BMW X1

The cabin of the BMW X1 is one of the plushest and comfortable in the segment and price bracket. It gets the Sensatec upholstery as a standard fitment and the same goes for automatic climate control. The rear seats are foldable in the 40:20:40 ratio.

The dashboard is cleanly stacked and has a minimalistic appeal. An 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits on top of the dashboard with Apple CarPlay connectivity. The audio system is amazing with six loudspeakers. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather cover to offer a premium feel.

The BMW X1 is a very significant vehicle in the company’s lineup as it gives prospective buyers a chance to dive into a premium car at the entry-level price. However, the designing does not impart the feeling since it just like any other X series. It rides on 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, based on the variant you choose.

LED headlights and taillights are given as standard and so are the fog lamps for the front and rear. It even gets the rain sensor for beam assist. The signature kidney grille up front and the standalone style foglamp don the front fascia. The rear roof spoiler and dual exhaust tips make up the rear section.

The BMW X1 is not the sportiest SUV in the market, after all, it is an entry-level premium model. However, it boasts a very smooth and fun driving experience. Even the smallest 3-cylinder engine is capable of hitting the 0-100 km/h mark in 9.6 seconds while the range-topping xDrive can do so in just 6.5 seconds.

It is not outright powerful, nor is it dull to drive on the highway. It embraces the smoothest shifts, thanks to the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

It is the mechanical section that BMW X1 excels in. It is offered in four engine trims - three petrol and one diesel. The base model is the sDrive 18i, which is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine to churn out 103 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque.

The next in the lineup is the 18d with a 2.0-litre,4-cylinder engine. This engine churns out 110 kW of power and 330 Nm of torque. The sDrive 20i gets a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that churns out 141 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque. And lastly, the xDrive 25i is the top of the line engine and can produce 170 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, all with the different tuning of the same 2.0-litre engine. As for the transmission, there is a 7-speed automatic gearbox for the 18i and 20i petrol models. On the other hand, the 18d and xDrive 25i gets an 8-speed automatic stick.

The BMW X1 does not compromise on the safety front. It gets inner vented disc brakes for all the wheel, along with an anti-lock braking system, braking assistant and cornering brake control. There are brake pad sensors too. The cruise control gets braking function for optimum cruising experience. The driver’s assistance includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning. Airbags are given for all sides, be it front, sides or head.

When it comes to being new in the luxury SUV segment, the BMW is the best option to choose from. It has everything that the automaker has on offer, but without burning a big hole in your pocket. It is the perfect entry-level SUV to the other bigger X series models.