2023 BMW X1 Diesel Review: Best-Selling Compact Luxury SUV Gets Better? — IN PICS

The BMW X1 has always been a success although the model has changed a lot from when it was first introduced in switching to front-wheel drive from rear-wheel drive.

The BMW X1 has always been a success although the model has changed a lot from when it was first introduced in switching to front-wheel drive from rear-wheel drive.

The previous X1 was a big success but if new numbers come in, the new generation is now the best selling SUV in the luxury space. Why the success? Well, the X1 is a compact BMW at an aggressive price while the new one brings in more muscle and a different interior while drawing buyers in this class. This is indeed the new generation model and has grown much larger so much so that you can confuse it with an X3. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

Compared to the earlier X1, the new generation is longer, wider and has a taller stance which looks more muscular. The styling is sharper and less curvy with clear cut lines too. There are a lot of angular lines, a massive new grille and L-shaped DRLs. Look closer and you will see some nice detailing too. The M Sport brings in sportier bumpers while the rear gets slimmer but more bold looking tail-lamps. Compared to its crossoverish predecessor, the new one looks bolder and bigger than other SUVs. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

The interior is all about going 'wow' because it does not feel entry-level and it is a huge jump in quality from the previous X1. The detailing is all there with chrome and aluminium plus the curved display along with the unique way the floating centre console is designed. Everything from the door pads to the dash is all high quality- it feels expensive. Then you move your attention to the centre console and try to find some buttons and they are not there. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

The new X1 is all about a touchscreen with next to no physical buttons. You need to access the climate control via the touchscreen and you need to get into menus to do anything. That said, the touchscreen is crisp and has great quality in terms of the touch response or the display. The rear camera for example is crisp and clear while you get other features like a big panoramic sunroof, a reversing assistant, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, powered seats with massage, auto tailgate, connected car tech, wireless charging etc. The massage function is particularly nice while the audio system has a great sound quality too. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

Where the new X1 scores is the rear seat comfort and here the space or even the legroom is excellent by class standards while headroom is good too. You have pretty good thigh support and you do not feel claustrophobic. You can even slide and recline the rear seat. It also feels wide enough for three passengers at the back. There is no faulting the huge 476 litre boot too. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

Get in and the driving position is pure BMW while those lovely seats offer very good comfort. The new X1 gets petrol and diesel engines but a major talking point has been the downsizing in terms of power. The diesel X1 is still a 2.0l unit but gets less power at 150bhp and 360Nm. The petrol is also a seriously downsized 1.5l with 136bhp and 230Nm. The earlier X1 diesel and petrol had a lot more power so is the larger new X1 good to drive? First of all it ticks off the luxury car boxes quite well with more refinement and you really wonder if it is a diesel or a petrol. The thick and meaty steering wheel is typical BMW but the engine is now refined and has a linear power delivery. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

Power is there and delivered in a linear fashion over the earlier X1 being more aggressive in this regard. Push hard and then you hear some diesel noise but power is there albeit slightly muted over the earlier one. That said, the new X1 is a better luxury SUV with more refinement and a smoother power delivery. That said, few things remain the same including a firm ride and the focus on dynamics. It feels sportier to drive as you expect from a BMW and corners very well with only a small amount of roll. There is a dual clutch automatic with a boost function and we think this gearbox makes the most of the power with responsive shifts. The efficiency for this diesel is also stellar at around 15kmpl plus. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)

The new X1 starts at Rs 45.9 lakh while the top-end is Rs 50.90 lakh. Compared to rivals, power is down and there is no AWD but it looks bigger, sharper and the cabin is right now one of the best in its class plus it still drives like a BMW in many aspects. No doubt the styling and cabin have been the reasons for its popularity. What we like- Looks, quality, features, handling, fuel efficiency What we do not like- Low on power compared to earlier X1, no AWD. (Source: Somnath Chatterjee)