BMW has silently introduced a new variant to its X1 line-up, called the sDrive20d M Sport, and priced it at Rs 41.50 lakh. The new trim slots below the top-spec X1 xDrive20d M Sport that is priced at Rs 44.50 lakh.
While the new variant is nearly identical to the top-spec trim – inside, outside and in terms of safety kit – there is one crucial mechanical difference between the two. As the sDrive nameplate suggests, the new variant does not get BMW’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that’s available on the xDrive20d M Sport.
Instead, the 190hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. This is similar to the lower-spec xLine and Expedition variants that are priced at Rs 34.40 lakh and Rs 38.50 lakh, respectively.
Besides the badge and the lack of the AWD system, the sDrive and xDrive can be further differentiated in terms of equipment, where the former gets a smaller 6.5-inch infotainment screen (the latter gets an 8.8-inch unit) and misses out on the head-up display.
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The BMW X1 rivals the Mercedes GLA (Rs 34.38-38.64 lakh) and the Audi Q3 (Rs 34.73-42.88 lakh), both of which only offer all-wheel drive on their respective top-spec diesel trims. This means the X1 sDrive20d M Sport is priced above its direct rivals like the GLA 200d (Rs 35.64 lakh) and the Q3 30TDI Premium (Rs 36.53 lakh), though it sports a slightly higher level of kit. The segment has recently seen the launch of the Volvo XC40 (Rs 39.90-43.90 lakh), which, unlike its rivals, comes with all-wheel drive as standard across the board.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
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