A Cheap BMW

Exterior Looks are decent. With the extended bonnet, driving becomes difficult, for new drivers who are not accustomed to extended bonnets. Wheel arches looks proper. Overall the exterior is befitting a BMW.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Seats are leather and electronically adjustable. Dashboard is workable and ergonomics are just almost right. No frills except the BMW sound system, console and gear stalk which has P, R, N, D, and Drive Sport. Numbers on the dials are clear and give you information in a display of yello and orange and red colors.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance is fantastic. Although it comes with a standard 2.0 litre engine churning out close to 180+ horsepower, the initial pull-off is a bit sluggish. 0-100 takes close to 7 seconds and the Drive Sport takes it to 190 kmph plus on the highways. Gearbox is smooth, however i faced problems with the Park function initially as the vehicle moved forwards and backwards a bit even in Park mode.

Fuel economy for the X1 could be the deal-breaker. For highways it was close to 9 kmpl and city came close to 7 to 8 kmpl at maximum.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is excellent, only if the roads are excellent, otherwise the suspension is a bit on the hard side. I do not know why BMW did not think of making the suspension a bit softer given the fact buyers absolutely want the vehicle for travelling purposes and not motorsport.

Handling is a bit hard for new buyers who have just switched from a power steering to a hydraulic steering system. On the brighter side, the hydraulic steering make sure you keep your wheel steady at high speed, albeit the traction control on.

Final Words The X1 is good, but with that kind of money (close to 40 lakhs) you can actually have many different options like the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero, Chevrolet Captiva, Trailblazer etc. All of which give you the same or better features at a lower cost.

Areas of improvement Areas of improvement are many, but not really befitting a BMW badged vehicle. Needless to say, it can be better in terms of ride quality, after sales service, options and fire salesman from BMW workshops who pitch you products that you do not need, every time.

One more thing, even if you do buy it, DO NOT LOSE THE KEY. A new key will have to be shipped over from Germany whcih will take ages. 

Good luck.