Reference Auto

German automaker BMW is revving up in a niche category: ‘Budget’  luxury cars with the entry of the new 2013 X1 SUV into the country’s market.

The pricing of the BMW X1 will begin from Rs 27.9 lakh (showroom price).

The new BMW X1 is propelled by a 2 litre diesel engine, which comes in three variants. Prices begin from Rs 27.9 lakh for the base variant while the top two variants are a tad expensive at Rs 32.5 lakh.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine now offers 186 PS power and 380 Nm torque. The engine is combined with BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic torque converter gearbox, which also paves way for manual gear shift.

The latest generation X1 has features like auto start-stop, brake-energy regeneration and ECO PRO mode, among others.

The refreshed X1 comes with interior cosmetic changes, which include dual-tone interiors, a glut of silver and chrome accents inside the cabin and an electroplated trim surrounding for the gearshift lever along with centre console cup holders.

The new X1 has new alloy wheels, fresh outside colour options, a new front bumper with a revamped air diffuser, a snazzy grille, new headlights with LED accent lights, ORVMs with integrated indicators, a new rear bumper and a new rear air diffuser.

BMW also made suspension of the refreshed X1 softer for Indian road conditions and the steering wheel has been made lighter for city driving.

BMW sold 9,400 cars in the previous year, and with the introduction of more and more economy cars into the luxury segment, it is likely to retain its top slot in the luxury cars market in the country at least in the medium term.

The luxury car maker will stop making the X1 petrol, considering the fad for diesel cars in the country, which is a judicious move.

The three new X1 models are diesel and can accelerate at a mind blowing rate, that is, it can reach from 0 to 100 km an hour in less than eight seconds.

In an effort to give its portfolio a boost, BMW is also lining up the 1 Series cars (for India), which will be assembled from the company’s plant in Chennai.

The new X1 comes with better ground clearance and the interiors and exteriors along with other features have undergone substantial changes with a very attractive price.

The luxury SUV market in India is set for a growth of at least 35 per cent to 50 per cent, and with the launch of an ‘affordable’ SUV in this category, BMW will not only create a new segment but will also see its X1 drive sales substantially.