BMW X1 sDrive20d

BMW India, the Indian subsidiary of the famous automaker from Germany, has been an integral part of the Indian automobile industry since 2006, when it was established in the country with headquarters in Gurgaon and a production facility in Chennai. Over these 6 years of its existence, the company has presented the Indian elite with countless rides worthy of their stature, bringing in something new and amazing each time and giving a really hard time to its arch rivals. Today, in the luxury car segment of the country, where none but the Germans reign, BMW occupies the topmost pedestal, with Audi coming up next and Mercedes Benz standing at the third position. While each and every member of this legendary clan has a dazzling personality, not to mention exceptional performance, there is one particular member that not only excels on the grounds of style and luxury, but also scores pretty high in the field of practicality and affordability, which makes it one of the best-selling models in its class. BMW X1, the lavish compact crossover SUV that began its journey in India in 2009, has now been launched in an all-new avatar, featuring new mechanicals, new looks and new style. Dropping the petrol version from this new range, the company has rolled out a purely diesel fleet this time, which comes with the promise of a better performance, better comforts, better styling and better efficiency.

Exteriors

Featuring overall dimensions of 4454 x 1798 x 1545mm (length x breadth x height), the 2013 BMW X1 sDrive20d offers a long wheelbase of 2760mm along with short and sporty overhangs, measuring 791mm at the front and 903mm at the rear, to impart the same dynamism and aggression to this fresh model that are so well recognised as typical BMW traits. To strengthen this connection of the face-lifted X1 with its royal bloodline, its manufacturers have paid a lot of attention to the detailing, making sure that each and every feature hints at the BMW association. Be it the revamped yet easily recognisable dual-part kidney front grille patented by the brand, the refreshed double-round headlamps integrated with white LED daytime running lights and chrome-encased round fog lamps, the dash of silver at the lower end of the car, the 17-inch star-spoked light alloy wheels , the L-shaped tail-lights with LED technology or the bold character lines spanning the entire outfit, everything establishes the 2013 BMW X1 sDrive20d as a ride that is just as closely related to its innumerable siblings as it is different from them.

Interiors

Being a BMW, opulence is something that X1 receives in legacy. Employing the finest quality materials to create an airy and generously-spaced cabin with a seating capacity of five, this compact Sports Utility presents an exceptionally well-designed cockpit, styled so as to provide maximum comfort and convenience to the driver. With exclusive electroplated elements, elegantly trimmed cup holders, gear knob and door pockets, ergonomically designed control panel, fascinating colour combinations and the optional navigation system forming the major highlights of this facelift, there's hardly anything anyone would find worth complaining about in the BMW X1 sDrive20 d interiors, especially those who occupy the front row of seats.To add to the package, leather jacketing for the seats with matching leather sheathing for the steering wheel, an excellent AC/heater unit, adjustable steering column, an improved centre console and high-gloss black bezels and ventilation ducts have also been included in the car.

Engine and Performance

To power the newly-introduced BMW X1 sDrive20d, the world renowned auto-giant has employed a power-packed 1,995cc, 4-cylinder, 4-valved, turbocharged sDrive20d diesel mill, which is capable of pumping out a peak 184bhp at 4,000 rpm besides generating a maximum of 380Nm of torque over a range of 1,750-2,750 rpm. With this mighty power-house sitting under its hood, this compact can attain an exhilarating top speed of 218kmph while featuring a brilliant 0 to 100kmph acceleration of 7.9 seconds . To accompany this mill in its operation, an efficient 8-speed rear-wheel drive automatic transmission gearbox has been loaded in the car, which, in close coordination with BMW's ECO PRO mode, promises a fabulous mileage of 17.05kmpl while cutting the CO2 emissions down to 156.01g/km.

Braking and Handling

Powerful braking and easy handling are characteristics that have long been associated with the cars stepping out of the BMW garage, and this revamped model of BMW X1 sDrive20d is no different. Equipped with proficient ventilated disc brakes both for the front as well as the rear wheels, this SUV ensures a quick and absolute braking action every time. What strengthens this powerful system further is the presence of cutting-edge technologies like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control System, which together constitute the most effective and fool-proof braking system.

Safety Features

When it comes to designing an unbeatable safety mechanism for cars, nobody does it better than BMW in the entire segment. Categorised as Active Safety and Passive Safety, the safety arsenal of BMW X1 sDrive20d comprises of everything from state-of-the-art front and side airbags, to side impact beams constructed from restructured steels, to door-ajar- and seat-belt-warning, to engine immobilizer, to crash sensors, to tyre pressure monitor. A unique addition to this armoury that takes safety levels to altogether new heights is the special side reinforcements that allow one to drive over an additional distance of up to 250 km even after a tyre has run flat.

Comfort Features

In the comfort and convenience zone, there are a whole lot of features that make the ride in the BMW X1 sDrive20d a truly pleasant and joyful experience. Some of these include power steering, power windows, automatic climate control, rear seat headrest and centre armrest, rear AC vents, height adjustable front seat belts, front and rear cup holders, rear parking sensors and steering-mounted controls . Besides all this, the special add-on of the intelligent iDrive system, which makes accessing the various on-board functions like telephone, audio system and the optional satellite navigation system extremely easy.

Pros 

Gorgeous looks, spacious interiors, immense comfort, fabulous performance and exceptional safety.

Cons  

Absence of four-wheel drive option.