Just thinking about the lineup of BMW SUVs for 2013 is enough to get anyone excited. Back again are the X3, X5 and X6, but this luxury brand decided to get competitive in the compact crossover segment, and add in the all new X1. This German auto manufacturer has always been the name to turn to for those wanting to stand out from the rest. The product line is well-known for outstanding performance, innovative features and sophisticated styling on the exterior, with an elegant cabin to match. T... (full review continues below)
Just thinking about the lineup of BMW SUVs for 2013 is enough to get anyone excited. Back again are the X3, X5 and X6, but this luxury brand decided to get competitive in the compact crossover segment, and add in the all new X1. This German auto manufacturer has always been the name to turn to for those wanting to stand out from the rest. The product line is well-known for outstanding performance, innovative features and sophisticated styling on the exterior, with an elegant cabin to match. These are all traits the BMW sport utility vehicles showcase well.
One glance at the new X1, and you can’t help but get excited. With its shorter length and height from the X3, you can just tell it will be fun to drive, and it is! This is one agile SUV! You get to choose between a turbocharged inline-4 engine that returns an average of 33 mpg or a fierce 300 horsepower inline-6 that can accelerate zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. You win with either choice.
The X1 starts at $30,650, and comes nicely loaded, but even the V6 xDrive 35i leaves plenty of room for customization with a trio of “Design Lines” to choose from. The 2013 X1 will compete nicely with Infiniti EX and Acura RDX.
The big brother to the X1 is the adored X3. The extra length and height really comes in handy for those who haul rear seat passengers on a regular basis, or need a lot of cargo space. The X3 is equipped with your choice of a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a potent six-cylinder engine. Every X3 gets a long list of standard features you would end up paying for elsewhere, such as automatic engine start/stop technology and a power lift gate. Eco Pro mode is another new feature for 2013 that optimizes engine, transmission, electrical features, heating and air conditioning to achieve the best fuel economy possible. Plus, it scores perfectly in crash tests, so at a starting MSRP of $38,400, Acura MDX, Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350 will have a hard time competing.
The BMW X5 remains one of the top preferred luxury crossover SUVs for a long list of reasons. Athletic handling matches its chiseled exterior yet a refined cabin reminds you that you are in a luxury vehicle. One of the greatest qualities about the X5 is how much confidence it has on the road. Whether you are travelling at high speeds on the highway on a windy day, or if you are cruising winding mountain roads, this is an SUV that will remain composed.
The X5 is standard as a five-passenger vehicle, but a third row seat is available. It falls in the same segment as the Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti FX, Infiniti JX and Acura MDX.
Last but certainly not least is the unique X6; a cross between a coupe and a crossover. If the futuristic and aerodynamic exterior doesn’t lure you in, then purchasing the wickedly fast optional V8 engine will, which can hit 60mph in a lightning fast 5.2 seconds. It can brake just as fast too, taking only 111 feet to stop from 60 mph.
The X6 is a vehicle that is designed for the driver. You melt into the front seat, and are faced with numerous electronic features, and then you accelerate and are rewarded with a dynamic rumble. This vehicle starts at $59,800, but those with a need for speed will opt for the xDrive50i, with the 4.4-liter V8 engine with a base MSRP of $70,400.