BMW X1

On the inside, the BMW X1 might not look as glitzy as other relatively affordable models like 3-Series or even 2-Series Coupe for that matter. However, what the BMW X1 brings to the table is immaculate fit and finish and a built to last feel, which is a pre-requisite of a luxury car.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, as well as sober looking instrument console, looks a generation old (which they actually are). However, the X1 tries to make up for it with its smarter looking center console, with a wide free-standing trapezoidal touchscreen infotainment system and a trapezoidal lower center console, both of which are slightly tilted towards the driver side.

The lower center console looks simple with symmetric looking AC vents and control panels for climate control and audio. The space levels on the inside are decent, but not segment-leading, and could have created a better impression in terms of knee room and headroom.

Over the past few years, the BMW X1 has evolved a lot, from being a not-so-impressive looking crossover to a more butch looking SUV with a good heightened stance and proportionate lines than ever before. This current iteration of the BMW X1 might not be a sure shot head-turner, but it definitely is a contemporary design.

The front profile of the BMW X1 looks quite smart, with a decently sized double kidney grille, which is adjoined from the middle and gets chrome finished surrounds as well as vertical slats on its inside. The sweptback headlamps go well with the design, and the revamped full LED lighting assembly with tweaked daytime running LEDs, make it look much more modern than ever before. The horizontal T-shaped fog lamp inserts with slim LED fog lamps make it look sharp from a low angle view.

The side profile of the BMW X1 looks much more SUV-like than ever before, with a raised ride height as well as slightly heightened bonnet, however, it still lacks the macho appeal of similarly priced and much bigger ladder on frame SUVs. While the sharp character line flowing upwards through the door handles as well as chrome surround for the window frame make it look elegant, the slim looking body cladding over the wheel arches and below door panels add some toughness to it.

At the back, the new BMW X1 gets sleeker-than-ever wraparound LED tail lamps, with an integrated roof spoiler with blackened side portions and dual exhaust ports adding some sportiness to the rear design.

The BMW X1, despite being an entry-level model, is a typical BMW product, with it getting all top-notch systems like driving experience control with three different drive modes (comfort, eco pro, and sport), adaptive suspension setup, and M-Sport steering. All these systems make the BMW X1 a very nice handler and an SUV with minimal body roll on offer.

The BMW X1 is being offered with a wide range of powertrain options, which include a total of ten configurations.

Let’s start with the petrol lineup first, which includes a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol (140 PS/220 Nm) available with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (192 PS/280 Nm) available with combinations of 7-speed dual-clutch automatic/front-wheel drive or 8-speed automatic/all-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (231 PS/350 Nm) with 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Coming to the diesel, the lineup has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel (116 PS/270 Nm) available with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive, a 2.0-litre diesel (150 PS/350 Nm) available with a 6-speed manual and options of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (190 PS/400 Nm) with 8-speed automatic and options of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive and a 2.0-litre diesel (231 PS/450 Nm) with 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard.

The BMW X1 is equipped with a variety of safety features like front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, lane departure warning, approach control warning, high-beam assistant and speed limit info, the person warning with light city braking function, park assist and reverse parking camera with parking sensors.

With an affordable price point, the BMW X1 offers a worthy option in itself to those who aspire to own a car with a BMW badge on it, thus being assured completely of top-notch engineering and luxury motoring experience.