The BMW X1 is back post a much needed mid life makeover. Better looking, progressive and practical, the latest avatar of the X1 has the potential to achieve what its predecessor couldn't

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When BMW India brought the X1 to our shores, we instantly knew that this vehicle was destined to be a game changer. For the first time, a luxury brand such as BMW, became affordable for a rather large population and wasn’t just destined for the elite. Not only did the X1 create an initial fury in the market, it also pushed BMW sales to a whole new level.

As expected, the competition wasn’t going to sit around twiddling their thumbs while BMW ran to the bank, and they eventually ushered in their range of competing vehicles. While the introduction of the competition has helped this new segment grow, BMW has taken a hit and in a bid to gain back that market traction that the brand commanded, the company has set forth with the upgraded, 2013 edition of the X1 which in many ways has the equipment to put up a solid fight.

Getting right down to business, the changes to the exterior include a new tripartite air intake, which is a feature that is shared by all the X models, a new fog lamp layout to add a bit of width to the look and the most prominent of all the exterior changes are the new design xenon headlights with chrome garnish and twin circular rings with LED accents to ensure that classic BMW look. Other changes include ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and a revised rear end in terms of how it has been painted to bring out the striking surface structure of the underguard which in effect creates a rather sporty aura.  

In addition to this, BMW also claims that an increased surface area is now painted as compared to the outgoing model and while this might not feel like a major feature, it does wonders to changing the visual appearance of this model and we are not complaining!

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