BMW Malaysia has just introduced a new variant to the BMW X1 range. Joining the sDrive20i M Sport is the sDrive18i, which will go about its business around the city without the M Sport bits that would have made the SUV look better. Oh, and it also drops one cylinder and about 500cc from the engine.
This engine is a familiar one, used in the previous 1 Series. In the X1, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 140hp and 220Nm. The power plant is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch. The X1 clocks in 9.6 seconds on the century sprint and hits a top speed of 201kph.
The people who buy this shouldn’t be chasing speed but chasing fuel economy instead, and the X1 posts good returns — 6.3 litres per 100km. Greenies should also note that this X1 farts just 144g of CO2 per kilometre.
The new X1 has all the trappings of the facelift, including LED headlights and fog lights. On the roof are satin-finished aluminium rails and exterior trim. New 17-inch alloy wheels in V-spoke style 560 lends an athletic appearance to the SUV. Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey are colours of the X1.
Inside, the X1 sDrive18i highlights trim finishes in high-gloss black and Pearl Chrome, with the furniture wrapped in Leather Dakota upholstery. A sport leather steering wheel, electronically-adjustable front seats, two-zone automatic air conditioning and BMW grey headliner completes the interior finishing.
The X1 is also the most spacious interior in its class, according to BMW Malaysia. From 505 litres, the SUV’s cargo hold can be expanded up to 1,550 litres with the rear seats folded. The X1 also has Comfort Access that allows you to open and close the tailgate without touching it because going contactless is the in thing.
Technology also features prominently in the X1. The ever-present iDrive lets you control the infotainment system via the rotary dial, touch or voice. Driving assistance is present through the BMW Personal CoPilot. This system includes Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, High-beam Assistant and speed limit information.
Considering that the price for this SUV is RM208,368.48, the BMW X1 sDrive18i should move off the showroom floor without much effort. You can view the SUV at all authorised BMW showrooms, but you might want to book it on shop.bmw.com.my instead. Through that website, you can book the X1 sDrive18i for just RM1,000 and stand to win an i8 Coupe. A deal too sweet to let pass?
