German Car Zone

PS: I did edit my exclamation an question marks -

I'd rather BMW (Scott / EnI) come up for an excuse and reason for the use of these hard plastic materials. This is one area that BMW has to get right from the start IF they themselves are a premium manuacturer asking premium prices - that is the bottom line.

The review on the other hand is overall positive BUT why has there have to be a negative - on materials used from a manuacturer known for their superb materials used in the past? This material and cost-cutting scenario almost destroyed Mercedes-Benz's image!

It's as if BMW knows the facts and yet....

The interior quality of X1 is on par with FL 1er. Mind this is still a member of entry series by BMW. And X1 is entry level BMW SAV. Sure the materials are won't be the same as in eg. X5.

I'm sure some journalists have difficulties with perceptions - getting into X1 after driving top-end BMW models lately (like 7er, Z4, 5er GT, X5M & X6M etc). Then the X1 sure looks like a turd compared to the other mentioned cars.

Sur it's not perfect. It could be better. And I'm sure some "issues" will be addressed with upcoming MY, and later with FL.




PS: MB image was hurt due to poor materials in some much more expensive models (like eg. Mk1 ML).

Creating the interior was nothing more than going through the parts shelf and look for the cheapest stuff they had. I don't like the interior of the X1 at all, and that includes the design as well as the cheap-ish materials.

Interesting posts here......where exactly are the X1's materials lacking?

M

They lack the premium feel of the other models' materials and they are not good enough for a car with the BMW badge. But I have to see them in person, before I make my judgement!

I think it is right about here:

Is the complaint regarding the console that has the cigarette lighter , AUX input?
That has come from the 1er , and whilst it is not pleasant to look at it is entirely durable. The rest of the material is the same quality that runs throughout the car from the door cappings to the facia.
This has been praised for it's premium feel?

Every manufacturer looks for savings to be made by sharing with other models and the X1 is no exception. However you should not just single out BMW for this approach - some of the plastics in the new Audi A4 show example of cost cutting compared to the previous model as well as other premium manufacturers.

What the hell? If it costs as much as the 3er than what's up with the X3? Does it cost as much as a 5er? Then what, the X5 is as much as the 7er? I mean c'mon. Let's keep it in perspective here. The X1 is a Higher up 1er, not even close to the 3er in anything, especially prestige.

Ok, the lights switch on the A4 is absolutely terrible and there are other plastic parts that could be better. Same goes for the 3er and the C as well. With a close inspection of each car you can find many places where the materials, the fit and the finnish could have been better. But "everybody is going cheap" is not a good excuse for you to go cheap!

If the X1 costs 3er money, it has to have 3er materials.

So, 135i should be same as eg. 318i, 335i same as eg. 520i, 550i same as eg. 730d?