VEHICLE SUMMARY:
- Name: BMW X1 facelift
- Type: SUV
- Top Speed: 205 kmph
- Fuel Consumption: 17.05 Kms per liter
- Price: Rs. Rs 27.9 lakh to Rs 32.5 lakh
The BMW X1 facelift is a fresh take on the X1. BMW has carefully looked into and addressed the issues of the X1. The BMW X1 facelift has done away with the petrol option; it is now a Diesel-only SUV. The new BMW X1 facelift, as per its name, comes with a facelift, updated interiors, better equipment, and a more powerful (diesel) engine.
The BMW X1 facelift comes in three variants: BMW X1 sDrive20d (base variant), BMW X1 sDrive20d Sport Line and the BMW X1 sDrive20d xLine.
The base variant comprises of an on board computer, advanced climate control, fog lamps, electric wing mirrors, an audio system that supports Aux/USB/ CD and 17 inch alloy wheels.
The Sport Line variant has side skirt covers, kidney grille and air intake slats in high-gloss black. The trimmed exhaust finishers are in chrome black. It has door sills with BMW Sport badging, as well as sport seats. The BMW Sport steering wheel has red leather stitching. The interior is finished with brushed aluminium trim.
The xLine variant comes with side skirt covers, undergirds for both front and rear aprons, kidney grille and air intake slats, all of which are in a Titanium Silver matt finish. Also added are xLine badging door sills, multi colored ambient lighting and floor mats which have color-matching piping.
Exterior
The main changes BMW has given to the X1 are its exteriors. The X1 facelift has glossy plastic-cladded front and rear bumpers. The basic shape of the headlights has not been altered, but they now come with LED Corona rings. Revised fog lamps and tail lamps have been added. There are new integrated turn indicators on the ORVMs.
The base variant and the xLine variant have 17 inch alloy wheels in the star-spoke style. The grille and bumper have a high gloss finish. The xLine variant has silver side skirts, while the Sport Line variant has black side skirts.
All three variants now have interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function. There is an updated set of tail lights as well. The side profile has not undergone a great change. It is the front profile that has been modified to give it a leaner, sleeker look.
Interior
The two-in-one scheme of the dashboard has been replaced with an all black theme, making for a more sophisticated appearance. The inserts on the dashboard are wooden, and a glossy surface around the air conditioner controls and chrome inserts beside the display screen give the new X1 a superior feel. The X1 facelift also adds an electro-mechanically operated power steering.
The X1 has a longitudinal setup, meaning that the transmission tunnel occupies a portion of the cabin, resulting in the seats being much lower and close to the ground. The electric seats have an advanced memory function, with the rear seats having adjustable recline. However, the middle rear seat is a tad uncomfortable, as it is raised in the middle.
The facelift offers a navigation system which includes an 8.8 inch display screen, and also an integrated hard disk for audio files and maps. You can also access your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Accessories such as display screens with DVDs for rear passengers, centre console cup holders, coat hangers which are mounted on the seats and a perfume dispenser have been added.
The Sport Line and xLine variants offer a panoramic glass roof. An ‘Engine- Start/Stop’ button has been provided for these two variants as well.
The hi-fi BMW loudspeaker system guarantees passengers high quality surround sound. A hands-free facility with USB interface is also available, but only for the base variant.
Engine
The BMW X1 facelift comes with a single engine option for all its variants – a 2 liter turbo diesel engine. It is designed to produce 184 horses of max power and 380 Nm of peak torque. This increase in power means that the X1 reaches 100 kmph in a matter of 8.25 seconds. Compared to the previous X1, that is a total 1.2 seconds quicker. The engine has a ZF 8 speed auto gearbox, a step-up from the 6 speed gearbox of the earlier model. Peak torque is accessible from 1750 rpm, meaning that the motor can pull effortlessly, and low engine speed acceleration is linear. The 8 speed auto works very well, and has a very quick response.
A slight downside is that the X1 facelift’s motor is pretty audible when under strong acceleration, and when idle. Only while cruising does the sound of the engine die down to a low hum.
Handling and Safety
The new electro-mechanical steering wheel is a brilliant addition to the X1 facelift, as it is very responsive, and capable of giving very accurate feedback even at high speeds. This greatly aids the driver, and makes for a very smooth driving experience.
However, the ride quality for rear passengers has been compromised. It has a soft rear-suspension structure, and though it is mostly absorbent, it is not very smooth on uneven surfaces.
The safety system on the BMW X1 facelift is top-notch, though. There is an advanced Anti-lock Braking System as well as a Cornering Brake Control System. Both head and side airbags have been provided for the driver and front passenger, and rear passengers have head airbags. Side impact protection has been given for both front and rear passengers. All the seats have three point seat belts, including pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front.
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system. Electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensors have also been added.
Verdict
This four door SUV from BMW has done well to rectify the issues its earlier model has posed. The BMW X1 facelift has addressed comprehensively all the problems of the X1 to make the Facelift a more successful model in terms of power, styling and equipment.
At its price range, it is an SUV that is worth buying, but only after all options in this particular price range have been looked at. Currently, in India, the Audi Q3 is the only good rival and worthy competitor for the BMW X1 facelift.
