BMW X1 launched in India; prices start at Rs. 22 lakh

BMW India has launched its much awaited X1 SUV in three different variants.

The sDrive18i (petrol) is priced at Rs. 22 lakh, the sDrive 20d (diesel) is priced at Rs. 23.9 lakh, the sDrive20d Exclusive is priced at Rs. 29.9 lakh and the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant is priced at Rs. 32.5 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi and all the variants are Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) SUVs.

This would mean a BMW SUV priced even less than the popular Toyota Fortuner! Okay, the Fortuner is a 7-seater SUV while this is a five-seater one. But the temptation of owning a BMW instead of a Toyota can way quite a few buyers.

When we asked Dr. Andreas Schaaf regarding the launch of the All Wheel Drive (AWD) version of the X1, he said that in order to keep the price low, the company has no plans for the AWD version. However, Schaaf said that BMW India may consider introducing the AWD version later if customers demand is there. During the launch conference, BMW said that the X1 will be bought mainly for the brand image and not for off-road use. This is also another reason for AWD feature missing in today’s launch.

Engine and performance

The X1 sDrive 1.8i is powered by a 1995cc four-cylinder engine that produces 147.5 bhp of maximum power and 20.4 kgm of maximum torque. The X1 sDrive 2.0d will feature a 1995cc four-cylinder diesel engine with close to 174bhp of power and an impressive 35.7kgm of max torque.

Styling and features

The BMW X1 takes its styling cues from its bigger siblings and offers a compact, sporty package. Nobody expects you to take the X1 out on the mud-track or trail, however. What it can do is to be a capable urban commuter and a comfortable long distance vehicle. Plus, you get all the driver-centric design features and quality of a BMW. The compact size does not mean that it is impractical – the rear row offers adequate seating for three adults. The latest BMW iDrive controller would be available in the X1.

The fully loaded BMW X1 Highline comes equipped with a sunroof and CD changer – both unavailable in the Corporate Edition (CE) trim. Also, the CE will get a simple black trim and fabric seats instead of wood garnishing.

The baby Beemer is based on the company’s 3-series sedan and will be shipped to India as a CKD unit and assembled at BMW’s plant in Chennai where the 3 series is also built. But the X1 would obviously have higher ground clearance than the sedan along with a large wheelbase of 2760mm and at 4454mm long.

The BMW X1 opens up a new luxury segment in the compact Sports Activity / Sports Utility Vehicle class, demonstrating once again the company’s fine sense for pioneering automotive trends. The BMW X1 is a modern vehicle that represents new interpretation of sheer driving pleasure and, like no other vehicle, a spontaneous lifestyle. It convincingly perpetuates the success story of BMW in India.

BMW has already received around 1000 bookings and the deliveries of the vehicle starts immediately. However due to overwhelming response, the customers may need to wait for as long as 3 months to get their X1s.

Previously, the pre-order bookings for BMW X1 had reached 200 plus units in Delhi/NCR region and 300 plus order from Mumbai.

Customers have to pay Rs.3 lakhs as a down payment in order to book the vehicle and the expected waiting period is three months according to BMW dealerships.

BMW X1 vs Competition

Here’s how the X1 stacks up against the competition, with rounded-off ex-showroom prices in Delhi:

SUV                                       Engine                  Power                    Price (approx)

BMW X1                               1.8 litre petrol    147.5 bhp             Rs. 22 lakh

BMW X1                               2.0 litre diesel   174 bhp                  Rs. 23-32.5 lakh

Skoda Yeti                          2.0 litre diesel   140 bhp                 Rs. 17 lakh

Ford Endeavour              2.5 litre petrol    143 bhp                 Rs. 17 lakh

Ford Endeavour              3.0 litre diesel   153 bhp                   Rs. 19-20 lakh

Chevrolet Captiva           2.0 litre diesel   150 bhp                  Rs. 19 lakh

Toyota Fortuner              3.0 litre diesel   170 bhp                  Rs. 21 lakh

Mitsubishi Outlander     2.4 litre petrol    168 bhp                   Rs. 22 lakh

Hyundai Santa Fe            2.2 litre diesel    197 bhp                   Rs. 21 lakh

Nissan X-Trail                   2.0 litre diesel   149 bhp                    Rs. 23 lakh

Honda CR-V                       2.4 litre petrol    151 bhp                   Rs. 24 lakh

BMW X1 Specification

Diesel Engine Displacement: 2.0 litre diesel

Power: 177 hp

Torque: 35.7 kgm

Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive

Petrol Engine Displacement: 1.8 litre petrol

Power: 147.4 hp

Torque: 20.4 kgm

Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive

Gearbox: 6-speed, Manual

Performance

Top Speed: 205 kmph

Acceleration: 8.1 seconds (0 -100 kmph)

Brakes

Front: Vented Discs

Rear: Vented Discs

Tyres

Size: 225/50 R17 94H

Dimensions

Length: 4453 mm

Width: 1796 mm

Height: 1544 mm

Wheelbase: 2758 mm

Ground Clearance: 193 mm

Luggage Space: 419 Litres