2023 BMW X1 Review: Return Of Baby X

Hold onto your hats, because the entry-level premium compact SUV segment is heating up like a chilli-eating contest on a scorching summer day! Audi came out swinging with the new Q3 and its sassy cousin, the Q3 Sportback. And you know the saying, when your rival steps up, you gotta bring your A-game, or in this case, your X-game. BMW heard the battle cry and unleashed the all-new X1. It's bigger, bolder, and more decked out than ever before. And guess what? It's packing some serious firepower under the hood, but all this awesomeness comes with a price tag.

Prices & Variants

In the realm of price tags, the diesel versions of the BMW sX1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA go head-to-head, tumbling over the lofty Rs. 50 lakh barrier. Interestingly, the GLA seems to have taken an eternal nap in the land of updates, while its competitors are vying for the limelight. Then we have the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40, strutting around with only petrol options, while the X1 flaunts not one but two petrol trims. It's like a grand showdown of high-stakes poker, where each brand is desperately trying to outshine the others.

Exterior

For all that money, BMW has made sure that you are not left disappointed. I like the fact that it’s not at all flashy but brings about just the right amount of X-factor that you need with a car this size. It’s now much more aggressive than before and I for one, surely love it. Now, typically, the front section sports a massive grille, but that’s not the case with the X1 because this one has a much smaller double kidney grille identical to its larger X siblings with nicely stacked slats in chrome with a blacked-out effect given to enhance its road presence. The cuts and creases on the bonnet, on the lower section of the bumper and even around the corners look sporty and will now appeal to a large audience. The new adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist look quite intriguing.

The profile is largely identical to the previous version but this time around, it feels a lot more muscular. The wheels are 18 inches and get a double-spoke design that looks pretty neat. The upturned taillights look good and draw a comparison to the larger X7. BMW has made good use of the smoke effect and blacked-out elements to enhance the overall appeal of the car.

Dimensions

The third generation of the BMW X1 is like a growth spurt on steroids, flexing its muscles and commanding attention. Just take a gander at the table below, and you'll see what I mean. The 2023 model is strutting around with extra length, width, height, and a wheelbase that's practically showing off. It's like the X1 went to the gym and came out looking taller than ever before. Gone are the days when it felt puny compared to its rivals. But hey, let's not ignore the elephant in the room – the boot space has taken a bit of a beating this time around, a sneaky little trade-off though.

Tech & Interior

BMW deserves a pat on the back for its design game, turning the X1’s cabin into a swanky hangout spot. And guess what? It's all about you, the driver! The X1 practically begs you to take it for a joyride with its driver-focused setup. Now, let's talk about that curved display. With a touchscreen that's big enough to make your smartphone jealous and a driver's display that's like having your own personal digital butler, this setup is all about making your driving experience as high-tech as possible.

The latest generation of BMW's iDrive infotainment system, ambient lights, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system are all standard. The M-style seats are utterly comfortable, plus you've got two-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a digital key, and a vertical wireless charging tray to keep your smartphone juiced up.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room, or should I say the hot seat? Unfortunately, BMW decided to skip out on ventilated/heated seats. So while the X1's cabin is almost flawless, this little oversight feels like a missed opportunity to pamper your posterior.

Rear Seat Space

Once you hop into the back seats of the 2023 BMW X1, the seats are cosy and even on those never-ending road trips, you'll be grinning from ear to ear. There's plenty of knee room, headroom, and shoulder room for all three passengers, with the provision of their seatbelt for safety, but let's be real, that high transmission tunnel might cramp the style of whoever ends up there. There are AC vents and USB slots though to keep you cool and connected.

Engine & Transmission

In a bold move, BMW has bid adieu to the All-Wheel-Drive setup and embraced the Front-Wheel-Drive configuration for the X1. Say hello to the sDrive, as BMW fondly likes to call it. Available in both petrol and diesel flavours, the sDrive18d M Sport trim is the star of the show today. Equipped with a 7-speed Steptronic DCT, this one churns out a lowly 147.5 bhp and 360 Nm from its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. To give perspective, all the other cars in this segment have a much higher output than the X1.

It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 8.9 seconds, but the cherry on top is that it sips fuel like a marathon runner hydrating, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.3 kmpl. But let's talk about refinement, shall we? This diesel unit is smooth and sophisticated, and purrs so softly that you'll have to check if it's even running. The NVH levels are surprisingly low and will make you question if you're actually in a diesel-powered vehicle.

Ride & Handling

BMW has excelled in making any ordinary car into a great handler, and the X1 is no different. It’s so precise, so agile, and so nimble to drive around be it either in the city or out on the highways, it manages to give you a very thrilling experience. The engine is extremely punchy and is so responsive. The M Sport trim has a slightly stiffer suspension set-up, and also the chassis technology that BMW has mastered now to alter the character of the car, is quite effectively evident on the X1.

The refinement level on the engine is impressive, and smooth with ample power on tap. But you know what, the car is surely tuned for comfort, so finding that sweet spot will take time to get used to, but once you do find it, there’s no going back, because this version of the X1 is very much fun to drive. It also comes with Sport mode, so if you require more performance, switch it on, and take control of the car via the paddle shifters, to zoom past all the cars right into your rearview mirror.

Safety Features

It is clear up until now that the 2023 BMW X1 will make you feel like a superhero behind the wheel. And while you are doing all that, the compact SUV now packs in enough to keep you safe from any unexpected shenanigans on the road. Standard fitment includes 6 airbags along with the usual suspects like ABS, EBD, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

But, the X1 takes safety to a whole new level with its Lane Departure Warning system, and trust me on this, it has a mind of its own because the sensors are enough intuitive to even a slight change in direction. Then, there’s the usual suspect such as cruise control with braking function, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian protection. Park Assist makes parallel parking really simple for many.

Verdict

Now, the burning question: Should you pull the trigger and buy the 2023 BMW X1 in India? If you're all about that diesel power and enjoy the thrill of turbocharged acceleration, then the X1 might just tickle your fancy. It's got a fancy design, a tech-loaded cabin, and enough features to make you feel like you're driving a mini spaceship. It's a high-stakes decision, but ultimately, it's up to you to decide if the X1 is your diesel dream or just another luxury gamble.

Photos By: Jitendra