive35i was some of the trustworthy, entertaining, and enthusiast-friendly vehicles 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 among the finest 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 sporting mountaineering boots. That meant the proportions had been tight, the stability was pure, and the dealing with—regardless of the marginally increased trip peak—nonetheless carried that unmistakable BMW character.
A Correct BMW Engine The place You’d Least Count on 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 throughout 5,000. That vast, flat torque curve gave the X1 a shove off the road that shocked 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 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 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, in contrast to most techniques within the compact crossover phase, was rear-biased. Underneath regular situations, it despatched energy to the rear wheels, holding the entrance axle largely passive till traction loss known as it into motion. That rear-drive really feel gave the automobile a way of function via 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 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 non-obligatory on the X1. And for those who didn’t verify that field, you bought one thing that no trendy BMW presents anymore: a correct hydraulic steering rack. Not electrical, not drive-by-wire, however actual, old-school hydraulic energy steering. The type that talks again via your fingertips. The type that builds weight as you load up the entrance tires and provides you suggestions you possibly can truly belief. The type BMW was once 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 automobile you adjusted via 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 linked—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 appears to be like 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 highway and let the automobile stretch its legs. It might have seemed like a crossover designed to chase gross sales, however the way in which it drove informed a distinct story. This was a 3 Collection with extra floor clearance and fewer excuses.
The $12,000 Secret BMW Bought Proper
What makes all of this much more absurd is the worth. Right now, you could 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 might embarrass some trendy sports activities vehicles. 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 kind of uncommon vehicles that makes extra sense now than it did when it was new. On the time, it confused folks. However in hindsight, it’d’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 nicely, full cease.
For those who’re the sort of one who nonetheless values how a automobile feels—the way it reacts to your palms and ft, the way it communicates via the wheel and chassis—the E84 X1 xDrive35i must be in your radar. It may not appear 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.
