[ttimbo]

I test drove the new X1 extensively before I ordered. My car is due in the next 6 weeks, but my test drive experience influenced me to order 18" wheels on my 25i, instead of the 19". I also have adaptive dampers, but these will not "soften" the ride, just give firmer damping in the Sport setting. I'll wait for my car to arrive, but I may change from RFTs to standard tyres, too.

In case you think it's just BMW, I also test drove both the M-B GLA and GLC, and they both suffer from the same affliction: low profile, RFTs...which is insanity for a vehicle of this type.

It would be good if some of the road test journos looked beyond their noses, and gave the car companies some proper feedback. These vehicles have 17" or 18" wheels in their base, country of origin spec, with 50-60 profile tyres. Local subsidiaries seems to respond to fashion and appearance, rather than common sense, and they need to be told this.