BMW X1

Introduction

The Bavarian luxury giant BMW launched its entry level compact crossover in 2009 sharing the similar platform with the elder sibling BMW X3. X1 was acclaimed as true off road vehicle with its attractive design and dynamics. It is poised to compete with its rivals like Audi Q3 and the Mercedes Benz GLA. It is a luxury compact crossover with some unique styling, ergonomics and exceeding performance which makes it a standout in the segment. The design of the X1 is still very exclusive and gathers an immediate attention. The elongated bonnet with a pointed nose and the trademark BMW kidney grill makes the X1 quite a looker.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

The BMW compact crossover X1 is propped with four petrol engine variants (x1 sDrive 18i, x1 sDrive 20i, x1 x Drive 28i) and seven diesel variant(x1 sDrive 16d, x1 sDrive 18d, x1 sDrive 20d, x1 sDrive 20d efficient dynamic edition, x1 x drive 20d, x1 x Drive 25d ). The petrol engine give the power between 150 hp and 245 hp while torque is measured between 200 nm at 3600 rpm to 350 nm at 1250-4800 rpm. The mileage with the petrol engine variant lies between 12.98-14.5 kmpl while the acceleration upto . 0-100 kmph can be reached within 6.4 seconds minimum and maximum at 9.7 seconds whereas the top speed get upto between 202-240 kmph. The diesel engine is efficient to give the power between 116 hp and 218 hp with the max torque ranging between 260 nm at 1750-2000 rpm and 450 nm at 1500-2000 rpm. It get the top speed between 190 and 230 kmph with the mileage between 4.9 to 5.9 kmpl. The diesel engine variant are capable to the sprint of 0-100 kmph within 11.8- 6.5 seconds .

Exterior

The BMW X1 gets the dimensions of 4477 mm x 2058 mm x 1545 mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase of 2760 mm. The BMW X1 with its dynamics and styling looks ready for a pleasure filled drive. The soaring contours with the long wheelbase and overhangs make a silhouette that exudes impression while the optional side sill trims and front bumper with the Bi-Xenon head lamps and LED fog lights adapt an energetic personality. There are two design concepts available in X-line and sport line with the unique touches and elegant features. The sport line exhibits a agility and nimbleness with the 18 inch bicolour light alloy wheels. The Hofmeister Kink makes the X1 appear ready to move forward. The silver side sills and the roof rails accentuates its looks. All the body lines of the X1 are very sharp without losing its elegance. The 5 spoke alloys also compliments the X1's looks to a great deal. BMW X1 is also equipped with a broad split sunroof which offers a panoramic view for the passengers.

Interior

Keeping the playful, vacation theme of BMW X1 in mind, the interiors of the X1 have also been kept very light, fresh and lively. The use of beige serves the purpose and the use of black and slight wooden trim on the dash keeps the elegance of the machine intact. The 2 tone ambient lighting does a good job at lifting the moods. The dials are kept classic with eye soothing lights on the panel. The panoramic glass roof is an asset for the passengers since it enables the passengers to enjoy the sunlight ad well as the night stars. The steering is completely upholstered with leather offering firm grip and reduces slips to almost negligible. The steering mounted controls are pretty handy and the console has also been designed with the driver in mind. The front seats have been kept slightly high to increase visibility which is worth appreciation. The console and the seat designs have been kept very simplistic, which looks good but might turn a little monotonous for some as the excitement present in the exteriors is absent in the interiors.

Safety, Brakes and Miscellaneous

On the safety front X1 offers six airbags and an excellent crash rating making the cockpit safe. The Sat-Nav and the Navigation Professional makes it safer to drive and the iDrive system along with the dynamic cruise control keeps the driver fatigue in check, preventing accidents. The Run Flat tyres enables the car to run for 250 km in case of a tyre blow out. on system featuring roll bars that extends automatically when the vehicle overturns. In addition, BMW X1 also sports 6 dedicated airbags, intelligent emergency call (Automatically establishes a connection to the nearest rescue coordination center at the time of emergency), and cruise control with braking function, Driving Assistant (Combines Lane Departure Warning, Approach Warning and Attentiveness Assistance) and the Air Curtain which reduces the turbulence, fuel consumption and air resistance.

Verdict

The X1 rides quite low despite being a crossover. However, the overall dynamics of this compact crossover with its peppy engine and responsive steering makes it a proper BMW. However, if you are looking to go off-roading with this drive we strictly recommend not to!