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When BMW launched the X1 for the first time in India, the vehicle received a very mixed response because it was marketed as an SUV but it looked like more of a crossover due to its dimensions. However, thanks to its VFM pricing for the lower variants, the German automaker was able to sell pretty decent units…
When BMW launched the X1 for the first time in India, the vehicle received a very mixed response because it was marketed as an SUV but it looked like more of a crossover due to its dimensions. However, thanks to its VFM pricing for the lower variants, the German automaker was able to sell pretty decent units of the X1. With the crossover being past its lifespan, BMW has launched the second generation X1 and we are sampling it here today to see whether it’s better than the previous model or not.
On the outside, the new bmw x1 s drive 20d looks massively different than the older one and the dimensions seem much more appropriate and SUV-like now. The bmw x1 sdrive 20d looks very mature and due to its larger size, a lot of people mistake it for an X3. The front has typical BMW styling with the trademark kidney grille now getting gloss black surrounds.
The alloys on our test car had an eye catching design. It is the side profile where the SUVish intentions of this Bimmer are shown. The rear feels classy and the overall stance of the car makes it all the more desirable than the outgoing bmw x1 s drive 20d.
Looking at the generous dimensions of the vehicle on the outside, I was a bit surprised when I opened the door to step into the driver’s seat. The cabin feels compact and even the dashboard and centre console seem to have a compact layout. Just like any other BMW, ergonomics are spot on and the dash is very driver centric.
Materials used all over feel very upmarket and premium but when you drive this X1 back to back with any other car from the same stable, say the 3-Series, that is when you realise how superior the other car feels.
There are lesser number of buttons on the steering wheel, centre console, etc. and even though you do get a lot of features, the bmw x1 s drive 20d does make you feel evident that yes it is one of the cheapest BMWs around. Even the round knob that is used to control the infotainment system is smaller in size. I found the front seats very comfortable and finding that perfect driving position is super easy thanks to the electric seat controls.
The driving position itself feels much like that of a crossover and if you’re expecting a proper SUV-like driving position that feels commanding, then you’ll be disappointed.
The bmw x1 s drive 20d comes with the same 2.0-litre oil burner that also provides grunt to the 3-Series. The new B47 unit has improved over the older N47 plant and this time it comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission from Aisin rather than ZF. Acceleration pace is pretty good and 0-100 km/hr comes up in 7.8 seconds which isn’t too bad.
The biggest change here is the fact that the new X1 is a darn front wheel drive car while it also gets an AWD option. Also gone is the manual handbrake of the older model which is replaced by a puny little button.
The diesel engine puts out 190 BHP of power and 400 Nm of torque. Switch on the car and start driving and the first thing you notice is that the engine feels a tad bit noisier in the cabin, especially compared to the 320d. There is some amount of turbo lag which isn’t really bothersome and the X1 chugs around nicely with low throttle inputs needed inside the city. The Aisin tranny is good at its job and cogs are changed smoothly.
If you look at the X1 as an entry-level BMW, you won’t be disappointed at all because the car has evolved very nicely from the previous generation and it feels very good as an overall package. Yes, it misses out on some very vital equipment but this shouldn’t really be a deal breaker. The bmw x1 s drive 20d also gets an AWD system now which makes it a proper compact SUV.
The bmw x1 s drive 20d makes for a splendid buy if you’re looking at entering the elite club but don’t want something as basic as a 1-Series or something. Even when compared to rivals, the bmw x1 s drive 20d feels more of an SUV compared to the Mercedes GLA while the Audi Q3 is something that’ll give a tough fight to this Bimmer.