For many, the BMW X1 crossover of the first generation has become an entrance ticket to that segment, where before without a yacht and a couple of oil rigs it was impossible to get to the soul - in 2013-2014, X-firsts were sold with incredible discounts. But after the change of generations, X1 can no longer be bought for the thirteenth salary, and he has more competitors. What else, besides the price, has changed in the new BMW X1? We have a month to figure this out.
The BMW X1 xDrive20d traveled 467 kilometers in the first two weeks of our long test
At the end of its life cycle, X-First was in good demand and consistently entered the top 5 most popular BMW models in Russia, and at the same time fought a tough fight for leadership in its segment with Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Why did the customers like X1 so much? First, the brand itself. Secondly, a passenger silhouette and at the same time a greater ground clearance than the soplatform "treshka". Thirdly, handling: the X1 ruled like no other in its class.
But it was from here that the roots of the first (but, unfortunately, not the last) lack of the crossover grew - it was too tough. On RunFlat tires The BMW X1 was jerky like a racing sports car, and it didn't really fit in with the image of a practical crossover for every day. Therefore, the first thing buyers of "X" changed the standard tires for something softer and bought the usual "stowaway" with a set of tools.
The test car was fitted with LED headlights. Black pipes are clearly visible behind the grille - body amplifiers
The X1's next problem was that it was noisy. And the plastic in his cabin was so hard that it was possible to cut meat into shashlik and chop onions, and then rinse it all with water from a hose and drive on.
Finally, X1's main problem: it was cramped.
The platform, inherited from the 3-series sedan, was to blame for this. The rear-wheel drive layout meant a tall center tunnel, a forward-shifted rear row and not the widest trunk.
The longitudinal arrangement of the engines eaten away useful space in the front of the cabin, and the presence of an xDrive power take-off unit with an electronically controlled clutch, which manages the connection of the front axle, took away the last millimeters of free space in front. As a result, the seemingly rather big crossover turned out to be no more capacious than a three-ruble note with a station wagon body. It is clear that this could not last long.
XLine body kit on the left. On the right is the usual option.
Therefore the past summer BMW introduced the second generation X1, which has only a name in common with its predecessor. It is built on the new front-wheel drive (!) UKL architecture with a transverse engine arrangement, and the all-wheel drive here is implemented on the basis of Haldex couplings fifth generation, connecting the rear axle. And if the first front-wheel drive BMW models - the 2-series Active and Gran Tourer - have not yet reached Russia, then the X1 with the drive "to the wrong wheels" is already available for order, which probably causes rashes and redness in real BMW fans.
However, the rest of the new X1 is a solid plus. The new platform made it possible to reduce the wheelbase by 90 millimeters, at the same time adding rear seats (by 37 millimeters in the base and by 66 with optional longitudinal adjustment of the rear seats), to reduce overhangs, which had a positive effect on the geometric cross-country ability, and to increase the trunk by 85-200 liters , depending on the position of the seats.
The new X1 has a shorter wheelbase and is slightly shorter and taller than its predecessor. Overhangs have decreased, which should have a positive effect on geometric cross-country ability.
The X1 salon has also changed dramatically. It is spacious and modern, and the plastic on the front panel is so soft and delicate to the touch that the owner of the previous generation will burst into tears of happiness.
There is the newest complex ConnectedDrive with internet access and sensor "puck" between the front seats, projection of speed and route data on windshield, sign recognition system, adaptive cruise control and much more that the owners of the "X-first" could not even dream of before. But all this costs money, and a lot.
The test car - the all-wheel drive X1 20d with almost the maximum range of options - cost the dealership 3.7 million rubles. 3.7 million! A year and a half ago, this money could have taken Porsche macan Turbo or BMW M3, and now ... But where did such an impressive figure come from?
The most affordable X1 in the sDrive18i version with front-wheel drive and a three-cylinder 1.5 engine starts at 1.8 million rubles. Prices for our variant - xDrive20d with four-wheel drive and 190-horsepower turbodiesel - at the time of this writing, they started at 2.3 million rubles. We will dance from this figure.
XLine body kit - 161,700 rubles, beautiful Brown color- another 60 thousand. Top navigation and a two-year subscription to ConnectedDrive add 262 thousand rubles, a panoramic roof - 106 thousand, interior lighting with a changeable color - 25 thousand, sports seats - a little more than 40. And so on - test car was equipped with options for 1.4 million rubles, and I would not refuse most of them.
This fuel consumption was recorded in the first two weeks. BMW test X1 xDrive 20d
The optional sports seats are the benchmark. A heated steering wheel is also an irreplaceable thing, especially in 20-degree frosts. The panoramic roof is very popular with the rear passengers and helps to brighten up at least a little dull winter traffic jams. Advanced navigation with a subscription to the ConnectedDrive service knows traffic jams (and knows how to avoid them), and also displays the weather forecast and even the main news of the day. Moreover, it will work anywhere in Russia, regardless of the place of purchase and operation of the machine.
If you still remember, the main complaint of the owners of the previous X1 was for comfort. So, the new X1 is going no worse than the old one. Although no, not like that: it drives at least as well, and there is much more comfort in it. The suspension here is softer to work out small things, but still elastic and strict to larger bumps. Traditional pits with sharp edges that appear after the thaw, the chassis of the new "X-first" still does not like, but otherwise the new platform seems much more versatile and omnivorous than the previous one. Especially if the owner did not skimp on adaptive dampers with electronic control... If you want - "dismissed" them and roll slowly along the bumpy road, but you need - "squeezed" in the "sport" and rush like crazy.
Diesel is great. In character, it does not differ from its predecessor, although it belongs to the new modular B47 family. However, it is slightly more powerful - 190 forces against 184 and 400 Nm of torque against 380. Traction - over the edge, there are almost no vibrations on the move (diesel tremor is noticeable only after a cold start).
The automatic is an eight-speed Aisin, not a ZF, as on cars with a longitudinally located power unit. At first, the Japanese box doesn’t seem as delicate as the German one. When changing gears, slight jolts are felt, and with active driving, the electronics do not shift the gear off as quickly for acceleration as you want. However, by the end of the first week we got used to each other with the “automatic machine” and such problems did not arise any more.
Rivals:
- Audi Q3 - 2.0 l, gasoline, 220 hp, 6-speed robot, Sport with options, 2 864 619 rubles.
- BMW X1 - 2.0 l, gasoline, 231 hp, 8-speed automatic, individual equipment, 3 798 832 rubles.
- Range rover Evoque - 2.0 l, petrol, 240 hp, 9-speed automatic, HSE Dynamic with options, 4 899 901 rubles.
We got hold of an all-wheel drive X1 25i, stuffed with options from the heart and priced at 3 798 832 rubles. Opponents chose 220-horsepower Audi Q3 for three million and 240-horsepower Range Rover evoque in the top performance, which pulled almost five million!
Strong thing
If asked to name the five most stylish cars of this century, the Evoque would be one of them. Huge wheels, squinting headlights, glass embrasures. And the interior is monumental. Evoque from the doorway driver's door gives the impression of a reliable partner. It is no wonder that he quickly gained popularity among wealthy ladies. The stronger sex is less common behind the wheel - give it practicality! And beauty requires sacrifice.
The smallest Range Rover has been produced since 2011. In addition to the five-door station wagon, there is a three-door version and a convertible.
ENGINES:
- gasoline Si4, 2.0 l (240 HP) - from 2 677 000 *
- diesel TD4, 2.2 l (150 hp) - from 2,448,000 *
- diesel SD4, 2.2 l (190 hp) - from 2 888 000 *
From Ewok you look like from a tank - only forward, the rest - by instruments. Lateral visibility is obstructed by… mirrors! Massive "burdocks" eat up a fair share of the view through the narrow side windows. And to see something through the gap rear window difficult even in good weather.
Optional armchairs take in their soft and loose embrace. Lateral support in corners is lacking, and the steering wheel is too close to the driver. For me this is not a minus, but among our expert group there were those who are annoyed by this. Not everything goes smoothly with other options either. For example, seat heating is turned on with a button, but ventilation and massage can only be done through the menu. Where is the logic?
I go on a long journey on Ewoka with pleasure. The straight line stability gives the impression of a large car. And the acceleration is confident, although you subconsciously expect more from 240 forces. When the road starts to twist, it becomes clear that the Evoque is good at cornering and not an excellent student. The steering wheel is empty, but as soon as you go around the corner, the tendency to drift the front axle wakes up.
The chassis works well for minor irregularities, and Range Rover is confident on broken asphalt. But every bump, every hole is sounded by a suspension. Not premium!
Is the Range Rover ready to be the main car in the family? The second row is quite spacious. And the opening is wide - to seat the child in Baby chair not difficult. And there is nowhere to put things: the trunk is of the correct shape, but it will only take a couple of travel bags (280 liters, according to our measurements). Evoque does not pull on an inveterate "family man". This is the very dessert that you won't be full.
Not a taxi
The inspector who stopped me checked the documents and stunned me with the question: "So this is not a taxi?" To mistake such a car for a taxi, you have to take something in the morning. However, the color is just that - and you can really get lost in the Moscow stream diluted with taxis.
The interior is in the best traditions of Audi: strict and verified. A fragile young lady and a two-meter fellow will sit behind the wheel without any problems, since the adjustment ranges are wide, and the sports chair holds in its arms, like a loved one after a long separation.
Audi Q3
The youngest crossover in the Audi family, built on the same platform as Volkswagen tiguan, debuted in 2011. At the end of 2014, it went through a planned update.
ENGINES:
- petrol 1.4 TFSI (150 HP) - from 1,690,000 *
- petrol 2.0 TFSI (180 HP) - from 1 930 000 *
- petrol 2.0 TFSI (220 HP) - from 2,290,000 *
- petrol RSQ3 2.5 TFSI (340 HP) - from 3,250,000 *
Perfect for the role of "wife's car". I myself would love to steer: it not only looks good, but also rides beautifully. The weakest in our test, the Q3 showed the best dynamics! Reliable handling in combination with a high-spirited 220-horsepower turbo engine inspires on serpentines. Only with a frank search with a speed Audi begins to plow the front end. But it is easy to turn drift into a skid by turning the steering wheel back. Recklessly!
On the straights, the Q3 is as stable as the Evoque: even in a decent track, it does not require course correction. "Driver" suspension! And comfortable: small things are worked out confidently, as well as more serious potholes. And, what is important, noble, without sound.
The car pleases with good visibility. Even without the front parking sensors and cameras, you can easily feel its dimensions. But the doors covering the thresholds are not very convenient: having parked at a not very "outstanding" curb, you can attach an open "gate" about it.
Summary? Q3 also does not pull the role of "housewife". Even the soplatform Volkswagen Tiguan does not shine with space, and in Audi it is even closer. Behind it frankly presses in the shoulders (if you sit three of us), and the legroom is back to back. A 170 cm tall passenger seated in the middle rested the top of his head against the ceiling. For the sake of style, the volume of the trunk was also sacrificed (its door is strongly tilted): we measured 296 liters.
New faith
Once upon a time in a book dedicated to BMW stories, I read a wonderful phrase: “The worst dream for any fan of the brand is front wheel drive BMW with a transversely located V6 engine ". Well, multi-cylinder engines fell victim to downsizing, but with front-wheel drive, the author got to the point: the X1 became first BMW with front drive wheels and rear connected.
He made his debut in 2015. The new one, unlike its predecessor, is based on the front-wheel drive platform of the second series.
ENGINES:
- petrol 20i, 2.0 l (192 HP) - from 1 990 000 *
- petrol 25i, 2.0 l (231 HP) - from 2,450,000 *
- diesel 18d, 2.0 l (150 HP) - from 2,050,000 *
- diesel 20d, 2.0 l (190 HP) - from 2,300,000 *
- diesel 25d, 2.0 l (231 HP) - from 2,550,000 *
Drivers at BMW have always had a good time, and the new X1 is no exception. The near-flawless seat is not electrically powered but lacks a range of adjustments. Ergonomics are worked out to the smallest detail. Special thanks for the center console deployed to the driver again. Visibility is also good: side mirrors, which at first seemed small, are sufficient and do not distort reality.
"Inoverets" knows a lot about turns. Excellent Feedback, absolutely neutral understeer, sometimes giving way to excess. If I did not know that the platform was originally front-wheel drive, I would not have guessed! To match the chassis and the engine: "turbo-four" in 231 force gives juicy, energetic acceleration and is only slightly inferior to the Audi unit.
Bravo, the acoustic engineers who set up the “release”! Turbo sound on high revs reminds of the legendary BMW inline-six. With active driving, you want to tear out the sound insulation with meat engine compartment to enhance the enjoyment of the rich, with hoarseness, sound and "shots" when re-gasping.
A fly in the ointment is brought in by the brakes. There are no questions about the effectiveness - X1 stands rooted to the spot. But the effort is not dosed ideally, and the drive requires getting used to.
The stiffer suspension also requires the same. BMW does not like road shagreen and conveys in detail the flaws of Russian asphalt. On large pits, he feels much more confident, which can not be said about the longitudinal track - "X-first" in the worst traditions of the concern is sensitive to such irregularities.
If you are a family man, be sure to look in the back row. How much space is there! Both at the legs and above the head. In addition, only here, at the back sofa, both the longitudinal offset and the backrest tilt can be adjusted. Three people can easily sit in the back, there is enough width. And the trunk is good. You can safely go on a trip with the whole family.
Unsurprisingly, it was the X1 that wins our test. Let his motor stand across, and the drive wheels are initially front. Mr. X gladly revealed all his secrets: he is not only a great supporting actor, coping with the role of his wife's car, but he is able to grab an Oscar and for the main role in the Universal Family Car nomination. We have already given our vote for him.
The devil is not so terrible as he is painted. The BMW X1 on a front-wheel drive platform is a pleasant car in every respect. Alexander Vinogradov
IN THE SAND AND ON THE FROM
Of course, they are not made for heavy off-road conditions, but with slippery surface and must cope with a primer! We decided to evaluate the accuracy of the all-wheel drive in the sand. Rear wheels Audi connect instantly. Q3 and the "diagonal" are not scary - when one front and one rear wheel... But if three wheels are trapped, the car will not move.
Bmw performed brilliantly: even if three wheels lose grip, the X1 copes with the problem playfully - as long as one wheel (and it doesn't matter which one) has reliable support under it.
Range rover performed slightly weaker. He is also able to move when only one wheel is free. But for this you need to switch to off-road mode. And all the same - well done.
Evoque- the leader in terms of geometric cross-country ability. Solid ground clearance (210 mm) is complemented by the absence of protruding elements. The only bad thing is that the engine is protected by a plastic shield (1). We measured 170 mm under the flat floor of the Audi Q3 (2). The underbody protection is also flimsy - felt. In addition, on the gearbox rear axle there is an uncovered control unit for the rear wheel clutch (3).
The BMW X1 is closer to rather than a crossover: the clearance under the powerful aluminum engine guard is only 160 mm (4). But the bottom is absolutely flat - you can safely crawl on your belly without fear of tearing something off.
Name: Irina Bazhanova. Job: TV presenter. Travels: Cadillac escalade... Wants: Powerful stylish all-wheel drive city crossover with automatic transmission. Budget: 2 500 000 rub.
In Moscow, I drive an Escalade, but soon I plan to move to Cyprus and, knowing that I will have a much more modest car there, I begin to look closely at small but stylish hatchback crossovers. Since I have Small child, it should be possible not only to put a child seat, but also to put a stroller or bicycle in the trunk.
CAR REQUIREMENTS:
IMAGE
I like big cars! Accordingly, than bigger car, the more chances he has for me to like it. I know what they say about men ... It is not clear what they say about women in this regard.
STYLE
In terms of style, I like a certain moment of surprise and shocking. The car should surprise others to one degree or another.
RUNNING QUALITY
I don't like sharp cars, I like a smoother ride. Cross-country ability is unambiguously important, because for me it is primarily a vehicle that must be able to drive onto high curbs.
EFFICIENCY
Maintenance costs are not the determining factor. It is more important for me to ride economical car for the sake of minimizing harmful emissions and harm to the environment.
INTERIOR
The interior is a hundred times more important than the exterior. We spend most of our time inside the car, not outside. The main thing is that everything is thought out, ergonomic, comfortable, so that there is a feeling that you live in this microcosm of yours and know every button here.
EQUIPMENT
Maximum set of security tools. Otherwise, I don't need any special bells and whistles, only those options that really add comfort.
With regard to the car, I definitely like a certain moment of surprise, one might even say outrageous. For example, when you see Mini cooper, in which an overweight bearded hipster sits, or somewhere in Florida you suddenly meet some charming mini-old woman driving a huge SUV. I myself drive such a car in Moscow. But in Cyprus, where I am planning to move soon, I willy-nilly have to change to a more compact and economical car ...
The least attractive to me seems to be a sort of absolutely philistine image of a faceless comfortable car. There must be character in the car! At the same time, it is best if his character does not emphasize yours, but on the contrary, enters into a kind of dissonance with him, so that the traffic cops who stop you at the post each time have a face stretched out in surprise.
What else I like and dislike about cars ... After I had a minor accident in the sixth month of driving, I realized that the speed should always be controlled, and I became too afraid fast cars... So sports cars are not interesting to me. Comfort is pleasant to me!
Maintenance costs are also not a determining factor for me when choosing a car. But at the same time, it is still important for me to drive an economical car: not so much for the well-being of my own wallet, but for the sake of minimizing harmful emissions and harm to the environment. Maybe that's why, from the point of view of pure theory, I like electric cars so much. By the way, I was the first journalist from Russia who was lucky enough to visit California for the very first Tesla test drive!
Since this is the first of two test cars I got into, I initially found everything here quite attractive, albeit unpretentious. Large and convenient controls for climate control and mirrors, comfortable button layout. In short, despite the visual simplicity, the ergonomics in Audi are definitely at their best.
I liked that the on-board computer monitor is retracted inside the dashboard. But at the same time, tiny glove compartments were a little upset: as myself glove box and the belly of the armrest is quite microscopic. You can't really put anything there. But I immediately found a place where to attach my iPhone 6. Moreover, in this small niche in front of the gear selector lever, they even made a backlight. In fact, in most cars, it is a serious problem to put a modern large smartphone somewhere so that it does not fly around the cabin when cornering, but at the same time it would be possible to reach it without being distracted from the road.
The interior of the Audi is simple, but the ergonomics are up to the mark
Pleased with the panoramic roof with a huge hatch. Since I have a small child, I think he would have loved looking up.
The trunk of the Q3 is noticeably smaller than that of the X1, but a stroller will fit here
It is very important for the girl that the illumination of the mirrors on the visors is not only white, but also LED - ideal for correcting makeup before getting out of the car.
The Audi is comfortable enough
But the steering wheel did not suit me at all. Firstly, I was never able to customize it for myself. In my opinion, the steering wheel is tilted too much in relation to the vertical plane. But this is only half the trouble. Worse, his "spokes" are raised so high that his hands on the steering wheel are completely uncomfortable.
There is a niche in front of the gear selector lever where a large smartphone fits perfectly
But I was glad that the controls on-board computer focused on the center console rather than the tunnel. Looking ahead, I will say that in terms of ergonomics, in my opinion, Audi is a much more advantageous option! However, this is far from her only trump card ...
On the road, I also liked the Q3 much more than the X1: the car is nimble, nimble, with amazing dynamics. At the same time, it has relatively soft and smooth brakes, which is very important for me. Chronically I do not like harsh braking and hard brakes.
The dashboard is plain
Of the little things, I was pleased with the very informative turn signal switch. I am a very responsible driver, I use direction indicators always and everywhere. But many modern cars they turn on without a click and you simply do not hear or feel them while sitting behind the wheel. Here, in this sense, everything is fine.
But what really upset was the lack of a USB input, which is very important for me, since I love listening to my music from my phone or flash drive. I don’t need AUX and an SD card slot, I’ll have to buy an adapter for Audi ... In this regard, the Q3, which has not been updated for several years, continues to remain hostage to the VW Group's senseless “format war” that has already ended with the defeat of the Germans.
The back sofa is quite spartan but spacious
If we talk about the appearance of cars, then Audi has a very beautiful face - predatory and wide. But then you start to walk around the car and see that it is a tiny car. Her bottom is completely flat. But at BMW, predatory brutality is felt from any angle.
Moving from Audi to BMW, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything here looks somehow more sophisticated and much more modern. Aluminum and colored accents, as well as an aluminized dashboard evoke associations with the style of the Mini. But the dark lacquered plastic doesn't really fit into this concept, and it looks like cheap plastic. The second aspect, which X1 did not like very much, is that the joystick and almost all the controls of the on-board computer are concentrated on the central tunnel, and in such a way that it is almost impossible to manipulate them without leaving the road. If you ride with your hand on the armrest, you have to bend your hand into some kind of “bird's foot” in order to do at least something. Well, at least the climate control is located on the center console, and you can work with it without losing sight of the road.
In general, the ergonomics of the BMW seemed to me much more complicated. Audi is definitely better in this respect. But if we look at the rear row of seats, then everything is the other way around: a very functional armrest and optional tables on the rear surface of the backs of the front seats pull the “comfort blanket” towards X1, as well as a very convenient system for transforming the backs of the second row of seats - at the push of a button into trunk, no need to break your nails.
The interior of the BMW looks much more modern, but in terms of ergonomics it is noticeably inferior to the Q3.
The comparison of luggage racks also plays in BMW's favor, albeit with a slight advantage: the X1 trunk is not only 45 liters more spacious, but also more ergonomic due to the split floor, which can be opened in parts and folded like an accordion. It is very convenient when there is something in the trunk, and at the same time you need to get into the "underground" with a spare wheel. But there are also disadvantages ... Since I had to test the cars in the thaw, it was an unpleasant surprise from BMW that when the tailgate was raised, dirt dripped from it on the head. Anyway, standing under the tailgate of the X1 is not the safest activity: the electric boot is so strong and insensitive to obstacles that if at that moment someone presses the button to close the tailgate, it can decently hit the head with it.
But in the trunk it's the other way around: the split floor is an excellent trump card X1
The glove box is as tiny as the Audi, but I counted three more mini-glove compartments at once (under the cushions of the front seats and on the left under the steering wheel), where you can stuff documents and all sorts of small things. But there is absolutely nowhere to comfortably attach the phone here.
The bowels of the armrest are the only place where you can put your smartphone
The sound of the audio system is not worse than in Audi. The panoramic roof seems even larger than in the Q3, and the car itself is more authentic and spacious.
The dashboard is only slightly more complex than Audi
The driver-oriented layout of the cockpit in relation to the X1 seemed to me somewhat dubious: despite the overall spacious interior, the front passenger's feet are very narrow and uncomfortable.
But the steering wheel on a BMW is much more advantageous: the spokes are lowered lower, and the girth is much better.
The joystick behind the gearbox lever is not the most convenient control element
In terms of driving performance, BMW is too harsh for me: a stiff suspension and very tight, uninformative brakes lubricate all the positive emotions from driving.
The child in the back will be comfortable
But everything is saved by the appearance - stylish and attractive. X1 looks like a small "baby dinosaur" ... "Dinosaur" subspecies X6. In general, this model seems much more voluminous than it actually is, which is also important for me. Some girls like to have a small car. But not for me! I'm much more comfortable in big cars!
AUDI Q3 from 2,155,000 rub.
Style
Quite unpretentious appearance, although overall the machine is pretty
Driving performance
I liked it very much, especially in the "comfort" mode: despite the power, the car is fast, nimble, smooth, easy to control
Interior
Simple and not the most modern. It can be seen that the car was born a long time ago. But great ergonomics are a big plus.
Profitability
6.6 liters and 15 300 grams of CO2 per 100 km, given the characteristics of the engine, not bad
Equipment
With the cost of the "base" with a top-end 2-liter engine at 2,475,000 rubles, one could expect more
Average score
- Ergonomics and handling
- Minimalism of the interior and design of the rear of the car
BMW X1 from 2,320,000 rub.
Average score
- Style and design of interior and exterior
- Hard, uninformative brakes, not the best ergonomics
My choice
For me, the choice was not difficult. As I grow older, I want less and less to be like a burgher in a small cozy car, which carries her child and groceries from the supermarket in the car seat. It is clear that without this, nowhere. But I want to carry the child and the groceries in some more unexpected car, in which I can wind a turban on my head and look more impressive. As a person of a creative profession, I try to find some zest, individuality in the car, and it seemed to me that there is much more of this individuality in BMW. Audi is more conservative, BMW is a little bit hooligan. Despite the fact that their behavior on Audi road I liked it much more, I choose BMW. It's basically like choosing between two men. In the end, you will still get used to the one you choose. Therefore, the scheme is simple: take the one that you liked, and then it will endure - it will fall in love!
This is exactly the case when the image is everything! Like most girls, Irina chose a car not so much with her mind as with her heart, which predetermined her decision. Although she liked Audi much more in terms of road behavior and ergonomics, the striking design and style of the BMW turned out to be much more significant, and the choice was extremely easy.
April 8, 2013, 14:23
More recently, the compact crossover BMW X1, as a result of the restyling, has been updated externally and received an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, in connection with which the severity of rivalry in the premium compact crossover segment has become even more noticeable.
Today, the Bavarian car competes with the and models. These cars do not have huge dimensions and impressive interior space, while they are quite spacious inside. And having four-wheel drive and increased ground clearance available, nevertheless, do not claim the laurels of SUVs.
The presented cars are optimal for quality vehicle for a small family of two or three people. True, the budget of such a family should allow them to spend about one and a half million rubles on a car.
Bmw x1
The restyled version of the Bavarian is outwardly easy to distinguish by head optics with LED headlights, front air intakes and a radiator grill. Inside the car, as before, there is a curved front panel with classic instruments, between which there was a place for a pair of small, but functional displays.
All buttons, toggle switches and "knobs" are located in their places, making up a single ergonomic whole. The joystick of the proprietary iDrive system located on the central tunnel allows the driver to control the built-in multimedia system with a navigator without taking your eyes off the road. Magnificent seats in black leather with red stitching have become a real decoration of the car's interior, in addition, they are very comfortable and hold riders well even on rather steep turns.
The X1's driving position has a frankly low, sporty stance, uncharacteristic of crossovers. But to rear seats BMW has no complaints. There is quite enough space for a comfortable trip for three, and even three not the thinnest passengers can comfortably sit on the back sofa. Additional convenience is provided by the adjustment of the backrest tilt of the rear sofa, as well as a very good folding ratio of the rear sofa - 40:20:40. Thus, two passengers can sit comfortably at the edges, and in the center there will be oversized luggage, such as skis or snowboards.
Unfortunately, the build quality can be upsetting in the interior of the BMW X1. The plastic used in the interior trim not only feels hard to the touch, it is also very noisy, which, together with best quality fitting parts for a premium brand model is unacceptable.
The car is equipped with several engines, from which you can choose both gasoline and diesel power units. All motors have a working volume of 2 liters, but their power is different. So, the initial Gas engine develops 150 horsepower, accelerating the car to hundreds in 9.7 seconds. The more powerful petrol engine produces 184 horsepower and reaches 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds. The range of diesel engines consists of two engines with a capacity of 184 and 218 horsepower, while the most powerful diesel engine gives the crossover explosive dynamics, accelerating it to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds.
Depending on the type of engine, the car is equipped with a 6-speed manual or a new 8-speed automatic.
Range rover evoque
Range Rover Evoque has become a worthy competitor in its class from the very beginning. It is safe to say that in terms of external design, stylish and fast-paced interior, it has no analogues. At the same time, no matter how glamorous the Evoque looks, it did not become an expensive toy designed for the fairer sex. Not only a pair of menacingly looking out from behind speaks about the hot temper of the car exhaust pipes, but massive wheel arches, a sloping roof shape, large wheels on which low profile tires... The car looks very reckless and sporty.
Evoque is available in three- and five-door versions, but the differences between these cars are only in their appearance. The interior of the British car is characterized by high quality materials used in finishing and stylish, original design. At the same time, the interior architecture is not only beautiful, but also quite ergonomic. The dashboard hints at the sporty spirit of the car. The center console is distinguished by the presence of a large touchscreen display surrounded by additional keys. A little lower there was a place for a music system and a climate control system unit.
The interior of the car is spacious, there is enough space not only for the driver and front passenger, but for people sitting in the second row. However, the original shape of the roof can create a certain inconvenience for tall passengers sitting in the second row.
Range Rover Evoque has one of three powertrains and two transmissions. The base engine is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 150 horsepower. Such a motor is paired with a 6-speed automatic or mechanical box gear. Another diesel engine of the same volume produces 190 power forces. The types of boxes are the same for him. Most powerful power unit is a 2-liter gasoline engine that develops 240 horsepower. It is equipped exclusively with a 6-speed "automatic".
The car is not as sharp and responsive in handling as the BMW X1 crossover, and in terms of dynamic performance, only the most powerful versions of the "Briton" can compete with the Bavarian car.
Audi Q3
Perhaps the leader of the premium class compact crossovers is the Audi Q3. Salon of this compact car equipped no worse than a full-fledged SUV, and the level of finishing materials and build quality can rightfully be called reference.
True, in comparison with the luxury of the Range Rover Evoque interior and the coziness of the BMW X1, the interior of the crossover from Ingolstadt looks too cold and strict. But the Audi salon is excellently soundproofed, the driver's seat provides a high seating position and excellent visibility, and the dynamics and controllability of Audi are in no way inferior to the recognized leader in these indicators - the BMW X1. In addition, the Audi Q3 has the largest trunk, and the back seat is just as comfortable as its competitors.
The car is equipped with two petrol and one diesel engines, the working volume of which is 2 liters. The weakest 170-horsepower gasoline engine is paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, while the 211-horsepower gasoline engine and diesel unit with a capacity of 177 horsepower, they work only in tandem with an automatic transmission.
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They say that the "correct" Mercedes-Benz and BMW should initially have a rear-wheel drive configuration, to which they can then be "docked" front-wheel drive... But the crossovers GLA and X1, despite the four driving wheels, are built on the "wrong" front-wheel drive chassis ...
The Bavarian SUV held out to the last - even the previous BMW X1 had the platform of the classic 3 Series sedan and was even produced in rear-wheel drive versions. But the new generation model switched to a front-wheel drive chassis from a "related" MINI brands, which immediately affected its appearance: the cab was no longer moved back, the front overhang was lengthened, the height increased. In a word, there was only a hint of the former rapacity and impetuosity.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA had nothing to do with rear-wheel drive designs from the very beginning. It is built on a front-wheel drive platform, which is also used by A- and B-class hatchbacks. And it looks rather not like a crossover, but like a slightly raised hatchback. But against the background of a stocky opponent, the representative of Stuttgart looks like an athlete - smart and impetuous.
In Russia, GLA is offered in three petrol versions. The initial version is equipped with a front-wheel drive, 156-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and is sold for at least 2,170,000 rubles. For the all-wheel drive 2-liter version with 211 hp. ask for from 2,460,000 rubles. And, finally, the extreme AMG version with all-wheel drive and the same 2-liter unit, but boosted to 381 (!) Hp, is estimated at no less than 3,230,000 rubles. All modifications are equipped with a 7-speed robotic gearbox with two clutches. The ground clearance of conventional (non-AMG) models is 157 or 187 mm, while the 381-strong "monster" has only 140 mm.
The Bavarian's line of motors is more diverse. It starts with a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline unit with a power of 136 hp. The version with this engine can only be front-wheel drive, it is equipped with a 6-band "automatic" and costs from 1,880,000 rubles. All other versions are all-wheel drive and are combined with 8-band automatic transmissions. We are talking about a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops, depending on the modification, 192 or 231 hp, as well as a 2-liter turbodiesel, which can produce 150, 190 or 231 hp. The most expensive version is equipped with a 231-horsepower turbodiesel and is estimated at 2,590,000 rubles. The ground clearance for all modifications is 183 mm.
The models with the closest power are involved in our test. These are the gasoline BMW X1 xDrive20i, which develops 192 hp, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, whose power unit produces 211 hp. And the crossover with a three-pointed star on the emblem has increased ground clearance.
Higher or lower?
Caught behind driving a BMW X1, the first thing you want to do is to lower the seat ... But that was not the case - it has already been pushed down to the limit. Honestly, we do not remember such a high landing in Bavarian cars, even in crossovers. You sit under the ceiling and somewhere below you see the front panel, instruments and the steering wheel. Very unusual. But the visibility is good. And the seat is cool - as if they did it according to your figure. The design of the salon is branded, beemwash, but the quality of the finishing materials pumped up - a lot of hard plastic, and its appearance is quite inexpensive.
After the "Bavarian" you literally fall into the Mercedes-Benz armchair - in the lower position it is located almost on the floor. The seat profile is just as good, the padding is softer and the side bolsters are wider. That is, the geometry of the landing behind the wheel of the GLA is truly sporty, but you sit like in a home chair, while in a BMW you sit behind the steering wheel, like in a minivan, but in a sports car seat. In terms of material quality, Mercedes-Benz is the clear leader in our comparison - both visually and by touch. It's also more comfortable here.
In terms of ergonomics, on the other hand, BMW surpasses the rival thanks to the intuitive iDrive interface. Mercedes Command also does not require instructions for mastering, but its menu is more complex. However, permanent owners will not experience any inconvenience in any of these vehicles.
Having switched to a front-wheel-drive platform, the BMW X1 has noticeably increased in terms of legroom for rear passengers - in contrast to the model of the previous generation, which did not differ in space in this regard. Now if a 180 cm person adjusts front seat under him and will sit back, about 10 cm will remain in front of his knees and the same amount above his head. V Mercedes-Benz seats for the legs is almost half as much, and a panoramic roof hangs over the top of the head. If you do not order it, a couple of centimeters will be added. And we liked the sofa more in the Bavarian crossover, in addition, it is equipped with a folding center armrest, as well as a reclining backrest. The GLA has no armrest or reclining backrests.
According to the passport data, the trunk volume of the “Bavarian” is slightly larger than that of the rival, but in reality the compartments are almost identical. However, BMW also boasts a niche for small things underground. When unfolding the backs of the rear sofas, a flat area is formed for both rivals. But the GLA and X1 have no spare wheels or stowaways, since the crossovers use Runflat tires, which allow them to continue driving in the event of a puncture.
A tribute to tradition
Both cars have 2-liter petrol turbo engines under the hood, while Mercedes-Benz is more powerful- 211 hp against 192. However, in reality, the "Bavarian" is felt more playful in acceleration. This is because BMW reacts more sharply to pressing the accelerator pedal, and the "automatic", even with a conventional torque converter, switches with lightning speed and always "sticks" the right gear... Add here the groovy, but not particularly loud sound of the engine and we get a real "lighter", which, moreover, has excellent, grippy brakes.
The Stuttgart native also reacts to fuel delivery without delay, although he does so much more smoothly. And the "robot" with two clutches is tuned primarily for comfort - even in traffic jams, it does not jerk, which is typical for this type of transmission. In a word, Mercedes-Benz accelerates quickly, but calmly. The brake pedal is also smoothly tuned, however, this does not affect the deceleration efficiency.
Steering each of the crossovers is tuned in accordance with the corporate philosophy. In terms of sharpness, the rudders are almost the same (2.75 turns from lock to lock for the GLA and 2.8 for the X1), and their reactive force is very saturated, but they react to the control actions of the machine in different ways. So, the Bavarian model instantly changes the direction of movement even with small deviations of the steering wheel, while Mercedes-Benz almost does not react to steering in small corners. And even in tight turns, the GLA responds to the driver's hand movements with an emphatically calm, in contrast to the fast reactions of a competitor.
On the motorway, Mercedes-Benz is stable and unwavering, as befits a Stuttgart representative. Even deep rutting, despite the wide optional 19-inch tires, has no effect on it. The BMW, "shod" in less extreme 18-inch tires, prowls slightly in the rut, although not criminal - not to compare with the nervous behavior of the previous generation model.
But the "Bavarian" comes off on a winding country highway - here he is in his element. Immediately you remember that an incendiary MINI became a "donor" for him: every bend is a song! The new X1 is driven no worse than its excellent predecessor in this regard, so we do not regret at all about replacing the rear-wheel drive platform with a front-wheel drive one. The main thing is not the type of drive, but its settings, and the BMW team coped with the task perfectly!
However, Mercedes-Benz also handles well, although it does it in its own way. The car calmly and accurately stands on an arc, and then bites into the trajectory with a stranglehold. It seems that no laws of physics can lead him astray. The crossover simply goes where the driver says it and does it with phenomenal reliability. In general, our rivals are managed perfectly, but if the Bavarian car literally turns on the driver, then his counterpart, on the contrary, seems to give him a fair amount of tranquilizer.
If only the smoothness of the GLA was consistent with the corporate philosophy ... But no, the chassis with increased ground clearance on the huge 19-inch "ranflets" for a compact car works hard. Irregularities with sharp edges are especially unpleasant, on which the car is shaken by sharp and strong jolts. Against this background, the "Bavarian" itches a little more on granular asphalt, but other types of irregularities are softer and more elastic. True, on a short wave, BMW strives to turn into a skimmer, while the rival from Stuttgart in these conditions keeps the body much more stable.
In terms of noise insulation, Mercedes-Benz comes out on top, because the Bavarian crossover is very buzzing with rubber. However, the GLA tires are also not at all quiet, but they still do not strain the eardrums like their rivals. On high speed in BMW, the wind is a little stronger, and the engine runs louder, although its sound cannot be called unpleasant.
It remains to make a verdict. But this is not so easy to do. Because it cannot be said that one of them is better or worse, each has its own advantages and a few disadvantages, which for the most part can be eliminated when choosing a complete set. For example, in no case need to order large wheels, and we would also refuse Runflat tires - then the cars will go much smoother. As for the rest, each of them was created for a certain category of clients, which practically do not overlap. Moreover, despite the “wrong” layout, the “Germans” are going “right” - as befits the representatives of these brands. That is why BMW apologists will choose BMW, and Mercedes-Benz fans will never give up the three-pointed star on the emblem.
We would like to thank Villagio Estate for their help in organizing the shooting.
| Technical BMW characteristics X1 xDrive20i |
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