On 23^rd December 2010, BMW stunned the country with its BMW X1, the cheapest model from the company’s stable available till date in the Indian auto market. BMW X1 climbed volumes for the company immediately after it was unleashed and helped the German auto maker to reach the top spot of the Indian luxury auto market and to sustain at that position. Dynamic and powerful, the new compact SUV from the Bavarian company has taken the premium SUV market by storm with sales graph continuously moving up.

Elegant and striking designing cues of the compact machine bestow the vehicle with electrifying looks which grabs the attention of the onlookers. Not only the exteriors but the interiors also are equally eye catching with top quality materials employed. Terrific fit & finish and careful attention is given to every detailing, making the crossover a treat to be in. Hosts of safety and comfort features ensure no passenger is harmed if any mishap occurs. Powering the vehicle is a twin-turbocharged diesel engine and a petrol one which sparks enough power to get you through every trouble. We can say in company’s language that joy has a new materialistic name as X1.

The astonishing BMW X1 is competing with the likes of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa fe.

Engine, Specifications & Performance:-

Under the stylish hood of BMW X1, a 1995cc, 4 cylinders, 16-valve, twin-turbocharged diesel engine rests which is capable of churning out top power of 177 bhp and ultimate torque of 350 Nm at 1750 – 3,000 rpm. Whereas the 4 cylinder, same capacity petrol engine belts out 150 bhp of maximum power and peak torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 rpm.

Both the engines are mated with six speed automatic transmission gearbox. BMW X1 diesel fueled crosses the 0-100 mark in mere 8.3 seconds while the petrol one takes 10.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 200 kmph.

Exteriors:-

Stunning looks with chromed kidney shaped front grill and staring headlamps with trademark BMW styling enchant the BMW X1 with jaw dropping exteriors. Sporty overhangs, intelligent lines and sloping rear windscreen all make up for the striking stance of the machine. The rear portion is equally adorable with L shaped tail lamps nicely blending with the horizontal lines to make the back appear broader than it is. Besides, 17 inch light alloys and presence of panoramic glass roof add a dash to its overall appearance.

Interiors:-

Step in the cabin of X1 and you will realize that how an ergonomic cabin should be like. Opulent and simple operations make it easy for the ride in a BMW X1. Premium materials are embraced in the brawny SUV including the seat fabrics and other minor things. Artistic workmanship is evident from every corner of the vehicle with effortless work and flawless execution. The raised seating arrangement offers a commanding view of the road and the host of features makes the journey an ecstatic one.

Comfort and Convenience:-

The beautiful BMW X1 boasts of enormous comfort and convenience features including dual toned dashboard, AC vents, audio system, illuminated glove compartment and the instrument panel comes with twin dials that sports tachometer, speedometer, fuel level and consumption. Power sockets, 40:20:40 split, ambient lighting, illuminated luggage section, Illumination for vanity mirrors, courtesy lights front and rear, front footwell lights, front and rear reading lights, storage compartments in centre console, dashboard and front interior door panels, centre console with cup holder and many others.

Safety:-

The stylish German crossover is packed with plenty of active and passive safety features. These comprise of Crash Sensor, Front and Rear fog lamps, Halogen Headlamps, ABS (Antilock Braking System), Dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags for front and rear both, Central locking, Front and Rear Seat Belts with pretensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection, park distance Control (PDC), etc.

Mileage:-

The powerful SUV offers impressive overall fuel efficiency of 11-14 kmpl.

Price:-

The spectacular BMW X1 is tagged in the price bracket of Rs 22.61 lakh – Rs 30.91 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi).

Drawbacks:-

Though fantastically built, X1 does have its drawbacks. The rear access is a bit tight. The engine is not ‘that’ responsive and you keep waiting for more power to kick in. Features are comparatively less as one would expect in a BMW car.

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