TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 BMW X1
2016 BMW X1 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year
Comment
2016
When the engine and transmission are mounted sideways, much more space can be allocated for passengers and cargo. Compared to the BMW X3, which has a longitudinal powertrain, the X1 is nine inches shorter (175 vs. 184), two inches narrower (72 vs. 74), and two inches lower (64 vs. 66), yet it has a little more headroom, rear shoulder room, and legroom.
A funny thing: according to the official specs, the 2013-2015 X1 had only an inch less combined legroom than the new one. The difference feels much greater. It helps that the seats are mounted higher in the new X1. Even the largest feet can fit beneath the front seats at a comfortable angle. Want to tap your toes while riding in back? Go for it, there's plenty of space under there--a rarity among upscale cars. This combined with the relatively high rear seat cushion means that the average adult (e.g. 5-9 me) enjoys sufficient thigh support, which is often lacking in much larger crossovers.
When all the way back, a $300 sliding and reclining second-row seat adds another inch of rear legroom. Though worthwhile overall, its seat backs return to a fully vertical position after being folded. Each of its three sections must then be reset one by one at a comfortable angle, a nuisance.
The Audi Q3's rear seat is far tighter. The spec sheet suggests a mere 31 inches of rear legroom, a considerable half-foot less than in the new X1. In reality the Audi's rear seat doesn't seem quite that tight. I can sit behind myself with at most two inches of knee room to spare, vs. about five in the BMW. Still, with a tall driver the Q3's rear legroom would becomes essentially zero. The Lincoln MKC's rear seat isn't much roomier than the Audi's, while the Lexus NX has about as much rear knee room as the BMW but a lower seat cushion and less foot room beneath its front seats.
Though the new Mini Clubman shares both the new UKL platform and a 105-inch wheelbase with the 2016 X1, its roof is seven inches lower, a big difference, and its seats are mounted lower than those in the average car, much less a crossover. There's perhaps an inch more knee room than in the Audi. The next Mini Countryman should be close in size to the X1.
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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Comment
The first con is the obvious one, and a deal killer for many people. While the FR-S has a barely usable rear seat, the MX-5 Miata has none at all.
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