BMW X1

Positives: The BMW X1 is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 147.5bhp of power and 360Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It delivers strong pulling power without much noise or vibration, even at higher revs. This is extremely refined and makes it hard to tell it’s a diesel under the hood. The well-tuned seven-speed gearbox is flexible and offers seamless shifts, keeping the engine in the powerband and enhancing drivability. The steady power delivery allows the X1 to hold triple-digit speeds effortlessly for long-distance travel, and its zero to 100kmph time is competitive at 8.28 seconds. Its mid-range performance shines during highway overtakes with kick-down acceleration from 20 to 80kmph and 40 to 100kmph taking just 4.55 and 5.8 seconds, respectively. The fuel efficiency is impressive too, returning 16.14kmpl in the city and up to 27.6kmpl on highways during CarWale tests. These numbers give it an overall range of over 1,000km on a full tank. The suspension setup complements the X1’s long-distance touring ability with a slightly hard, controlled ride at high speeds. The BMW X1’s steering is reasonably quick and precise, which makes driving an engaging experience. Negatives: Although excellent for highway stability, the suspension hardness may not feel as cushioned over city potholes. The gearbox lacks aggressive responses, resulting in some hesitation off the line and noticeable wheel spin when traction control is switched off. BMW X1 Key Specifications: Fuel Type Diesel Engine 1995 cc Turbocharged Transmission Automatic (DCT) Mileage (ARAI) 20.37 kmpl Power 148 bhp Torque 360 Nm Read more

This 1.5-litre twin-turbo petrol engine makes 134bhp and 230Nm and is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 1499 cc Turbocharged Transmission Automatic (DCT) Mileage (ARAI) 16.35 kmpl Power 134 bhp Torque 230 Nm Read more

Positives: It features a large panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, and dual-zone climate control, providing comfort across the front and rear rows. The X1 features a sleek, curved touchscreen and all-digital instrument display, powered by BMW’s OS8 interface with vivid graphics and multiple cabin transformation modes. A unique vertical wireless charging pad with a secure clasp keeps the phone display visible and stable during charging. The large 540-litre boot space is expandable to 1,600 litres via the 40:20:40 flat-folding rear seats. The driver’s seating position has a memory function and is electrically adjustable for height, tilt, and reach. The rear seats have a nice recline angle and offer ample legroom and headroom, providing optimum long-distance comfort for two adults. Negatives: The OS8 interface is complex to use while driving, as basic adjustments such as scrolling through menus require some getting used to. The absence of the iDrive controller, a longstanding BMW feature, makes interactions with the touchscreen more challenging. The positioning of the start button and centre console layout can feel ergonomically off for right-hand-drive setups, given its original left-hand-drive design considerations. Read more

Positives: Featuring BMW’s signature kidney grille, sculpted bumper with blacked-out inserts, and a distinctive three-dimensional taillamp design, it looks both robust and sophisticated. The M Sport model benefits from aggressive design elements, including a body-coloured diffuser, roof-mounted spoiler, and contrasting black roof-rails for a sporty touch. The cabin’s dual-tone black and anthracite upholstery with metal inserts and ambient lighting creates a modern, spacious, and upmarket atmosphere. The wide dash layout integrates seamlessly with the curved display, showcasing the premium cabin design while accentuating the X1’s modern style. Negatives: The hard plastics used in parts of the lower dashboard and the plastic clasp for the wireless charging pad are out of sync with the rest of the cabin’s premium feel. With a deep sill height for rear passengers, entry and exit can be less comfortable, especially for senior passengers. Read more

Positives: The BMW X1 has scored a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP crash test authority. It has front and rear parking sensors, reverse assistance, and a 360-degree camera, aiding visibility in tight spaces. There are six airbags, cornering brake control, dynamic stability control with traction control, and ABS with brake assist to protect all occupants. It includes basic ADAS functions like lane departure warning and active feedback, front collision warning with brake intervention, and Evasion Assistant. Negatives: Despite some driver assistance features, advanced features like adaptive lane guidance could be more precise for an improved semi-autonomous experience. Read more