Pleasant to drive and built to a price, the 2017 BMW X1 is a mainstream subcompact crossover that is pleasant to drive but lacks the brand's "ultimate driving machine" performance. The 2017 BMW X1 sits apart from other BMWs. With its front-wheel-drive, Mini-sourced platform, is the brand's entry-level subcompact crossover and a more mainstream, less passionate vehicle than you would expect from BMW. It is offered as the front-drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i, the former added for 2017.
Pros Crossover utility Gutsy turbo 4-cylinder Good rear-seat space Fairly thrifty fuel economy Competitive price of entry
Cons Prices climb quickly with options Some cost-cutting in interior trim Driver assists cost extra Poor front seats
The BMW X1 offers shoppers in the compact luxury crossover category an intriguing blend of performance, comfort and utility. If you're looking for something that cleverly blurs the line between a low-slung sedan and a high-riding SUV, the X1 is worth a test drive. The 2017 X1 is BMW's smallest and most affordable utility vehicle, yet it offers a surprising amount of passenger and cargo space. It delivers trademark BMW quality inside and out, and despite having less power than earlier versions, the X1 still accelerates and handles better than most in its class.
Pros Strong performance from its turbocharged engine One of the best-handling compact luxury crossovers you're going to find More rear passenger and cargo room than most other competitors High-level interior fit, finish and materials
Cons Standard sport suspension can be jarring on rough roads Steering feels less precise than some of BMW's sport sedans.
The 2017 BMW X1 ranks 1 out of 5 Luxury Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 BMW X1 finishes near the top of our luxury subcompact rankings because of its good performance, upscale and spacious interior, and outstanding cargo space for the class.
Pros Quick acceleration Athletic handling Roomy back seat Outstanding cargo capacity
Cons No standard driver assistance features
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the more upright and traditional looking Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. Note the nomenclature difference: Not only is the GLE Coupe, well, a "coupe," it also bears the AMG label in its name. This is because this year, the GLE Coupe is available only in two different AMG forms: the turbocharged-V6-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe, and the turbo-V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe. The GLE Coupe goes against the likes of the BMW X6 by offering a sleeker body and better driving dynamics than the SUV upon which it's based. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the standard GLE SUV. Don't expect much utility from this SUV though, as the GLE Coupe puts a priority on design.
Pros The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe offers some of the characteristics of an SUV -- all-wheel drive, improved cargo capacity, and a taller ride height -- with the design and performance of a luxury sport sedan. If that sounds like you, take a look.
Cons The GLE Coupe isn't cheap, with a starting price higher than the GLE SUV. In addition, like the GLE, it's based on an older platform that's considerably heavier than newer Mercedes-Benz products. If you want something similar, but more modern, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a little smaller, but far more nimble.
The GLE Coupe is Mercedes’ answer to the BMW X6 – it’s a sporty 4×4 SUV coupe. Underneath the GLE Coupe’s sexier curves you’ll find the same mechanical bits as on the more traditional looking GLE.The GLE Coupe is a more stylish version of the GLE that still has plenty of passenger space. The GLE Coupe is a good all-rounder for buyers who want a large 4×4 but with a more exciting shape than the usual box-like offerings. It has a big boot, a range of powerful engines and a lovely interior.
Pros Quick Classy interior Big boot
Cons Expensive to run High boot lip Only one diesel option