BMW X1 2015-2020 xDrive 20d xLine

Introduction:

In Auto Expo 2016, BMW has launched its new generation X1 series in four trim levels. Among these BMW X1 xDrive 20d xLine is the mid range trim, which is priced around 37.7 lakh. This car is based on the UKL platform that makes it look more slender. It rivals with other popular vehicles like Audi Q3, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes Benz GLA-Class. Let us find more about this and see what it has to offer us.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is decent. The mileage values are better than the rivals.

2. The adequate wheelbase will allow more space inside the cabin.

Cons:

1. It lacks Navigation Plus system that would have made this a better ride.

2. Ground clearance is inadequate.

Standout Feature:

1. The HiFi loudspeaker system that outputs 205 watts with 7 speakers is the focal feature in the car.

Overview:

The luxury auto maker has released its new X1 series in four variants. We drove the mid end variant, which has got 2-litre diesel engine under the hood that produces good power and torque. Mileage quotient of this oil burner is efficient, when compared to the rivals. On the outside, this car looks stylish with the signature kidney grill and LED headlamps. The interiors are packed with many luxury inserts that enhances the convenience of the commuters. The cabin gets high quality leather finishing with decent color schemes, which will make a delightful ride. The entertainment aspect inside the cabin is impressive. It has got iDrive system along with HiFi loudspeaker unit with remarkable sound quality. In addition to these, it presents many luxury amenities that promise a convenient drive.

Exteriors:

This luxury variant appears longer than its rivals in length, width and height measuring at 4439mm, 2060mm, 1612mm respectively. The wheelbase of 2670mm is sufficient to give ample space inside the cabin but the ground clearance of 165mm is lesser than Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA class. The exterior design looks refreshing with a trademark aluminium finished grille and well built bumper with a wide air intake section at the front. There are a pair of polished LED headlights next to the chrome grille that compliment the entire face. The headlamp design houses LED DRLs, cornering lights and parking lights making it look spectacular. On the sides, this vehicle looks more inviting with aluminium accentuated roof rails and 18 inch Y spoke alloy wheels, which are adorned with tubeless tyres in the size of 225/50 R18. This variant gets electronically foldable body colored OVRMs with automatic anti-dazzle and parking functions. The creases that extend from the front wheel to the tail lamps enhance the appearance. On the rear, there is a 3D design tail lamp cluster that has turn indicators. Along with these, the integrated spoiler, sporty bumper with a pair of reflectors presents a clean look.

Interiors:

The cabin of this middle end trim is elegant. It gets innovative design elements with high quality finishing that further adds luxury to cabin. The cockpit has a dual tone dashboard and black infotainment system. The infotainment system houses BMW ConnectedDrive featuring BMW Apps, iDrive with 16.5cm display monitor along with Bluetooth, USB/AUX connectivity. The HiFi loudspeaker system with 7 speakers of efficient sound quality further enhances the entertainment in the cabin. Next to this there lies a multifunction sport leather steering wheel with chrome inserts, which boosts the convenience to the driver. Behind the servotronic power steering there is the instrument panel with two analogue meters that give clear details of the vehicle performance. This trim has got well cushioned Sensatec black upholstery with a color option of beige. The seats can be electronically foldable and the driver's seat gets memory function additionally. The backseat gets a 60:40 split folding function, which increases the cargo volume. Another hallmark feature of this variant is the panoramic glass roof with both roller sunblind and slide that gives amazing views.

Performance:

It is incorporated with TwinPower turbo 2-litre diesel engine, which has a displacement of 1995cc and gets four wheel drive system. This 4-cylinder mill is mated with 8-speed automatic transmission system that distributes power to all the wheels. The maximum power it can produce is 190bhp at 4000rpm and at the same time it can generate a maximum torque of 400Nm between 1750 to 2500rpm. In terms of mileage, it stands ahead of all the rivals by delivering 20.68kmpl on highways which slightly drops to 16.6kmpl while driving on city roads.

Ride Handling:

This all wheel drive variant gets an efficient braking system where all the wheels are fitted with disc brakes. Advanced mechanisms like ABS and EBD along with Cornering Brake Control will improve the braking mechanism. The suspension system in this high end variant is equipped with sport suspensions that deliver a smooth ride while keeping the vehicle stable on all surfaces. It is bestowed with a servotronic power steering, which gives agile response and stability even at higher speeds. In addition to these, this car has got gear shift point display that indicates the efficient gear usage in every driving condition.

Safety:

Security elements are quite abundant in this variant that makes the drive safe. It gets a total of 6 airbags including driver and co-passenger, side and also head airbags in the front and rear. Many advanced features like ABS with EBD, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control that ensures vehicle stability at high speeds and during turns. Moreover, it is equipped with electronic engine immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and side-impact protection thus, enhancing the safety within the car.

Verdict:

This latest variant gets more space and convenience when compared to the forebears. In comparison with the rivals, this middle end trim is quite spacious with satisfying legroom. In terms of performance, it lives up to the expectations. However, the lower ground clearance value is a bit down side for this otherwise efficient vehicle.