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Top reviews in the press and group test victories. The BMW X1 is celebrating its launch in style: although it's only been available for a few weeks, the demand for the first compact premium SAV by BMW has already exceeded expectations, with full order books. But it's not just customers who react enthusiastically to the latest member of the BMW X family; the media seem equally smitten with the new BMW. Even better: in its first group tests, the BMW has immediately taken the top spot. The BMW X1 is not just a very sporty and elegant Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), it also combines the hallmark features of the BMW X models with excellent driving characteristics and the great fuel economy of the BMW 1 Series – a package unmatched by any of its competitors. Below you will find a summary of the initial press response to the BMW X1.
	"Auto Bild" on its test winner, the BMW X1: "It's made to succeed." The recently introduced BMW X1 is a new, youthful and fresh Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with a completely innovative concept. "Auto Bild", Europe's best-selling car magazine, foresees a bright future for the latest compact BMW model in its 43/2009 issue: "The Bavarians have created a trendy new format. Mercedes, Audi and VW might well follow suit." And to prove their point, the "Auto Bild" writers decided to conduct a test, pitting the new BMW X1 xDrive20d (130 kW/177 hp) against the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI and the Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro (both with 125 kW/170 hp). The result: First place for the new BMW X1 ahead of the VW Tiguan and the Audi A3. The following is a selection of quotes from the "Auto Bild" report: • "What a great start! The versatile BMW X1 has what it takes, straddling two worlds with ease. It's made to succeed. As it did previously with the X3 and the X5, BMW is once more starting a trend, moving away from the off-roader concept to an estate-SUV crossover." • "Surprise: the VW Tiguan has met its match in the BMW X1. The BMW boasts essential SUV virtues like spaciousness and an elevated seating position. It also offers a sporty driving experience and great fuel efficiency." • "The BMW X1 is surprisingly spacious." • "Despite having the more powerful engine, the BMW X1 is actually more fuel-efficient than the Audi A3. This is because, like all four-cylinder BMW 1 Series and 3 Series models, the BMW X1 benefits from the EfficientDynamics package with start/stop system. There is nothing comparable for the 170 hp Audi." • "In addition, drive power biased to the rear … means that when pushed to the limit, the BMW handles corners more neutrally. In the A3, however, the transverse engine and a rear axle connected via a Haldex clutch equal … stubborn understeer." "Auto Bild" concludes: "The BMW X1 chases them all. And in the end, catches them. … It even beats the serial winner that is the VW Tiguan and leaves its calling card as the new king among SUVs, with an even greater lead over the classy all-wheel drive A3."
	"Auto Zeitung": "The BMW X1 is the most fun to drive." The testers from the German "Auto Zeitung" magazine (23/2009) compared the BMW X1 xDrive20d with three familiar representatives of the compact SUV segment: the Subaru Forester 2.0d, the Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-Kat 4x4 and the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4MOTION. The two Japanese vehicles lag considerably behind the BMW X1 and the VW Tiguan in some areas. The BMW X1 impressed in many areas, winning hands-down in the categories "Engine/Transmission" and "Driving Dynamics". The overall verdict sees the BMW and VW share the top spot, having been awarded an equal number of points. On the part of the VW, the tie is in large parts due to its performance in the "Comfort" and "Costs" categories. Here is the "Auto Zeitung" verdict on the BMW X1 in more detail: • "The BMW diesel is the benchmark in terms of fuel efficiency and power development." • "Driving dynamics: this is where the BMW really comes into its own. It is the most fun to drive." • "The two-litre BMW responds even more promptly to the accelerator than its competitors, revs more eagerly and provides that extra bit of driving pleasure ... This show-stopping performance is coupled with the best fuel economy in the group test." • "The motoring joy is complemented by superlative driving dynamics. The steering of the BMW is even more precise than that of the Toyota RAV4 and the VW Tiguan, and it has the best brakes." The "Auto Zeitung" testers concluded that the BMW X1 offers a perfect synthesis of superior driving characteristics, enjoyment and fuel efficiency. The experts' verdict: "The BMW X1 wins the top spot with its free-revving yet efficient engine and its impressive dynamic performance."
	"auto motor und sport": five-star top score for the BMW X1. Five stars – that is the top score awarded by German "auto, motor und sport" magazine in an individual test. It is the score the new BMW X1 xDrive20d was awarded after its first-ever test (23/2009 issue). The testers were especially impressed with the vehicle's agility, dynamism, and efficiency: • " … when it comes to slicing through bends, the BMW X1 xDrive is setting new standards in the compact SUV category." • "No other SUV navigates around the traffic cones with more agility than the BMW X1." • "The two-litre diesel engine lets its familiar qualities – refinement, pulling power, fuel efficiency – shine in the BMW X1." "auto motor und sport" concludes: "The BMW X1 is the new king of handling among SUVs. A compact all-wheel drive vehicle, it also convinces us with its spaciousness and powerful yet fuel-saving engine." In a followup test in its 24/2009 issue, "auto, motor und sport" pitted the BMW X1 against the VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI and the Land Rover Freelander TD4, with the BMW X1 once again impressing the testers with its exceptional virtues: • "As expected, on the road the BMW runs rings around the opposition ..." • " ... the customer receives the most comprehensive safety equipment and the most effective brakes of all the competitors here." The fact that the BMW X1, in this direct comparison, finished slightly behind the VW Tiguan was explained by "auto, motor und sport" as being due to the slightly larger interior, the softer suspension and the slightly lower costs of the Volkswagen. At the same time, the testers noted that the BMW X1 has lower operating and servicing costs across its lifetime than the VW Tiguan.
	"Auto Express": "Ultra-efficient diesel-only engine line-up keeps costs down." The BMW X1 also impressed automotive journalists of many other international magazines, trade publications and online media: • "Where the X1 really comes alive, though, is in corners. … for a car of this size, refinement at motorway speeds is excellent … Compact dimensions and superb steering mean it's great to drive, while an ultra-efficient dieselonly engine line-up keeps costs down." ("Auto Express", Britain's biggest car weekly, issue no. 1087, 28/10/2009) • "If you let this car loose on a B-road, it will show you how well it can zip through corners." (Spiegel online, 28/09/2009). • "The X1 handles neatly and the 20d xDrive version we drove grips tenaciously … . The excellent driving position, supportive seats and nononsense dashboard are what we've come to expect from BMW. ... Running costs will be low, thanks to average fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 136 g/km ... BMW's greenest, cheapest SUV yet is a fine effort." ("What Car?" – Britain's biggest car buyer's guide, 12/2009). • "Like-for-like against the opposition the X1 is quieter, as well as being faster, cleaner and greener. …The real fun starts at the first corner …It's better than every other rival." ("Car Magazine", Great Britain, issue no. 568/PCOTY 2009). • "We drove the BMW X1 xDrive20d, which drives as dynamically as a sports car. . . Thanks to its high roofline, this newcomer from Leipzig offers a generous sense of space on all seats, … very good workmanship … good engine/transmission combo, … precise steering … a wellrounded car." ("ADAC motorwelt", the world's highest-circulation car magazine, 11/2009).
	Key points: • The BMW X1 is currently celebrating its launch in style, with massive orders only a few days after its introduction. • The international media confirm the exceptional position of the new BMW compact premium SUV in its segment. • First group tests have seen the BMW X1 immediately take the top spot. • Highlights: excellent performance, great agility and fuel efficiency, and low CO2 emissions. • The media verdict: – "Driving dynamics: this is where the BMW really comes into its own. It is the most fun to drive." ("Auto Zeitung" 23/2009) – "The BMW diesel is the benchmark in terms of fuel efficiency and power development." ("Auto Zeitung" 23/2009) – "As expected, on the road the BMW runs rings around the opposition ..." ("auto, motor und sport" 24/2009) – "Like-for-like against the opposition the X1 is quieter, as well as being faster, cleaner and greener." ("Car Magazine", Great Britain, issue no. 568/PCOTY 2009).