FIRST Drive: Is BMW's Entry-Level X1 Going To Get The Job Done?

BMW would like us to believe that with the X1, it is taking the bold step of pioneering a new segment, that of the baby SUV crossover. But instead what we have here is the baby BMW SUV, the premature replacement for the X3. When that model gets bumped up in size next year, the X1 will stand alone as the firm’s entry-level model in this area of the market.

That doesn’t mean the X1 can feel cheap, mind. Indeed, you could argue that doubts about the X3’s premium tag, particularly when it comes to its interior quality, have done BMW’s image few favours since the model was launched in 2003.