X1 BMW X1 drives: autocar, carmagazine etc etc

[Betty Swollocks]

I dont get it, whats the big deal? You guys don't like grained p;astic interiors, is that it? The interior looks fine to me.

Have you seen it in person? If not then I suggest you wait until you have until commenting.

 

[klier]

^ I've seen it up close, but there is no need to see this in real life to have an opinion. The pics speak for themselves, and in the high res pics it's easy to recognise the materials they used...

 

[Betty Swollocks]

^ I've seen it up close, but there is no need to see this in real life to have an opinion.

Eh? Yes there is. I thought the X1 interior looked very nice in the photos, but when I saw it at Frankfurt it just looked cheap.

 

[martinbo]

But surely not the whole thing Betty - just some aspects / areas?

 

[Zafiro]

Talking about interior quality. I have my issues with the new Z4. There are some 'cheap' materials there too and some of the levels are directly from the 1-series. I havent seen the X1 in metal yet but its far from being the only BMW with cheap materials.

 

[martinbo]

^ Yes, I noticed some of the cheaper plastics on the new Z4 too when I had a good look around especially when compared with the E85. But it's still top-notch in this day & age.

People, seriously... as far as I'm concerned this interior sets new standards in its class specifically.

Sorry to be a bore but I really don't get what the problem is. It's an X1 - not an X4 or 3er GT.

 

[Potential]

This is why I personally stick to the core BMW series. My E60 5 Series (FL), was both impeccably finished and the materials high grade. The new F01 (750i) interior reminds me a lot of the Macbook Pro (new aluminium design) vs. a plastic dell, the level sheer strength and integrity of the materials is an absolute testament to BMW.

 

[Mr Robert]

I agree, that is a very good looking interior. If it not only looks good but also proves to be resistant to wear and stays 100% rattle free, we have e true winner.

 

[Potential]

One thing, BMW need a new gear lever design.

 

[martinbo]

Look at the example above. Here I can see that certain people will notice the hard, shiny plastics on the transmission tunnel console. Sure, it's not quite up to the more fussy types' standards but c'mon - this is an entry-level BMW SAV. And, the interior shown is the "poor man's version" and not the more upmarket, luxury trim shown here:

 

[Betty Swollocks]

But surely not the whole thing Betty - just some aspects / areas?

Put it this way. Before I saw the interior shots I was expecting very little from the X1. I thought it would be just like the 1 Series in terms of quality, i.e. quite bad. However, when the official pics were revealed it looked quite good. Then we had Scott etc. saying their usual spin about it being "high quality", so I was going to Frankfurt with high expectations. Therefore when I saw the reality was actually cheap looking I was very disappointed. And it wasn't just the basic version which looked cheap. They also had a highly specced model which wasn't much better. I suppose my expectations were raised.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Sorry to be a bore but I really don't get what the problem is. It's an X1 - not an X4 or 3er GT.

That interior features light plastics, which photograph better and may even look better in the flesh. The dark ones do not however.

I'm not commenting on what it should or shouldn't have. I'm just saying, beware, because in the flesh it's not that special at all.

 

[martinbo]

Ok, expectations raised - I hear you.

When I read a BMW print ad or watch one on TV it does nothing in terms of raising my expectations. Nor, would it for you - a clearly intelligent individual.

So why let BMW CM raise your expectations? I don't. I just enjoy reading the spin. I mean really, bro, you can't possibly expect a marketing team to turn around and say: "The new X1's interior quality is class-leading, though not quite on the level of more expensive BMWs." That would practically amount to them not doing their job!

 

[Human]

Ok, expectations raised - I hear you.

"The new X1's interior quality is class-leading, though not quite on the level of more expensive BMWs." That would practically amount to them not doing their job!

^

Now a statement like that would make BMW the most honest manufacturer bar - none!

IF only we lived in a world of total honesty

 

[Zafiro]

I thought it would be just like the 1 Series in terms of quality, i.e. quite bad.

Harsh words you use. Pre-facelift 1-series had issues but after the facelift the interior is no longer bad. It has the same standard as the new Z4 and its not worse than my father's E90. Its a very solid interior without any squeaks and noises. If you use the words bad for these cars, then I have to see X1 in person before I believe you. I don't know but now I feel that you exaggerate.

 

[Human]

Harsh words you use. Pre-facelift 1-series had issues but after the facelift the interior is no longer bad. It has the same standard as the new Z4 and its not worse than my father's E90. Its a very solid interior without any squeaks and noises. If you use the words bad for these cars, then I have to see X1 in person before I believe you. I don't know but now I feel that you exaggerate.

I think Betty and myself share the same expectations...And we are not the only enthusiasts nor customers that expect a premium product with a premium badge from a premium manufacturer with a premium price tag to just have that little bit more in terms of tactile quality that puts it apart from the stereotype norm.

I've made a big fuss about the plastics between the seats an debated with Martinbo about that. Maybe I and anybody else has to get used to cost cutting as well as recycling legislation etc.

BUT we are entiteled to keep manufacturers on their toes and suppliers to these manufacturers awake in bettering technology in terms of car cabin/interior plastics.

HOW IS THAT?!

 

[Zafiro]

BUT we are entiteled to keep manufacturers on their toes and suppliers to these manufacturers awake in bettering technology in terms of car cabin/interior plastics.

HOW IS THAT?!

I haven't used my VETO. I haven't forbid anyone to speak but I know I'm entitled to make my own opinion about X1.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Harsh words you use.

I don't consider "quite bad" as being harsh. "Absolutely terrible" is harsh.

But unless you spec the 1 Series up quite a lot it really does feel like a cheap car, except the price tag is very far from cheap.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Ok, expectations raised - I hear you.

When I read a BMW print ad or watch one on TV it does nothing in terms of raising my expectations. Nor, would it for you - a clearly intelligent individual.

So why let BMW CM raise your expectations? I don't. I just enjoy reading the spin. I mean really, bro, you can't possibly expect a marketing team to turn around and say: "The new X1's interior quality is class-leading, though not quite on the level of more expensive BMWs." That would practically amount to them not doing their job!

I see your point. Of course CM are doing their job but I think they may be shooting themselves in the foot by setting unrealistic expectations. I came away from the show disappointed instead of impressed. I'm glad you can enjoy CM's spin, I personally think it spoils this forum, but then we've been down this road before.

 

[martinbo]

No ways man - it (BMW CM) adds variety into the mix. Gives us something to talk, debate, argue over. Otherwise it'd be like:

Johnny Bravo
The new BMW is fantastic and it's the best car in the world.

Rest of the Forum
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Everyone agrees.

[End of Discussion]

Gulp - how boring would that be?