BMW has launched its X1 compact SUV. The X1 is available in three trim levels — Corporate Edition, Highline and Cool Elegance — the SUV will be powered by 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.
BMW has launched the X1 as rear-wheel-drive only; which has helped it price it on a par with its competitors. Like its saloon counterpart, 3-series Corporate Edition, the X1 CE too does not get some features which are available in the Highline as well as the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant. The Corporate Edition is not equipped with a sunroof, i-drive interface, and 6-CD changer, but comes with only a single CD player. The Corporate Edition gets simple black trim and fabric seats instead of wood garnishing.
Apart from sunroof and i-drive system, the Highline variant gets goodies such as Xenon headlamps, parking sensors and leather seats. In addition, the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant gets an Anthracite Headliner as well as exclusive contrasting piping on the leather seats.
The X1 sDrive 1.8i is powered by a 1995cc four –cylinder 147.5 bhp petrol motor and 20.4 kgm of max 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.
Based on the 3-Series saloon, the BMW will assemble the X1 at its Chennai’s plant, where the 3 Series is built. With a wheelbase of 2760mm and at 4454mm long, the X1 will open up a new luxury segment in the compact SUV class. While the base 1.8i will retail at Rs 22 lakh, the 2.0-litre diesel base variant will cost Rs 23.9 lakh, the 2.0-liter Diesel Exclusive Variant is priced at Rs 29.90 lakh and the top-of-the-line Cool Elegance variant will retail at Rs 32.5 lakh.
Read BMW X1's first drive report here.