The X1 has premium appeal and the right price, a perfect combination for a hot seller. Sarmad Kadiri analyses this BMW and returns pleased with the experience
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
If you went through the contents page of this magazine, you would notice how the sport utility vehicles (SUV) dominate the review section. This clearly reflects the fast-growing fascination for these big wheels in India. BMW have been quick to recognise the market potential and have now targeted the heart of the segment by launching their smallest SUV, the X1. BMW already have the X6, X5 and X3 in the country, which have been received well. The Bavarian auto giant has introduced the X1 in three versions – the sDrive18i, which has a two-litre petrol, 152 PS, 200 Nm mill; the sDrive20d in two variants, a stripped down base and the Exclusive with all the bells and whistles. We got our hands on the latter and bring you this exclusive road test. 
Assembled and rolled out of BMW’s plant the X1 is a CKD (completely knocked down) and it will be available only in the sDrive, that is, the two-wheel drive or rear wheel drive option. We hope the company also launches the xDrive for those looking for 4×4 capability. You can now have an SUV with premium BMW characteristics from just Rs 22 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The price is at par with other soft-roaders and off-roaders such as the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fé, Toyta Fortuner and Ford Endeavour et al. Yikes! The intention is clear; thrill the buyers with the German marque and kill competition with a killer price. So far as homeland rivals are concerned, BMW won’t have any competition until Audi decide to bring in the compact Q3 or, maybe, until the advent of the Range Rover Evoque. 
Visually, the X1 stays true to the Concept X1 unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. It has bits and pieces from its siblings like the 5Series GT and 1-Series with whom it shares its platform. The baby SUV is the last BMW to carry the Chris Bangle design and has a typical kidney grille, contoured bonnet, deep wheel arches and GT inspired tail-lights. There is no split boot lid, something one would want in an SUV. Overall, it looks long rather than tall, unlike most others in this segment. You get 17-inch run-flat shrouds with star-spoke style alloys on the Executive variant, but no spare wheel. The variant also has a panorama glass sunroof to brighten your journey. The external RVM seem large and too close for liking. The matte aluminium skirts on the front bumper and similar aluminium roof rails add a sporty touch. Which is why it does not have an aggressive posture nor does it look intimidating. Having said that, the X1 is taller and bigger than the sedans and though the design looks familiar, it’s the unusual size that attracts attention. So long as the limelight is on you, there won’t be any cause for complaint.
If you have ever sat in any of the current BMW cars, than you will instantly identify the interior with the German company. The fit and finish justify the premium tag. Overlaid with plush soft-feel plastic, Nevada leather and wood trims, the cabin raises the segment benchmark. The dashboard design is clean and the layout elegant. The 8.8-inch display sits in the middle of the dash, tilted towards the driver for better visibility. The three-spoke steering is compact and sporty, like the SUV; has controls for the infotainment system and can be adjusted for reach and tilt. There are plenty of cubbyholes, a sliding front armrest with storage compartment, the RVMs have auto anti-dazzle function and you also get a rain sensor. BMW have thrown in a new gear knob and the iDrive is conveniently placed below it. The driving position is in between regular sedans and full-fledged SUV and seems even lower than some soft-roaders. The seats can be electrically adjusted and also have four-way adjustable lumbar support. The rear seats are flat and firm and the backrest adjustable. The rear seat would be apt for two occupants, but a third one can also be accommodated, albeit with some difficulty. They split and fold individually in 40:20:40 ratio. The boot seems small and has a capacity of 420 litres, which is less than what the 3-Series offers. However, it can be increased to 1,350 litres by folding the seats.
The X1 sDrive20d is powered by a two-litre diesel engine that spins smoothly and is well engineered, which, by the way, also does the duty on the 3-Series’ corporate edition 320d. The specs also remain unchanged at 180 PS of peak power at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm and a healthy torque of 350 Nm that begins from 1,750 rpm. There is enough flow of torque to keep you going, be it a highway or a steep climb. The six-speed automatic is beautiful but strains under the extra kerb-weight of the SUV shell. The hydraulic-assisted steering feels heavy at low speeds, but tends to lighten up a mite at speed. It remains accurate with good feedback, as expected of a BMW. It’s like driving a taller 3-Series. You can throw the X1 round sharp corners with ease as there is very little body-roll and no slack in the power supply. The suspension setting is stiff, again a BMW trait, and at lower speeds larger bumps hit you hard. As you increase speed the ride improves and can take large ditches in its stride. While driving over a bad patch of road at an unrecommended speed, there was some body noise, probably from the outer-RVMs. On the whole, the ride is enthusiastic with a fair degree of poise.
An interesting feature of the baby BMW is its dynamic traction control (DTC). Off-roading requires very light toes and fast reflexes. Sometime a slightly increased wheel slip and light drifts can be an advantage in certain situations. The DTC does just that and is an addition to dynamic stability control (DSC) and optimises excess power and enables a more sporting driving style. The SUV becomes a little more tolerant for wheel slip and also facilitates initial acceleration on loose surfaces such as sand, gravel or snow. The DSC takes a back-seat and intervenes only when absolutely necessary. If you have your insurance in place, then you can completely switched off the DSC and have some fun mud-slinging your way through slush and grime.
In sum, this is good value for your Rs 29 lakh (ex-showroom for the Executive variant). You get a reasonable off-roader, premium feel with the blue-and-white badge, decent equipments, a great German motor and transmission, even though it might not look like a conventional SUV. So, if you have the budget, don’t think twice!
CAPTIONS:
The interiors are topnotch with fine leather, wood trims and soft -touch plastics.
The able 1995cc oil-burner does 0-100km/h in just 8.79sec.
1. The glove compartment is tiny
2. The petite rear windscreen offers a narrow view from
the cabin.
3.The compact SUV can accomodate four adults comfortably. The 420 litres boot is even smaller than some saloons
BLURB
The low ground clearance doesn’t stop its off-roading abilities, thanks to the rigid monocoque chassis and suspension
