BMW X1: Roadtest

The Indian automotive industry is definitely evolving and car manufacturers are now looking at innovative ways of fitting their products to cater to various segments. Such trends have been rampant over the last few years in the small car segment; however the luxury manufacturers are also taking the bait. The latest segment creator is the all new BMW X1. This lifestyle sports activity vehicle (SAV) ushers in the premium compact segment and throws open the doors for a whole new level of motoring.

Belonging to the BMW stable means a lot. For starters, the vehicle has to be strikingly good looking, powerful, boast of exquisite fit and finish and above all it should be a joy to drive. Now, to pack all of that into a compact SAV is a tall order and BMW has left no stone unturned in making sure that the X1 lives up to being a BMW in every manner.

Starting with the looks department, the X1 is small, but well proportioned.  Take a closer look and one will definitely notice the treatment to the metal surfaces which have been sculpted in a fluid fashion to offer the vehicle a robust stance which fits in well with the ‘X’ family of vehicles from BMW. The flat treatment to the grille and front bumper flanked by the headlight units create a wide visual presence when staring at the BMW X1 head on. Then you have the purposeful line that runs along the body of the X1.

This line not only works as an eye catcher but it also adds to the sporty character of the vehicle. The rear brings the design together neatly with its slanted rear glass and characteristic BMW taillights. Adding to the package are the silver trims on the front bumper and side skirts which mark the vehicle out as an agile mile muncher. Riding on neat 17 inch alloys shod with 255/50 R17 run flat tyres, the X1 is a head turner and I should mention that while I was out driving this car around town it drew in the crowds whenever I stopped. Even the larger X5 didn’t have this crowd-pulling ability. The X1 is a visual treat and to really appreciate it, you have to get a look at it in the flesh. 

Open the door and get inside and you will be greeted with the typical BMW interior flavour. The neatly sculpted dashboard that houses the instrument cluster as well as the large screen for the iDrive functionality is reminiscent of the BMW 3-Series. Attention has been paid to the ergonomics for center console is tilted slightly towards the driver in order to allow for easy use of all the functions. The X1 is styled for the trendsetting individual and since this is a machine that begs to be driven, rather than being driven in, BMW has taken the pains to ensure that the owner gets a sense of personal control while seated in the cockpit. 

The interiors are well appointed with quality seats, numerous storage spaces within the cabin for small knick-knacks and adding to that is the flexibility which includes the rear folding arm rest, the three way rear seat splitting capability (40/20/40) and the fact that the backrest can be tilted up to 31 degrees to increase comfort for rear passengers. Storage space is also great with a 450 liter luggage compartment that can be expanded all the way to a maximum of 1350 liters if the rear seats are folded flat. No doubt it’s as flexible as interiors get, but being a compact vehicle there is a space crunch, especially for rear seat passengers. Having said that, its mainly tall people such as me who would actually find the rear seat too cramped and this point actually is my only grouse with the vehicle. Anyway, I wasn’t’ going to spend my time in the rear seat for this vehicle begs to be driven and the driver’s seat is where all the action is- especially in a BMW.

With the seat adjusted electronically to perfection and me all buckled up, it just took a gentle push of the 'start' button to get the 2 liter diesel motor to come to life. The BMW x1 sDrive20d is incidentally powered by a 1995cc, turbocharged common rail fuel injection, four cylinder diesel engine with a variable geometry intake that churns out 177 hp at 4,000 rpm and generates 350Nm of torque between 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. Mated to a   6 speed automatic gearbox, the X1 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.95 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 205 km/h, which is more than substantial for Indian conditions. As impressive as they sound on paper, what all this power translates to in real world conditions is an unparalleled driving experience in this class of vehicle. Step on the gas and you will be guaranteed a smile plastered across your face as the X1 surges forward. What’s even more amazing is the fact that this little powerhouse is also rather fuel efficient. It boasts of an ARAI tested average fuel consumption of 15 kilometers to the liter. As per our tests the X1 returns an average of 9.8 kmpl in the city and 14 kmpl on the highway, which is still brilliant for a car of this nature.

In action: The BMW X1

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Speaking about engines, the X1 is also offered with a 1.8 liter petrol heart that churns out  150 hp, produces 200Nm of torque at 3000 rpm and also promises to be an engaging drive as well, albeit for the fact that the petrol engined X1 is slower and less fuel efficient than its diesel sibling. The X1 sDrive 18i takes 10.4 seconds to reach a 100km/h from standing and averages an ARAI claimed 11.24 kilometers per liter. 

In terms of ride quality, the X1 is rather comfortable. The suspension set up is typical German and slightly tightly sprung which does allow for a little harshness to seep in, however if you were to compare this with other cars priced around the same league, the X1 is at par in terms of ride quality. In fact I would say it matches some larger sedans such as the current VW Passat. 

Where the X1 scores is in the handling department. The vehicle is precise and can be pushed through corners like nobody's business. It does come fitted with DTC (traction control), but one must remember that the X1 in India is currently only offered as a rear wheel drive vehicle and having said that, it is truly amazing to see how it just grips the road and can make easy game of twisties. The handling set up leans towards the X1's sporty nature and BMW has managed to achieve this while giving the vehicle a rather high ground clearance of 193mm in order to allow for some fun in the dirt as well! The high ground clearance is actually an attribute to offer a heightened level of freedom to the driver in terms of enjoying the outdoors, however in India, where we have speed breakers the size of small hillocks; this ground clearance really comes in handy. After all, who likes the sound of expensive metal grating against the breaker; which is a common incident with most sedans. 

As with any BMW, safety and technology go hand in hand. The X1 is no different, and it boasts of six airbags, ABS, DTC, DSC, run flat tyres and a crash sensor that disengages the central locking system and automatically cuts off the fuel supply. No doubt, safety is of paramount importance and these features are common regardless of the model or trim chosen by the customer.

On the whole, The X1 has a lot riding in its favour. It's a BMW, it's a head turner, it’s powerful and it's extremely well proportioned to suit the congested environment of our metros. Despite its dimensions, the X1 cocoons you in luxury and also offers you the much needed status proving you have indeed arrived. BMW has managed to price the X1 rather aggressively with the petrol model starting at around Rs. 22 lakh and the diesel models ranging from Rs. 23.5 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh depending on the package. As stated earlier the X1 has also ushered in a new segment, namely the premium compact vehicle segment and by doing so it doesn't have any direct competitors. However if you were to take on other vehicles strictly from a price point perspective the X1 is all set to march in on the territory of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Captiva. These vehicles might be slightly larger than the X1, but the BMW brand tag is bound to be the ultimate temptress.