The 2020 BMW X1 Is Coming To India on March 5

• Changes to the X1 include BS6 updates and revised interior and exterior aesthetics.
• The compact luxury SUV is expected to retain the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
• It could be priced above Rs 40 lakh at launch.  

BMW will launch the X1 compact luxury SUV in India on March 5. The facelifted 2020 model gets a slightly revised front and rear fascia and more interior features. It is expected to be powered by the same BS6 petrol and diesel engines as its predecessor and could have an all-wheel-drive variant on offer. Prices are likely to be higher than the current generation which retails for Rs 35.20 lakh to Rs 45.70 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, the 2020 X1 will rival the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and the Mercedes GLA-Class.

At the front, the 2020 X1 features new LED headlamps and C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). The kidney grille is larger and more prominent than before, like most BMWs of late. Silver P-shaped accents are placed over each air dam. The new bumper houses P-shaped silver accents over each air dam. At the rear, the new X1 is indistinguishable from the outgoing model except for the glossy plastic trim on the bumper. It used to be a dark silver colour but now matches the exterior paint colour.

Speaking of colour, there are three new exterior paint shades to choose from: Jucaro Beige, Misano Blue (M Sport-only), and BMW Individual Storm Bay, which is a metallic baby blue shade. In addition, four wheel designs are on the menu. A projector in the driver’s side outer rearview mirror projects the X1 logo next to the door.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

You won’t immediately notice a difference to the interior. Everything from the dashboard and instrumentation layout to the door trim is identical to the previous generation. However, the instrument cluster is illuminated differently and the infotainment display is a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Under the bonnet, we are likely to find the same BS6 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine puts out 192PS of power and 280Nm of torque while the oil burner makes 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque. An 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is likely to be the only gearbox on offer.

For the first time, the X1’s powertrain includes a plug-in hybrid system. Powered by a 9.7kWh battery, it allows the X1 to drive in electric-only mode for a claimed 50km. If that fails to impress you, the X1 xDrive25e has a claimed fuel economy of 50kmpl and CO2 output of 43 grams per km. We can’t bet on the PHEV making its way to our shores.

BMW has also hinted at two upcoming models. The 8 Series Gran Coupe and the new X6 SUV are now listed on the company website. Both models were globally unveiled just days after the 2020 X1 saw the light of day.

The new X6 also gets exterior and interior revisions that are more thorough than the X1. Prettiest among these is the 8 Series Gran Coupe, a V8-powered sedan replacement for the 6 Series Gran Coupe. We expect these models to break cover in mid-2020. While the 2020 X6 is likely to be priced at around Rs 1 crore, the 8 Series is expected to cost around Rs 1.3 crore.

The new X1 may only be a facelift, but it could bring the small SUV head to head with the competition. We hope that the subtle changes don’t demand an exorbitant premium over the current model.