The iDrive 8 system maybe as brilliant as it might be but there is no comparison to proper physical buttons. My X3 has the perfect combination of buttons and screen, just the way I like it.
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BMW U11 X1 M-Sport 18d Test-Drive Experience.
Being a Sunday and my sister having an orientation in the same building as that of Navnit BMW, decided to just walk-in to the dealership with the thought of checking the U11 X1 properly, in the 1 hour of free time I had.
It’s pretty obvious why BMW India hasn’t given the new U11 X1 to media outlets for a proper review, leaving it to buyers and people like me who have no intention of buying the car but still test-drive it for my satisfaction to be able to give a short review.
Entered the showroom and was greeted by the receptionist who asked me my name & phone number and guided me to a SA. There was no X1 on display but a Portimao Blue X1 was available for test-drive. I showed interest in test-driving it. Interestingly lots of people were in line to test-drive the X1 and the showroom was teeming with people, which is something I hadn’t seen when I was in the market for a BMW almost 2 years ago.
There was someone before me in queue, in the meantime I asked about the availability of the X1, the Petrol will be available in 2-3 months and Diesel slightly more. The Petrol seems to be having more demand according to the SA, it being available earlier. Basically there is a supply shortage according to the SA.
Having sat in 1 Swedish and 3 German competitors; The XC40, GLA, Q3 Sportback and X1 all at different points of time over the last 2 years, I hope I can provide a fair comparison.
Likes:
- Solid Build Quality and excellent fit and finish of materials all around the cabin except one or two bits (indicator and wiper stalks being one of them).
- Very likeable design language unlike the in your face 7 series, XM and few other newer BMWs.
- Features galore in an entry-level BMW which was not the case with the previous-gen F48 X1. Some notable features: ADAS Level 1, H/K 16 speaker sound system, adaptive headlights with auto-high beam assist, front seats massaging function and a wireless phone charger.
- Very strong brakes and confidence inspiring at high speeds.
- Tube-less Non-Runflat tires finally on a BMW.
- Spacious cabin and large well-shaped 500L boot.
Neutral:
- More than sufficient power and torque available from the Diesel engine for city usage, no where did I find it lacking grunt even when accelerating hard for a few seconds. Petrol will be different I guess.
- The massaging seats at level 3 intensity and speed was a bit jarring for my back, the SA had set it up so couldn’t change it while driving. With the right intensity and speed, it will be a boon to have on long distance driving.
- The exterior door handles feel like they have been taken from yesteryear's cars. They don’t feel flimsy but very old-school in a car so new.
- It was immediately noticeable that the car was FWD, wish it atleast got optional AWD.
- Even though the car has non-RFTs the ride was stiffer than I would’ve liked (my X3 in Comfort mode has a more comfier ride even with RFTs) maybe the tire pressures were a bit on the higher side.
- The front seats were a bit more body-hugging than I would’ve liked. Both the 3er GL and X3 have more accommodating front seats.
- NVH levels were satisfactory for most of the drive, but on some surfaces the road noise was creeping into the cabin.
Dislikes:
- Complete lack of physical buttons except a volume dial. The iDrive 8 system maybe as brilliant as it might be but there is no comparison to proper physical buttons. My X3 has the perfect combination of buttons and screen, just the way I like it.
- A complete joke of a gear selector/toggle, which suits a Merc more than a BMW!
- Indicator and wiper stalks quality has taken a dip, they do not have the softness that is associated with premium cars any longer.
- Pricey for the engines on offer but makes that up with a long laundry list of features and decent space. For reference the X1 18d is priced at 63-64L on-road, I had picked up a X3 for 69L just a year and a half back. In comparison my X3 has much fewer features in comparison to the U11 X1.
We have started to love reading the specifications of a car on a sheet and then bashing it if it’s lesser than competition or much cheaper cars. Sorry to break the bubble but the 4 cyl diesel engine is adequately powered and no where once did I feel it was in the wrong gear or wasn’t able to accelerate with eagerness. The TC and engine are brilliantly tuned, the drive was done entirely in comfort mode. The petrol maybe different being a 1.5L 3 cylinder. The speeds I build in city-limits with 10-15% throttle input in my X3 30i, the X1 18d was doing the same with 15-20% throttle inputs, not bad at all per-se!
Yes many might argue that for the price it’s not worthwhile, but with the features and space on offer its a very well packaged car. Even I had gone with not very high expectations, but it did leave me pleasantly surprised. Also the younger generation is very attracted to this car, they were teeming both in the showroom and for the test-drive vehicle as well.
The inoffensive and attractive front fascia of the U11 X1:
My G01 X3’s face in comparison, head-on both cars almost feel like they are of the same size:
The new steering wheel design, also seen on the new 7er, feels very premium to hold with just the right amount of thickness:
The new Non-RFT Bridgestone Turanza tires:
The rear profile just like the front has a very inoffensive look and will be liked by most:
Conclusion:
- If Diesel is the choice, the new X1 is the one I’ll pick over the GLA unless one needs AWD.
- If Petrol is the choice, the Q3 or Q3 Sportback will be my choice, the X1 with it’s 1.5L 3cyl will not be able to compete with Audi’s 2.0L TFSI.
- If Electric is the choice then the XC40 Recharge is the one and only option.
IMHO, all these cars have their pros and cons at the end of the day it’s what you like and what you don’t, no two ways about it. Just that the X1 doesn’t deserve as much bashing as we are giving it!
About the Dealership: In today’s day and age, the dealership experience can make or break a deal. The dealership experience at Navnit this time was top-notch to say the least! I had walked in as a jay-walker after parking my X3 right in front of the dealership’s doorstep. The SA while filling the form with regularly asked questions, did ask me which car do I own. When I mentioned a 6-year-old Creta, very often one notices that the attitude of the SA changes if you mention a mass-market brand, in a premium brand’s showroom in India. I am happy to report that it was not at all the case, he was very polite and curious even when I mentioned Creta. He did get to know that the Phytonic Blue X3 parked outside is mine after I put my phone on the X1’s wireless charging pad in front of him, due to my phone’s wallpaper; something which I intended to tell him at the end of the test-drive. 6 years ago when I walked into the very same dealership with my father to ask about the older F25 X3, as soon as we mentioned the car in question for replacement would be a Fortuner, the attitude of the SA completely changed and he didn’t feel welcoming at all. It has since changed for the good. In comparison the Škoda showroom just down the same road was absolutely pathetic in their response, I was flatly refused a test-drive of the Kodiaq which I had seen being test-driven on the same road for reasons best know to them because the SAs were huddled in a corner and not willing to take out some time from their very “busy” schedule to go out for a test-drive. I did over-hear them quarreling amongst themselves in regards of who will attend to the customer and I thought Toyota salespersons are the worst, Škoda just takes the cake in this matter
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