BMW has launched the second generation X1 at the 2016 Auto Expo. The baby SUV from the Bavarian manufacturer is priced from Rs. 29.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Kicking off the affordable luxury car segment in India, the BMW X1 has been a successful model for the company. It prompted other manufacturers to launch cars in the lower price spectrum to gain volumes. The current X1 sold in India was launched globally in 2009 and got a mild facelift a couple of years ago. The estate-like looks meant that it fell back in the competition with the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA both of which are selling very well.
The new BMW X1 looks much more butch than the one it replaces. It draws styling inspiration from the larger X3 which lends it a new look. Underpinning the SUV is a new platform named UKL1 which is shared with the MINI Cooper and the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. The Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup for which BMW is known has been replaced by a more conventional Front Wheel Drive (FWD). All Wheel Drive system or xDrive in BMW terminology is being offered on the xLine trim and the M Sport trim.
On the inside, the BMW X1 receives a few changes to spruce things up. The basic layout is similar to other BMW models but the dashboard gets some tweaks and there’s a new steering wheel. The car comes loaded with features and most of them are being offered in India as well. Powering the SUV is a 2.0-litre diesel engine which has been updated to produce 190 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. It comes paired to a 8-speed ZF gearbox. A petrol engine will be added to the lineup by the end of this year.
The four variants available are:
- X1 sDrive20d Expedition – Rs. 29.90 lakhs
- X1 sDrive20d xLine – Rs. 33.90 lakhs
- X1 xDrive20d xLine – Rs. 35.90 lakhs
- X1 xDrive20d M Sport – Rs. 39.90 lakhs
*All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
2016 BMW X1
– Seems highly evolved from the earlier model
– Comes with a FWD layout, AWD also offered
– 2.0-litre diesel engine comes mated to an 8-speed gearbox
