2016 BMW X1

Exactly what I was looking for

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

My commute used to be 4 miles, so I bought a cute little Mercedes coupe. Then my commute changed and was taking 2 busy highways for 45 minutes. I felt very insecure in my little car. I really like driving a car, so although I wanted a higher vehicle, I didn't look forward to the parking issues of having a bigger vehicle. Then I came across the X1. It is actually 6" shorter than my coupe was and not much wider. However, it has the height I wanted, and great interior and cargo space! Just blown away! When I test drove it, I immediately felt comfortable with the location of all the controls. I am only 5'4" and everything is easily reached. I've always really liked the controls to be in the gear shift area and using a dial. Someone commented it isn't safe to look down. You aren't supposed to look at it at all. That is the point of it being down there, so you can adjust things by touch instead of by sight. You just need to learn where the buttons are and how to use the dial effectively. The visibility is great and since I don't have any depth perception, I LOVE the parking help. Now I can go around tight spaces without worrying about hitting something. There are 2 negatives only, the rear window is small and blocked by the rear center head rest. I'll just fold down the center to improve viewing. Also, the seat is very firm. I'll have to bring a seat pad for long trips. For a daily driver with lots of stop and go traffic, I am ecstatic. It is great looking and fun to drive.