If someone felt that BMW X1 was a 'lesser' SUV, the new X1 is here to redeem its name. With more space, size and off-roading abilities, the new X1 is undoubtedly a 100 per cent SUV.
The old X1
Even though it was a good mini SUV, detractors wrote it off as a glorified estate in the garb of an SUV and the reasons were flaws in the body design. The low profile of the car apparently gave it more car-like features than what a true bred SUV would flaunt.
The X1 is relatively a new car in the BMW series. Presented at the 2008 Paris Autoshow, the car hit the roads on 2009 and in just four years, the company sold about five lakh units.
The second generation car that was released in 2015 sports many changes. The platform has changed, the layout has changed, the engine is mounted transversely as in hatchbacks and the car has a front-wheel drive. This means that the long bonnet was axed, making more space inside the cabin. This enhanced the appearance of the car and promoted it into the ranks of a proper SUV. It could be mistaken for the X3 and the top variant is in fact much prettier than the X3.
The two-wheel drive is called S Drive while the 4-wheel version is called X Drive. The top variant is the M Sport. All the four variants available have the 1995 CC, 190 HP engine. Here is the M2 drive report:
Design
Spoilers and different-looking bumpers, along with 18-inch wheel give the car a sporty look. The car seems to be bigger than the old model because of its additional height.
Interiors
The car has a lot of space and better driving position. The seat has electrical adjustments and the three-spoke steering comes with paddle shift. There is also an 8.8-inch display system along with panoramic sun roof. The rear seats are spacious and the boot is about 505 litres.
New additions
The spare wheel has come back and the heads-up display helps the driver to see the speed of the vehicle on the windscreen. Finger print touch screen and M steering wheel are other additions along with extended thigh support.
Drive
The 190 BHP is adequate and the X1 uses it fully. The 40.7 KgM torque makes it a drivers' car, as in the case of all BMW cars. Zero to 100 is achieved in 6.6 seconds. The new version has better control than the old rear-wheel drive because of the front-back balance achieved in the new front-wheel drive vehicle. The precise steering exudes confidence and the eight-speed automatic gear box makes driving effortless.
Those who are looking for a sleek SUV, an oxymoron in the SUV world, have no other option than the X1.
Test drive at Platino Classic, Tel: 8111800116
Price starts from Rs 30.51 lakhs.
