Drive impressions of BMW X1 (2023 model)
Considering that its been 6 solid years of owning the Jeep Compass, an itch to finally upgrade from it has started to creep in. I have been making time to test drive the viable options and generally been driving different cars (ahhh, SUVs
) to understand the latest and greatest money can buy when someone is willing to invest around INR 55-60 Lakhs in this day and age.
BMW X1
Given that the X1 is the latest launch from the Bavarian automaker which is likely to be its main-stay and mass selling product for at least a year or two, arranging for a test drive for it can be an uphill task. The D-day arrived and the dark grey diesel X1 pulled up at my residence for a much-awaited test drive. The sales man tried launching into its sales pitch only to understand that the prospective buyer with him is better left on his own.
Exteriors
Lets just agree that the latest X1 is a looker? I would even go on a limb and say its been done so well that this design will age well and continue to delight the on-lookers. It looks mature and big enough for an X1 but still maneuverable and nimble for zipping around in the city.
Interiors
The wow-factor continues in the interiors and the new floating arm rest and bigger screen makes for a future proof design. The ergonomics are on point and overall you get your moneys worth. The roof lining is in black color and the overall dark color palette made the cabin feel not too airy. The seat cushioning is on the harder side and some may not like it. Like I know for a fact, that this hard seat cushioning will be a tough sell to my folks at home who are likely to immediately term this vehicle as ‘uncomfortable’. Also the harmon kardon sound system gets the job done and had adequate thump. Last but not the least, the massaging function on the driver’s seat is a welcome feature addition. The boot is well shaped and will swallow-up 4 member’s small luggage items well.
Engine + gearbox
I don’t want to even initiate a discussion on why they have chosen to put 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine as an option. It’s downright unacceptable and unworthy by any stretch of imagination. While I’m hoping that they would have done some sorcery to mask its abysmal power figures, but its unlikely in my opinion to cover the lack in displacement. This is a bit saddening for me as I have been looking to get a petrol-powered vehicle, mostly for its silent vibration free operation. This variant is still not available for test drive and will come only in June’23. Now let’s come to the 2-litre diesel power mill which I drove. In one word – this engine is “acceptable” or I can say “likable”. Its mostly silent, unless you push it hard which is when it makes some sweet noises, but overall, it definitely gets the job done and feels par for the course. I did not feel the power delivery to be as urgent as it is in say, a Compass (BS IV manual variant). But yes, this engine and the TC gearbox pair-up well to deliver an experience which feels effortless. The steering is precise (while not too directly connected with the road) and weighs up well with speed and is nimble in the city at slower speeds. This clearly is the engine of choice to be opting for IMO. I cannot not mention the gear toggle switch which made for a precise and neat addition to the cabin than the old-school gear selectors.
Drive
The suspension was, as expected, firm but still not bone jarring. It is very much acceptable in my books. But what I didn’t like was the way it took over deeper potholes. You can certainly hear the thud in the cabin, much less feel it. Also, surprisingly, the road noise crept into the cabin a bit too much, making me ask the sales-person twice on whether BMW is still using the run-flat tyres. I received a response in the negative, which made me wonder whether the insulation in the wheel wells is not optimum.
Missed opportunity
With the recent price hike, the kind of money this SUV wants you to wire in may end up making you feel a little unsatisfied. While the BMW loyalists will say that a car needs to drive well and not be a gadget-showroom on wheels, but we all now do appreciate a little helping hand from the latest gadgetry. Missing 360-degree camera is almost criminal in my opinion in this otherwise well decked car. No, I won’t even mention the seat ventilation because this is unthinkable from BMW in this price bracket, or also in the next segment, i.e., in X3. Other than these, I choose not to put a laundry list of missing features in this otherwise well put together car.
Mercedes Benz GLA (diesel 4x2)
Hot on the heels with this overall satisfactory experience from the BMW, I decided to also test drive the GLA and compare the two. I felt the GLA, probably due to its DCT transmission, was a bit too caught up and engaged with the engine. It never felt free flowing and the constant hum from the engine does find a receptive audience in the cabin. The steering felt just fine, nothing to write home about, it’s a typical Merc in this regard. The suspension soaked in the potholes much better compared to our new Bimmer and the ride overall was pleasant. I felt the cabin to be overall well-appointed and par for the course.
The Dilemma
After having test driven the two most viable options for an upgrade from the Jeep, I’m left a bit puzzled and would like all of you to weigh in with your thoughts. I found both these cars, demanding around INR 58-62 Lakhs (on road) to be a disappointment. Heck, the latest Compass Model S, is actually not too far behind these German super-models. Should I even consider upgrading to another Jeep – I just don’t know? I have test driven a Hyundai Tuscon as well, and but cannot get savvy with its design. I look forward to checking out the Kodiaq, but Skoda as a brand does not still feel very dependable to me. Please do let me know what you all think.
Cheers,
SPB
Some pictures from the spin