BMW X1

Still Good Enough To Be The Bestseller?

The BMW X1 has long been the best-selling luxury SUV in India, outperforming the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi Q3. And usually, when brands have bestsellers on their hands, they're hesitant to change them drastically. BMW though, has not skipped turning any stone to give the X1 a thorough makeover in this generation. It’s even larger than even the very first X5! 

And not just that, but BMW has also taken huge strides on the design front — both inside and out — making it sharp, techy, and youthful. But in the process of increasing its size while keeping the costs in check, BMW has downrated the performance figures of the X1. With these changes in place, does the X1 still possess the ability to be the best-selling luxury SUV in India? Let’s have a look.

BMW X1 Pros and Cons 

BMW X1 Exterior Design 

The third-gen BMW X1 showcases a striking exterior transformation, adopting a modern and sophisticated design language. The front end is dominated by a large, chrome kidney grille in typical modern BMW fashion, which is flanked by adaptive LED lights with a distinctive new DRL signature. Just like the front, the X1 has adopted a more streamlined and sculpted rear, highlighted by a large spoiler and reprofiled LED tail lights. The vehicle's silhouette has also transformed, adopting a tall stance with an upright bonnet, enhanced by 18-inch wheels for added road presence. In fact, the road presence has grown so much that at first glance, you could easily mistake it for an X3.

BMW X1 Interiors 

Inside, the BMW X1 impresses with a mature, spacious cabin that exudes luxury beyond its class. The unconventional dashboard layout, adorned with high-quality materials like double-stitched leather, brushed aluminium, and textured metallic bands, elevates the interior ambience. The curved display and floating armrest add a sharp dose of modernity to the cabin as well, making sure it won’t look dated for at least the next couple of decades. Despite a few areas of lower-quality plastics, the overall build quality is exceptional. The cabin's array of vents stretching across, the conductive charging pad's vertical placement, and customizable ambient lighting add a contemporary flair. And when you run out of nifty details, your attention turn to the expanse of space inside. The rear seats offer ample legroom, adjustable recline, and the option to slide the bench for additional luggage space, adding to the X1’s practicality. The X1’s cabin is a great place to be, giving it a significant edge over its rivals.

BMW X1 Comfort 

The BMW X1 excels in seating comfort, with front seats that provide excellent cushioning and lateral support, rivalling even the most comfortable seats in its class. The front seats, while not offering seat ventilation, do offer a massaging function. Rear passengers also get generous legroom — thanks to the grown dimensions — and that paired with supportive seating enhances the overall experience at the back. However, the rear bench is still contoured for two, and a third passenger will be a snug fit. 

The suspension setup on the other hand is tuned to balance firmness with ride quality, delivering a smooth and composed drive across varying surfaces. At higher speeds, the X1 maintains a flat and stable ride, but comfort levels are still not as good as the Q3. Having said that, the new-gen X1 has closed that gap by a considerable margin, and given the added space and better cabin, the X1 offers a nicer travel experience than its Audi rival.

BMW X1 Performance and Handling

BMW offers a choice of two engines with the new-gen X1 — a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 134 bhp, and a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel that puts out 148 bhp. The figures on both engines are rather dull, and the diesel is considerably washed down from the last-generation unit, which offered close to 190 bhp! While the petrol would be a no-go unless you are chauffeur-driven and don’t care for the low output, the diesel’s performance is still decent, and the X1 doesn’t feel out of breath unless pushed hard. And while the engine loses marks on output, it gains them back on the refinement and responsiveness front, especially at low to medium speeds. The ultra-fast twin-clutch gearbox also ensures that you are always in the right gear, whether driving efficiently or making a brisk overtake. 

Although it may lack the outright sportiness of the Mercedes GLA, the X1's handling is precise and it responds to inputs eagerly. The steering — although lacking some feel — is accurate, allowing for confident cornering and enjoyable driving dynamics. The overall performance package of the X1 delivers a good blend of efficiency, refinement, and driving pleasure, despite not being the most potent in its segment.

BMW X1 Key specifications

BMW X1 Safety Features

The BMW X1 has made big strides on the safety front. The latest gen X1 has been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, and it scored a 5-star rating despite the Euro NCAP having stricter testing protocols than Global NCAP. The Euro NCAP rated the X1 86% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 76% for vulnerable road users’ protection (pedestrians, cyclists etc.), and 92% for safety assist systems, recording strong figures across the board. From adaptive LED headlights enhancing night-time visibility to a robust construction that promises durability in the event of a collision, the X1 is designed to protect its occupants. The inclusion of driver assistance systems, such as active cruise control with braking evasion, adds an extra layer of security. However, the addition of level 2 ADAS features would’ve made this a more appealing package, and the omission of some other features like a heads-up display is also notable. Features like active park assist make up for it though, making sure that the X1 doesn’t come across as under-equipped.

BMW X1 Technology and Infotainment

The infotainment system is a stand out feature in the BMW X1, housing a 10.7-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster in one single curved housing. Paired to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, this infotainment system delivers an intuitive and immersive experience. The integration of Apple apps alongside traditional functions and the capability to share a digital key via smartphone elevates the tech pack of this car a few notches, and plenty of other tech features add to it. However, accessing certain functions requires navigating through menus, which can be less than intuitive. 

Is the BMW X1 for You?

In the battle of the big three luxury automobile brands, for almost every segment BMW usually comes up with the sportiest vehicle, Audi comes up with something comfortable and elegant, and Mercedes-Benz adds a vehicle that sits between the other two, offering comfort and performance alike. However, this time around, things have changed. The BMW in the compact luxury SUV segment is the slowest of the lot, and it also doesn’t have the best handling.

However, this may just work for BMW. Given that most buyers in the compact luxury SUV segment in India want to be chauffeur-driven, and are looking for a spacious and well-built SUV. Adding to it are great design, top-class interior, an array of features, and a significant dose of practicality, which all make the BMW X1 a great travel companion, regardless if it is a commute or a road trip.