Earlier this year, BMW launched the 2023 BMW X1 in India and the third-generation of the premium SUV was offered with the choice of one petrol and one diesel variant. In addition to the earlier variants however, BMW is now offering the petrol-engined X1 in the M Sport trim as well, in the form of the BMW X1 sDrive 18i. There are no mechanical changes as compared to the standard xLine variant, but the M Sport gets more kit as standard.
The 2023 BMW X1 is the third generation of the SUV and it has grown larger in its dimensions as compared to its predecessor. The 2023 X1 also gets a larger double-kidney grille as compared to the older model. When it comes to the M Sport trim however, the X1 can be had with two new metallic paint schemes – Storm Bay and M Portimao Blue, in addition to the Alpine White non-metallic paint, space silver and Black Sapphire colours. In addition to the sportier bumpers, the M Sport continues to get adaptive LED headlamps and 3D tail lights. Another addition is the presence of the 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels.
On the inside, the X1 gets aluminium inserts with the ‘M’ inscription on the door sills and the interior can be had with the choice of two upholstery options – Sensatec Perforated Mocha and Sensatec Perforated Oyster. The overall layout remains unchanged from the standard X1 and the BMW continues to be loaded with features such as the curved infotainment touchscreen as the regular X1 while also being equipped with creature comforts like a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. The M leather steering wheel and stainless steel pedal covers add to the sportiness of the M Sport variant. The X1 also gets Active seats for both the driver and front passenger with multiple massage functions on the M Sport variant. Even the rear seat passengers have the freedom of increasing the legroom by mechanically adjusting the seats forward or backward by up to 130 mm.
The BMW X1 can be had with the choice of either a petrol or a diesel engine, and here too you will be able to choose between a petrol or diesel. The petrol is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine that produces 134bhp of power and 230Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100kmph time of 9.2 seconds. The diesel engine produces a relatively higher 146bhp and 360Nm of torque. And it goes from 0-100kmph in 8.9 seconds. These engines can solely be had with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
The BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport will be locally-assembled at the BMW Group plant in Chennai and prices for the M Sport trim of the X1 start from Rs 48.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The BMW X1 continues to rival the likes of SUVs such as the the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q3.