BMW India Launches New X1 Variant

It was in January this year when BMW India introduced the new X1. And until now, the compact SUV was available in two variants – one petrol and one diesel. Now, there’s a third derivative on offer. Dubbed sDrive18i M Sport, it costs INR 48.90 lakh. That makes it INR 3 lakh more than the other petrol variant – the sDrive18i xLine – and INR 2 lakh less than the diesel-powered sDrive18d M Sport.

So, why does the new variant cost more than the xLine derivative? The simple answer is that it has more features. The list includes paddle shifters for the 7-speed automatic transmission, current and recommended gear display in manual mode, the M Sport package, roof rails in high-gloss shadow line (aluminium finish in xLine), Active Seats for driver and front passenger, M Leather steering wheel, reclining rear seat and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The petrol-powered M Sport variant also comes with two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, it is available in M Portimao Blue and Storm Bay colours.

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Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 134hp/230Nm, enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 9.2 seconds. Those seeking a bit more punch can settle for the diesel-powered BMW X1, which comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill outputting 148hp/360Nm. That can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 8.9 seconds. And as mentioned above, the sDrive18d also has all the bells and whistles of the newly-launched petrol variant. While the Repair Inclusive package costs the same for both petrol derivatives, the M Sport demands more for both Service Inclusive packages (Basic and Plus).

Introducing the petrol-fed M Sport derivative furthers X1’s case in a space where customers also look at the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3. And the Mini Countryman is another option in the same price bracket. So it’ll be an interesting battle. Who do you think will come out on top?

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