Next Gen BMW X1 Launched @ Auto Expo 2016 Got to test drive the X1 today. It was an X Drive variant (not the Msport). Managed a pretty long one - about 20 kms though could not test the handling and ride as much as I wanted to. Overall I am impressed with this. I had done a TD of the X3 sometime back and in that context this is a real good offering from BMW.
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Spacious - good rear leg room, head room. Front seat offers the driver ample space and support.
Good quality interiors and nice design.
Long list of features and functionality
Refined 2 litre engine with good grunt and mid range
Looks, looks and looks. A more proportioned and classy looking beemer compared to the old X1.
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No reverse camera and cruise controls. Gosh even under 10 Lakh vehicles have this and can't understand why BMW missed these
Inadequate under thigh support for the rear passengers
Horn very difficult to apply (from a Bangalore context this is a pain)
Poor GC - only 165 mm for an SUV felt sub optimal though did manage to ride over potholed roads and humps without scraping the under body.
Ride felt a little hard (in bumps could feel a thud sound)
The drive was nice. Got to test the various modes Eco, comfort and Sport. In the sport mode the steering felt a little more tight and the car sprang from start. The engine is quite silent. Intact I felt the noise insulation better than X3 that I drove a few weeks back. Acceleration brought a smile on my face though one can hear the engine growl with the music switched off, but I kinda liked that noise. Couldn't drive over 60kmph since I did not get open stretches, but I liked the handling in the minimal swerves and turns I took. Haven't driven the old X1 but it was comparable to the X3. X3 felt a little more planted and stable though.
The rear view is a little less due to a small rear window and relatively small side view mirrors. This is where one sorely misses a rear view camera. At Rs 47L on road in Blr, it is still quite expensive.
Overall I felt this is a great offering from BMW and should sell well. It is a fantastic balance of looks, features, performance and space. I am now seriously considering this as my next buy.
Last edited by nurni76 : 26th May 2016 at 17:50.
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