బిఎండబ్ల్యూ ఎక్స్1 2015-2020 ఎక్స్డ్రైవ్ 20d M Sport

Introduction:

BMW X1 has proved to be a successful SUV product for the German luxury car maker in India. It was launched way back in the year 2008 and went through updates in regular intervals. Now, its second generation model has been brought to the country with a starting price of just Rs. 29.9 Lakhs (Ex showroom, New Delhi). The manufacturer has opened booking for this SUV and will start deliveries as early as April 2016. Let's take a look at the changes and upgrades that it received.

Pros:

1. Exclusive M Sport package renders its exterior a breathtaking appeal.

2. Powerful engine with high fuel economy and low carbon emission.

Cons:

1. There is no petrol engine option.

2. Waiting period is too long.

Standout features:

1. This second generation X1 looks drastically different from its predecessor. It is constructed on a UKL platform that enabled it to shed more than 135 kilograms.

2. Its interiors get a significant improvement over its predecessor. Advanced BMW ConnectedDrive equipments add to the entertainment quotient.

Overview:

The German auto major has launched three new products in a span of just one week and X1 is one among them. It retained all four variants in the line-up among which, BMW X1 xDrive 20d M Sport is the range topper. This one is a fully loaded and exclusive vehicle that gets BMW M Sport exterior and interior package. It is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel motor that can break the 100 kmph mark in just 7.6 seconds. The SUV has become more fuel efficient with a peak mileage of 20.68 kmpl. The vehicle gets no major updates with regards to the features. It gets multi-functional sports leather steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, 2-zone climate control unit and electrically adjustable front seats. It will now go against the likes of Mercedes Benz GLA Class and Audi Q3 in India.

Exteriors:

This SUV from BMW has just entered into its second generation with subtle changes to all its exterior facets. Its front facade especially looks stunning and much more bolder than its predecessor. Its headlight cluster gets a sharp design that makes a powerful statement. They are housed with powerful LED headlamps along with extended functions including DRLs, adaptive light distribution and cornering lights. Its bonnet has been restructured with more muscle and creases. The radiator grille gets larger and dressed up with a thick chrome surround. The company has also modified the bumper to make it look even aggressive. The side profile of the SUV retains much of structure from its predecessor, but improvements in cosmetics renders it a refreshing new look. Being an exclusive variant, it gets 18-inch M light alloy wheels as standard. Moving on to the rear, it gets a restructured taillight cluster with LED lights in 3D icon design. While the twin exhaust pipes in chrome finish complements its new look.

Interiors:

This new generation X1 has a taller and wider body shell. Also, its wheelbase has been increased by 90mm that releases more cabin space for occupants. Its interior design has a semblance to other BMW models. Although, much of interior design remains similar to its predecessor, the quality and build quality has improved to the next level. This trim features an Ambient lighting package and a panoramic glass roof that creates a pleasant and rich ambiance inside. The seats are ergonomically designed for better comfort. Here, both the front seats come with electrically adjustable function while the driver seat also has a memory function. Everything inside has been perfectly placed right from the utility features to the function and equipments. Being the range topper, it gets all the facilities including 2-zone automatic climate control unit, sports seats for driver and passenger, multi-functional sports leather steering wheel and BMW ConnectedDrive in-car entertainment unit. It features a 22.3cm high resolution color display that supports navigation and video playback. Also, there is a BMW Head-up Display that projects stats like vehicle speed and others right in front of driver's line of sight. Overall, this range topper has everything that an individual can expect from a luxury car.

Performance:

Under the hood, it comes with the same 2.0-litre diesel power plant, which is also powering 3 Series and other BMW cars. However, this engine has been attuned for pumping out more power and reducing fuel consumption. This twin-power turbocharged diesel motor can generate a maximum power of 190bhp at 4000rpm that results in a pounding torque of 400Nm between 1750 to 2500rpm. Its fuel consumption has been reduced and so does the carbon emission. Its transmission duties have been given to the advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox that transmits output to all four wheels.

Ride and Handling:

This latest version of X1 is significantly improved with respect to ride quality, thanks to its reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. It comes with an intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system that adapts to the road conditions perfectly and delivers outstanding traction. Its four-wheel disc braking system is another factor that makes driving safer. This mechanism is aided by advanced features like anti lock braking system, brake assist and cornering brake control system. Few other functions like dynamic traction control, aids in offering a predictable handling. Its steering response is another positive factor that the car has. Its highly responsive and its servotronic steering assist aids in reducing the consumption of energy. Overall, this SUV has better handling dynamics over its nearest rivals.

Safety:

The manufacturer has retained most of the safety features from its predecessor. It gets a total of six airbags (including dual front, side and head airbags) along with load limiter and pretentioner that maximizes passengers safety. Some of the other safety features include ABS with brake assist, cornering brake control, electronic vehicle immobilizer with brake control, run flat indicator, run flat tyres with reinforced side walls, side impact protection and many others.

Verdict:

The all new second generate BMW X1 20d M Sport is stylish, luxurious and outperforms its competition in every single department. Besides, it has a very competitive price tag in its class, making it far more desirable than any other entry level luxury SUV segment. The only drawback of the car is that its ground clearance is still equivalent to that of a sedan. Although, it gets AWD drive option, low ground clearance makes it a poor off-roader.