The third-generation BMW X1 is all grown up and is more in line with the German manufacturer’s SUV DNA. No doubt, the most affordable SUV has been a best-seller for the company, but it never really felt like a true blue BMW. Ever since the luxury brand decided to shift to Mini’s front-wheel-drive platform from its original rear-wheel-drive base, the X1 has become a more spacious vehicle. The third generation continues to be FWD and we tell you why the new version is the best X1 ever since its inception.
BMW X1 Review: Road Presence
In terms of dimensions, the new X1 is longer than its previous version as it’s based on 2,692mm long wheelbase making it 22mm longer. It now comes with a lot of pomp thanks to BMW’s new massive-sized kidney grille. The good news is that it goes very well with the X1’s design and actually complements it. With sleek-looking twin LED headlights with an aggressively designed front bumper with an all-black air dam thanks to the M Sport kit, the X1 looks butch and makes quite a statement when it comes to exterior design.
The side profile reminds us of the X3, which is a good thing with a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. BMW has spruced up the rear as the X1 gets a sloping roof spoiler, well well-sculpted 3D LED tail lights and the bumper area is blacked out giving it a sporty look.
BMW X1 Review: Well-heeled interiors
Step inside the cabin and you’re welcomed with exceptional quality and standout tech. The dual HD curved screens include a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. The other feature that stands out is the vertically designed wireless phone charger. The M Sport package offers some additional goodies like leather leather-wrapped steering wheel and front seats with a massage function which is a boon after a long day at work and there’s also something for the audiophiles, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon boom box. As intuitive as the infotainment screen is, BMW has sadly done away with physical buttons on the centre console which means you are at the mercy of the touchscreen to set up the climate control, fan speed and changing drive modes. The metal brushed floating armrest looks very space-age, but on a personal note, we miss the iDrive rotary dial. BMW has given the traditional gear lever the boot and has replaced it with gear and start/stop buttons.
The quality and fit-and-finish are definitely what’s expected from BMW. The dashboard gets dual leather and a metal finish with a long air conditioner vent on the front passenger side. Moving on to the M Sport steering wheel, it is beautifully crafted and feels solidly built and the good news is that it comes with physical buttons rather than the fidgety capacitive touch buttons.
The biggest improvement has to be the spacious cabin. The gone is the cramped space for rear passengers as the new X1 now offers plenty of legroom thanks to the long wheel platform. With a low transmission tunnel, an adult can comfortably park themselves in the middle seat. The seats are well-designed and supportive, though, the seat squab felt a bit flat. For additional space, the rear seat can slide back by 130mm.
There’s no compromise in boot space as the X1 has spacious 476 litres of luggage space and the electric tailgate which can be operated hands-free with an intelligent kick sensor beneath the rear bumper.
BMW X1 Review: Driving experience
We drove the diesel version of the X1 which is powered by a 1,995cc motor with an output of 148bhp and a healthy 360Nm of torque. BMW has decided to go the smooth and refined route though it is a dampener that the previous generation churned out 187 ponies. No doubt, the SUV has lost a bit of its sting but it’s still responsive at low speeds and the mid-range power band is where things start getting pacey. The power delivery is linear but the torque manages to mask any turbo lag. The driving experience is fairly involving as the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is quick to upshift and downshift for adequate power boost.
The steering wheel beautifully weighs up as the speed increases but more importantly it feels agile and accurate. Moving on to handling, in typical BMW fashion the X1’s suspension set-up is taut and the road conditions can be left at low speeds. The SUV transforms into another machine when it’s coasting at high speed as it offers a more comfortable ride that actually keeps the rear passengers feeling decently pampered.
BMW X1 Review: Final Take
Priced at Rs 51.60 lakh, ex-showroom, X1 M Sport diesel has a lot going for itself. It feels premium, has a spacious cabin, high on features like ADAS, wireless tech, reverse assistant, a panoramic sunroof and a lot more. The new X1 has an imposing road presence which SUV owners want and that is something the previous two generations cannot claim. Power delivery is all linear and efficient but, sadly, it lacks the oomph which is associated with BMW vehicles.