The new X-Factor from BMW in its entry-level SUV at Rs 45.90 lakh

The third-gen BMW X1 will rival other entry-level luxury SUVs, including Mercedes Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and MINI Countryman.

Monday January 30, 2023 , 3 min Read

BMW launched the third generation of X1 in India with a starting price of Rs 45.90 lakh (ex-showroom) at the latest edition of Joytown festival in Bengaluru. The German marque offers the all-new X1 in two variants—sDrive18i xLine (petrol) and sDrive18d M Sport (diesel)—the latter carrying a price tag of Rs 47.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW commenced the bookings for the entry-level SUV in December 2022 at a token amount of Rs 50,000. Deliveries for the diesel-powered X1 will commence from March 2023 onwards, whereas the petrol-powered X1 is expected to reach showrooms by June this year.

Exterior design

Despite being a generation upgrade, the new X1 receives an evolutionary design update over its predecessor. Up front, it flaunts a slightly larger kidney grille flanked by sleeker LED headlights with new inverted L-shaped DRLs. The bumper is reprofiled, featuring more angular creases with brushed silver inserts.

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Along the side profile, it receives visual updates in the form of sportier-looking 18-inch star-spoke alloy wheels and new flush-fitted door handles. The silhouette appears to be taller and more SUV-ish as compared to the outgoing model. The rear end of the SUV carries the sporty theme with wraparound LED taillamps, twin exhaust tips with chrome surrounds, and a sculpted bumper housing a silver-coloured bash plate.

Based on the FAAR architecture, the new-gen X1 is 53mm longer, 24mm wider, and 44mm taller than its previous iteration. Further, the wheelbase and wheel track are increased by 22mm and 20.3 mm, respectively, which should liberate more space for rear seat occupants.

Cabin interiors

The interiors of the new X1 cabin witness a complete overhaul, including a new steering wheel and centre tunnel design. However, the biggest update is the new BMW curved display housing a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The three-part, horizontally placed AC vents are sleeker and look more premium, thanks to the chrome finish. The new floating centre console houses fewer physical buttons, liberating more space for one’s knick-knacks. Speaking of space, the new X1 gets a 476-litre boot, which can be expanded up to 1,527 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Features on offer

The all-new X1 boasts a long list of features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic LED headlamps and taillamps, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, powered front seats with massage function, dual-zone climate control, remote key (locking and unlocking via phone), and connected car tech via My BMW App.

Passenger safety is taken care of by six airbags, electronic stability control, parking assist, electric parking brake with auto hold, tyre pressure monitor, and a rear-view camera. The SUV is also equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian protection.

Powertrain specs

Powering the new-gen X1 are two engine options—a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol mill and a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel unit. The former pushes out 132 bhp at 4,400-6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 230 Nm at 1,500-4,000 rpm. On the other hand, the 2.0-litre diesel mill kicks out 148 bhp at 3,750-4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 360 Nm at 1,500-2,500 rpm.

Transmission duties on both variants are carried out by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Besides a drop in power and torque outputs, the new X1 also misses out on all-wheel-drive capability. As for performance, the petrol-powered X1 sprints 0-100 kmph in 9.2 seconds, whereas the diesel-powered variant achieves the same in 8.9 seconds.