The new-gen SUV gets BMW’s latest curved infotainment display and ADAS features.
BMW has launched the all-new, third-generation X1 in India at the ongoing BMW Joytown festival in Bengaluru, with introductory prices starting from Rs 45.95 lakh for the petrol version, going up to Rs 47.90 lakh for the diesel. Like the previous-gen model, the new X1 continues to be offered with both petrol and diesel engines, but there’s no all-wheel drive. We previously reported that bookings for the new X1 are open at the dealer level for a token amount of Rs 50,000.
- The new X1 is available with petrol and diesel powertrains
- Rivals the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40
New BMW X1: exterior and interior
The new BMW X1 is larger than its predecessor in all dimensions – its 53mm longer, 24mm wider, 44mm taller and the wheelbase has also gone up by 22mm.
The design of the new X1 is best described as an evolution over the previous model – it wears a slightly larger grille, the bumper gets more angular creases with brushed silver inserts, the headlamps are sleeker and get new inverted L-shaped Daytime Running Lamps. In profile, the SUV is characterised by smooth surfacing and flush door handles. At the rear, it gets slim wraparound LED tail-lamps and a sculpted rear bumper with similar silver inserts as the front. It is still readily identifiable as an X1, but looks a lot more mature than before. The India-spec X1 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. The M Sport variants get a sportier design for the front and rear bumpers.
The biggest update to the X1’s interior is the new curved infotainment display that sits neatly atop the dashboard and has been recently seen on other BMW models like the new X7, 7 Series and 3 Series Gran Limosuine. This has also allowed for a much cleaner dashboard design with new storage spaces and a floating centre console that houses a few physical buttons. The slim AC vents are now neatly integrated in the dash, and the cabin is also a lot more upmarket than before. BMW claims the new X1 offers more space for the rear-seat occupants and boasts of a large 500-litre boot.
New BMW X1: powertrain options
The new BMW X1 is available with a petrol (sDrive 18i) and a diesel (sDrive 18d) engine option in India. The petrol is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder unit that produces 136hp and 230Nm of torque, while the diesel mill is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 150hp and 360Nm of torque. Both engines come mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with power being sent to the front wheels only. Unlike some of its rivals, the X1 does not get all-wheel drive in India.
BMW claims the petrol version can sprint from 0-100kph in 9.2sec, while the diesel can do the same in 8.9sec. They also claim that the petrol returns a fuel efficiency of 15.03kpl, with the latter returning 19.23kpl.
New BMW X1: trims and features
The new X1 is available in two trims in India – X Line and M Sport – where both engine options are available on both trims.
In terms of features, the third-gen X1 gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.70-inch infotainment screen, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, ADAS features, adaptive LED headlights, automatic tailgate operation and parking assist feature. The X Line variants come with Sports seats as standard, while the M Sport variants additionally get a massage function for the front seats.
New BMW X1: rivals
The new BMW X1 rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLA (Rs 46.50 lakh-50.50 lakh), the new Audi Q3 (Rs 44.89 lakh-50.39 lakh), Mini Countryman (Rs 47.40 lakh) and the Volvo XC40 (Rs 45.90 lakh) in the entry-level luxury SUV segment.
*all prices are ex-showroom, India
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