BMW X1

Exterior

The 2016 BMW X1 looks very different from the car it replaces. It's better proportioned, and is shorter but taller in terms of dimensions. Its mini SUV stance is rather likable. Up-front, it gets the large kidney grille along with stylish LED headlamps and those signature LED rings incorporated in them. The M-Sport version gets a sportier body kit with sharp, shapely bumpers up-front with huge air-inlets. The bonnet has a nice ripple effect to it. Along the sides, it boasts of M badging on the flanks and sporty 18-inch wheels. Estoril Blue can be had only on the M-Sport model. The flared wheel arches and raised shoulder line give it a muscular appeal as well. At the rear, the stretched LED tail lamps look very attractive.

Variants

The 2016 BMW X1 variants are as follows: sDrive20d Expedition, sDrive20i xLine, sDrive20d xLine, sDrive20d M Sport and xDrive20d M Sport. Features include a panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 8.8-inch display for the iDrive infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, navigation and power-adjustable front seats with a memory function. On the safety front, it gets traction control, ABS with brake assist, 6 airbags, stability control and cornering brake control.

Interior

Since the 2016 X1 is based on a front-wheel-drive platform, room inside the cabin has improved. At the rear, there is lots of headroom and legroom and the seats are well bolstered and provide good cushioning. In the 2016 BMW X1, you sit a little higher in the driver's seat. Visibility out-front is good, thanks to the low-set dashboard that is neatly designed and isn't cluttered, and feels well put together. The quality, fit-and-finish of materials are impressive. The powered front seats offer great thigh support, and the three-spoke M-spec steering with paddle-shifters are quite nice too. There's also a power-fold function for the rear seats, and the 505-litre boot is bigger than before.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The BMW X1 is powered by two engine options: a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while buyers can choose between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. We drove the one with the diesel engine. The engine is responsive and has a strong mid-range, and is quite rev-happy till about 5000rpm. In Sport and Comfort modes, the X1 feels quick; so is the gearbox. Thanks to the suspension being setup on the soft side, ride quality is really good, with almost all undulations being tackled with ease. Given the 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, the X1 handles well too. The steering is well-weighted and feels direct.

Mileage

The BMW X1's ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is rated at 20.68kmpl for the diesel model and 16kmpl for the petrol model.