I have a small confession to make - As an automotive photographer and writer I've experienced a wide variety of cars from quite a few international manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes,Audi, VW and more. But there are quite a few I have not driven but wanted to and at the top of that list was BMW. Was, because I've just been introduced to BMW through what is the 'einsteiger' or the entry model in the X Series, the X1. BMW says that the X1 offers a completely new driving experience in the premium compact segment while helping to increase the range of BMW X models made famous by the X5, the X3 and the coupe-on-an-SUV X6. In India, BMWoffers the X1 in three variants – one petrol (sDrive 18i) and two diesels (sDrive 20D and sDrive 20D Exclusive) with differences in trim and specs. Both entry-level variants in petrol and diesel are priced very competitively at Rs 22,40,00 and Rs 24,40,000 respectively while the Exclusive diesel-only version is priced much higher at Rs 30,40,000 (all prices Ex-showroom) but comes with a whole host of features including a panoramic roof.
In terms of looks the X1 is rather impressive. I looked at it from every conceivable angle - head-on, above, crouched low, front and rear three-quarter from above and below as well as the profile. The head-on view immediately tells you that this is a BMW, a muscular one at that, thanks to that trademark grille and the headlights staring you in the face while from the rear it is quite car-like. It's only when you see it in profile that you start thinking it is more beefed-up estate than SUV which immediately endears the car to me. BMW says the body design is intended to exude self-confidence, elegance, versatility mixed with a bit of an agile, sporty character. To me, the X1 looks quite unlike anything else on the road and this is helped by the fact that we don't have too many estates running on our streets. The X1 has a length x width x height (in mm) of 4454 x 1798 x 1545 and a wheelbase of 2760mm. The track at front and rear was 1500 and 1529mm respectively and the turning radius was 11.3m. The X1's boot capacity is 420 litres but can be increased to a maximum of 1,350 litres if required. An electrically operated Panorama glass roof is also available for the X1 xDrive20d Exclusive.
