Having just gotten my hands on my wife’s 2013 Bmw X1 after she acquired it this past June, I finally had the chance to put it through its paces last month. As someone who’s always considered himself comfortable, even enthusiastic, about technology, I’m somewhat taken aback to admit – this car’s gadgets are making me feel like I’m stuck in the past.
Front view of a gunmetal gray 2013 BMW X1 showcasing its sleek design and upgraded wheels
Let’s be clear, my gripes aren’t under the hood. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in this 2013 BMW X1 is genuinely impressive. It delivers its 240 horsepower with a smoothness that belies its turbocharged nature. BMW’s claim of a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.5 seconds seemed ambitious on paper, but after experiencing it firsthand, I’m a believer. This compact SUV is surprisingly quick and responsive. Similarly, the 8-speed automatic transmission is a gem. Shifts are seamless, quick, and always intuitive, making for a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.
The interior of the 2013 BMW X1 is classic BMW – functional, well-built, and driver-focused. If you appreciate BMW interiors, you’ll find yourself right at home here. My wife opted for the Xline package, which thankfully includes real leather. Avoiding wood trim, she chose the “high-gloss dark copper” trim, the only non-wood option available at the dealership. It’s a unique touch, resembling a sparkly root beer hue, a departure from the brushed aluminum we’ve had in previous BMWs. Having been a fan of BMW interiors since my stepbrother’s 1989 325IS, and even appreciating the controversial iDrive in a later Bangle-era 645, I generally find BMW cabins to be comfortable and well-designed spaces.
However, this 2013 BMW X1 is testing my tech-savviness. The iPhone integration is the first hurdle. Want to do more than just charge your phone? You’ll need a proprietary BMW iPod interface adapter. This archaic requirement was discovered only after a frustrating consultation with the owner’s manual. While this might be the base stereo system, it’s a weak excuse in 2023. Even a Toyota Fortuner I drive regularly in Abu Dhabi offers seamless plug-and-play connectivity with steering wheel controls. The same goes for my father-in-law’s 2013 Chevy Cruze and my brother-in-law’s Ford Hybrid Escape, both of which offer effortless smartphone integration, including voice command music playback.
Speaking of voice commands, let’s discuss Bluetooth in this 2013 BMW X1. Pairing our phones was a 20-minute ordeal involving the owner’s manual. Once connected, the system refuses to recognize contacts or offer any verbal functions beyond basic call handling. For comparison, a $25 Bluetooth speaker I bought last year from Best Buy clips to my sun visor and flawlessly relays any voice command directly to my phone, hands-free. It’s perplexing that a vehicle with an original starting price of $30,000 struggles to match the functionality of a budget Bluetooth speaker. While Siri can be accessed by holding the phone button, it defeats the purpose of steering wheel-mounted controls designed for true hands-free operation.
Then there’s the gear shifter. Having been out of the new car market for a while, I was unprepared for BMW’s electronic gear selectors. Frankly, I’m surprised this isn’t a more common complaint in reviews of the 2013 BMW X1. Every time I drive this car, I’m met with an annoying “ding,” and I operate sophisticated airborne radar systems for a living! The learning curve is steeper than it needs to be, and the tactile feedback is minimal.
Finally, the auto stop/start system. BMW claims a modest 3% MPG improvement, but my wife’s pre-drive routine now includes disabling this feature. In normal conditions, it’s tolerable, albeit slightly jarring initially. However, in warmer weather, the system’s logic becomes erratic. During a recent spell in Omaha with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F, the system seemed indecisive. When restarting for the AC, the car often jolts uncomfortably instead of releasing the brake smoothly.
Despite these tech-related frustrations, it’s crucial to emphasize that these issues shouldn’t overshadow the 2013 BMW X1’s inherent qualities. It’s a genuinely good vehicle. It excels on the highway, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. Fuel economy is commendable, and it can comfortably accommodate five adults for shorter trips. My personal annoyance with the shifter shouldn’t be misconstrued as a criticism of the transmission itself, which is excellent in normal driving mode and responsive in manual mode. The sport mode, in particular, feels perfectly calibrated to my driving style, offering the responsiveness of manual mode with the speed and precision of an automatic. For perhaps the first time, I find myself preferring an automatic transmission over a manual.
Side profile of the 2013 BMW X1 highlighting its gunmetal gray paint and stylish wheel design
The gunmetal gray paint, though apparently a rare special order, combined with the upgraded wheels, undeniably enhances the 2013 BMW X1’s aesthetics. Over the lease period, we’ll be evaluating its long-term reliability, its durability against dog-related wear and tear, and its overall resilience to daily use. Based on my past experiences with BMW ownership – including an E30, E36, E46, and my trusty 99 R1100S motorcycle – I’m not anticipating major mechanical issues.
My current reservations are primarily focused on the technology interface, and perhaps that’s more a reflection of rapidly evolving automotive tech than a fault of the 2013 BMW X1 itself. It’s just a bit ironic that my wife, with a single well-researched purchase, has seemingly transformed me from a tech-adept gearhead into, well, my dad struggling with the TV remote. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear some youngsters on my lawn…
