BMW X1 2018 Test Drive Review

Since the first debut back in 2009, the X1 variant of the BMW line-up has always managed to tip the scales of currency back and forth from its rivals like Audi and Mercedez-Benz and not just purely all thanks to the factor of affordability. The other elements, you name it, are appearance, comfort, and performance which are made possible by a list of features which will be discussed in this BMW X1 2018 Review in India.

Classy would be the one if you are trying to find a word to describe the 2018 model of BMW X1

1. BMW X1 2018 Exterior

Paint colours present two free-of-charge options: Alpine White and Black. Other more vivid shades entail an extra amount of quid, which include:

• Glacier Silver Sunset Orange
• Sparkling Brown
•  Atlantic Grey
• Mediterranean Blue

As you can see, the usual sleek profile is carried over to the current BMW X1. Other familiar details also make appearance namely the twin-kidney grilles, swept-back headlamps, and sunroofs. But the SUV itself did receive some design tweaks which take the form of ribs that stretch out all over the two sides and lend the whole car sinewy frame.

Other familiar details also make appearance namely the twin-kidney grilles, swept-back headlamps, and sunroofs

The current X1 manages a generous storage compartment of 505 litres, though falling short of its sibling the X3 by 45 litres, it surpasses both the Merc GLA which gets less luggage space at 321 litres and the Audi Q3’s puny one standing at 460 litres. This is made all the more convenient with centre console and cargo floor space as well as door bins and other storage all through the inside, which means no more headache of deciding what to drop behind on any trip. 

An impressive cargo space of 1662 litres (with the rear seats being folded down) is a perfect justification for a luxury SUV-size car like the X1

2. BMW X1 2018 Interior

Benefiting from the platform of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the X1 frees up more space on both rear and front seat rows in comparison with its siblings, allowing even people of larger build (over 6 feet tall) to sit upright, recline or droop freely to their will, in other words, no worry about being comfy or not if you happen to be a giant. 

Lounging in the cabin will never be more comfortable even in the case of oversized folks

The standard infotainment system is unfortunately not so responsive and comes with quite a humble screen of 6.5 inches, accompanied by only one USB port – yeah, I know, “Stingy” you yell! The top-spec xDrive25i model receives the 8.8-inch touchscreen along with a more refined navigation function (also, ticking this pricey box and your car gets access to the wheelset of 19-inch alloy rims). 

Driving is made several notches easier with a Head-up display which providing driver with driving information like collision warnings, speed limits and navigation guidance being displayed on the windscreen (available on the top-grade variant only). And if you happen to be a rookie driver then you take a sigh of relief cause BMW’s intelligent xDrive has made it in the feature list. The advanced all-wheel-drive system being in pair with all-season run-flat tyres will smoothly help you through whenever encountering bad roads or rough terrains. 

A mutual though is it that parking should never be that hard, well, I’ve even heard some say they find it trickier than driving itself. The manufacturer put themselves in your shoes, of course, and related perfectly to the pain you all are going through and came up with Park Distance Control of four sensors, assisting you with visual and audio aids to land your car a neat spot for parking without hitting anything along the way.

Driving is made several notches easier with Head-up display

3. BMW X1 2018 Engine and Performance

Once again we will see the familiar and mighty 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo being mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This 228-hp party piece delivers 258 lbf.ft of torque @ 1450 rpm. The motor unit is beautifully matched up with BMW’s award-winning High Precision Direct Injection, Valvetronic and Double-VANOS technologies, promising endless excitement on any journey on which the vehicle embarks.

The matchmaking of 2018 X1 with the usual engine is expected to bring about a performance which mirrors that of the 2017 X1

4. BMW X1 2018 Safety Features

Some up-to-date features like Blind Spot Warning, Rear-cross Traffic Alert, and AEB as well will not be found on the car. This failure of incorporating these recently-developed technologies turn out to be quite a big shame for the X1 taking into consideration that they are constantly encountered on other luxury vehicles. 

That said, the car maker does put the passengers’ security first and foremost by equipping the X1 with traction and stability control, airbags, lane departure warning system and collision mitigating system. Small children and babies’ safety is guaranteed with two ISOFIX mounts. The vehicle also gets run-flat tyres which are resistant to punctures and allow you to drive at low speed to get to the nearest repair shop for a replacement.

5. BMW X1 Price

6. BMW X1 Specification

Driving in this SUV to the goggles and gapes of passersby. Attention is inevitable whether you like it or not

So far it is the large boot and roomy cabin that prompt our interest the most. Also, the car shows an instant reaction to the driver’s input, in other words, reliable dynamics. What disappointed us is that Automatic Emergency Braking is treated with a miss considering the popularity of such feature all across the segment. Another drawback to mention here is the high-end's exclusivity of the large infotainment system screen. All of those traits are coupled by the over-inflated price and as a result, may not invite strong sales. But other than that, it ticks nearly every box of requirements you are seeking at a car in terms of comfort, performance, and ergonomics. And sure this beauty will buy you face whenever you drive around with it by turning heads on roads to catch a glance of the sleek car.

>>> For more information and updates of Indian car models, visit IndianAuto.com.