It was with some trepidation that I approached the BMW head office in Midrand to collect the X1 allocated to me to test for three days — after all, I drive low range 4x4s in mud and dirt. How was I to cope with this high level of sophistication? Badly, it would seem. I sat in the car park for a full five minutes trying to work out how to start the car. It was only after being assisted (embarrassingly) by a passerby that I finally hit the highway back to Johannesburg. The mass of gauges and technology on the dash eyed me out the entire way, and I knew I was in dire need of some heavy techno training. So I drove directly to the only expert I know… my 18- year old son. He took me through it, one intimidating control by one. Soon I had a fix on everything and then the fun really began. Sliding into the cockpit was like sliding into a luxurious easyboy(I’m not used to this). I turned up the built-in surround sound, which was like being in a sound chamber in the comfort of my own home —the clarity was superb. It was only when I turned off the sound, that the silence became deafening. The road noise was virtually non-existent (I’m not used to this either). With the windows closed there was not even a whisper of wind within the cabin. This lack of distraction gave me time to focus on the high-tech bits on offer.

You know those bits that simply make modern living possible, like: Navigation, MP3 interface and Bluetooth integration. Not only are these bits practical but they’re good-looking too, much like the exterior of this beast. There is no debate that this car is seriously good looking and the proof is in the turned heads and admiring glances wherever you go. I must point out that the model I drove was the two-wheel-drive (rear wheel drive) derivative known as the sDrive. It has a virtual 50:50 load distribution, a willing 130kw common rail diesel engine and impressive maneuverability and handling. I was able to chat to the Bridgestone guys, who have tested the off-road ability of the all-wheel drive — called the XDrive — and they were impressed, given that the so called soft roaders are used under very different conditions to the more hard core low range 4x4s that traverse the trails across Africa. This vehicle will capably handle sand, ice and snowy conditions, wet roads, gravel and even muddy stretches if required. But it’s the fact that this BMW X1 is a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle that makes it unique in its class.

It’s the type of car that a young, urban couple would use during the week and could then load up on the weekends for an adventure. Whether the adventure is mountain biking, canoeing or even kayaking, this is not a car for simple pursuits. The boot is large and can be extended by folding down either one or both of the split rear seats. And while space is important to me, I’m all about safety. I am a firm believer that ABS brakes and basic airbags are a prerequisite for any car, and given the level of luxury and premium pricing of this car I expected a lot — and was satisfied. It boasts “runflat” tyres and has an ABS brake-system coupled with a system known as Cornering Braking Control as well as Dynamic Stability Control. This, plus a full array of airbags, Isofix child mounts in the rear and side, front and rear impact protection make for a safe delivery of any precious package. The best part? After three days of driving I returned the car to BMW and the fuel gauge had barely moved.

This gutsy diesel power plant was obviously not very thirsty, which is invaluable today given the ever- changing fuel prices we experience. The bottom line is: I loved this car! I did, but I was happy to return it because I hated the thought of maybe damagin something. I am not used to testing the “crossover” type of Sports Activity Vehicles with high levels of luxury, specifications and finish and I won’t deny that I cautiously enjoyed it. My son summed it up best when he said, “This is the car for the ultimate road trip.” This was his opinion and he is right. It’s the kind of car you would love to drive across
South Africa — again and again and again!