BMW X1 2015-2020 sDrive 20d Sportline

X1 2015-2020 sDrive 20d Sportline Review

BMW has always been an executive class automobile company and a sports vehicle company simultaneously. BMW motorsport, BMW Golfsport and BMW Yatchsport are a few streams the company has ventured and stayed successful in over the years. With the increasing customer demands for a vehicle that can be sporty but at the same time cater to executive class needs, BMW launched the crossover SUV X1. The SUV though, has its kidney shaped grille and dual headlamps reminiscent of the signature BMW automobiles. The crossover has a contemporary fresh feel to its over all look. The SUV has the reliability, efficiency, safety and performance factors intact, yet so different in the way they are delivered. This approach is what ignites an anticipation among auto enthusiasts for every new release the company brings out. The BMW X1 received a welcoming response at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 for the debut of its concept version. BMW X1 launched two variants as sDrive (Rear-wheel drive) and xDrive (all wheel drive) . The sDrive has a base edition and the amazing SportLine which leaves the daredevils satisfied. The cost has come slightly down due to the CKD distribution that the company adopted.

Exterior

The BMW X1 has striking exteriors which include, along with the traditional long front hood, sporty rear end and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. The SportLine features exclusive design through embellishment and gloss across the body. The design modifications are clearly evident in the Black high gloss – embellishment on the front bumper, grille bars as well as rear bumpers. The exhaust is finished with black chrome. Exteriors are filled with aerodynamic detail and sturdy looks that give the SUV a complete look. The rear boot door has a partly concave structure. The tail lamps are distributed between the D Pillar and the rear door equally. The rear windshield is tilted, avoiding the wagon look that most SUV's unfortunately get trapped into. The Hofmeister kink and a large sunroof along with the leaf shaped side windows give an open feel as they extend almost till the rear windshield. BMW X1 sDrive SportLine features a shark fin antenna aptly positioned for the reduction of aerodynamic friction without signal losses. The roof spoiler completes the rear design perfectly. The SUV has a long wheelbase and comparatively short overhangings. The X1 SportLine sports raised lateral lines with striking side sills that boost the SUV's dynamic vibe. The front is redesigned but the signature upright kidney grille and double round headlights remain the same. The headlamps use LED technology and X1 also features chorme elements that give a striking form with LED accent lights and fog lights embellishing the vehicle for the night hours.

Interior

BMW offers interiors that help improve the journey as an experience by offering ambiance, which as the company claims, are unmatched. Each and every corner has the detailing reflecting true craftsmanship. The upholstery has perfectly matched colours and the materials used complement the interiors. There is a versatility to the interiors that is offered through ten inclination options available for seats and the seat is structured in specific proportions and angles, ensuring the passengers wouldn't feel the strain despite hours of travelling that the X1 smoothly offers. The X1 SportLine also comes with sports seats for the front row, making the experience a really sporty one. The SUV has good ventilation with a lot of open spaces around the side windows as well as a large sunroof. The steering wheel features telephonic call controls and other wireless controls. The SportLine has its exclusive Sport Leather Steering wheel with contrast stitching, velour floor mats that have a contrasting border in Coral Red. The interior trim is finished with fine brushed aluminium and ambiance lighting with an option to switch the colour. The tachometer has dual meters and an LED screen informing the driver about fuel status, etc. while driving. Paddle shifters are also provided, completing the missing puzzle piece of a sports car. A high resolution display is provided in the middle of the dashboard for GPS navigation and optional BMW apps.

Engine

The BMW X1 sDrive 20d SportLine features a 4-cylinder, 1995cc engine with which one can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in a reported 7.9 seconds , providing perfect pickup. The SUV offers a decent 17 kmpl mileage. The X1 has an 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, which controls the vehicles shift seamlessly from one gear to another. The X1 SportLine offers the BMW TwinPower Turbo, 4-cylinder diesel engine offering an outstanding driving pleasure. The engine  develops 380Nm of torque at 1750-2750 rpm and it has a top speed of 205 km/h . The auto start-stop function in the BMW X1 also helps in reducing the fuel consumption and successive emissions as it turns off the engine once optimum temperature is reached. This improves the SUV significantly on city roads where unnecessarily excess fuel is consumed in anticipation of travel at signals. Since the engine immediately starts back after the brake is released, the delay caused goes unnoticed. The electric power steering is activated only when it is turned, which means that the steering doesn't consume power. And when it does, it can use the regenerated power from the braking system.

Braking & Handling

BMW's effort towards eva-friendly technology is translated as the amazing brake energy regeneration technology as it does not leave the kinetic energy in the braking system unused. The brake energy regeneration stores charge for future purposes thereby reducing the load on engine due to sustained usage. This stored energy is used by the EPS when required. Handling is superior due to fact that the SUV utilises the engine and fuel only when needed and only as much as required, helping it run for longer durations. The X1 SportsLine has an option to select the driving mode which distributes vehicle resources such as temperature, fuel efficiency, engine performance. The 8-speed automatic transmission's designs alters the gears at small revolution gaps so that sudden change of gears wouldn't result in ruining the driving experience.

Comfort Features

BMW X1 sDrive 20d SportLine can get as comfortable as a sport enthusiast expects it to be. The sports seats, seat angle choices, lighting controls, open design and an efficient mileage system, all in all make X1 a strong choice when comfort is a parameter. The choice for BMW apps to enhance the experience too increases the exclusive experience that BMW X1 SportLine has to offer. There is ample leg room and decent boot space.

Safety Features

Sport cars, no matter how stuffed up with specifications remain with a unique concern of safety measures. These SUV's are expected to be ridden across various rough terrains. The electronic vehicle immobiliser, cornering brake control and the standard ABS make X1 SportLine effective in terms of safety . X1 comes with Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters and side impact protection. The SUV interestingly features a runflat tyre indicator that notifies the driver regarding tyre malfunction so that further damage can be avoided

Pros  

Highly innovative technological specs, BMW Apps, good pick up, sport features

Cons 

High cost, comparatively less cargo space.