Leader among premium SUVs in the Brazilian market in the last six years, the BMW X1 has just reached its third generation in the country. Launched globally in 2009, the vehicle has already sold more than 750,000 units worldwide, and production in Brazil will begin in the next few days.
The evaluated units were from an initial batch, which came from Germany, where the new X1 began to be offered in October. National production will be in Araquari, in the interior of Santa Catarina, at the factory that also produces the 3 Series, the company’s best-selling model, and which made the second generation of the SUV for a few years.
| Play and check out the video review of the new X1 |
There are three versions: sDrive18i GP (R$ 296,950), SDrive20i X Line (R$ 328,950) and sDrive20i M Sport (R$ 349,950). According to BMW, most of the demand is concentrated in the intermediate version, followed by the top of the line. The entry option is the one with the least demand, and is the only one with a 1.5 liter turbo engine (156 hp and 23.45 kgm). However, it uses the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission applied as the other two configurations.
The other propellant offered is the 2 liter turbo that delivers 204 hp of power between 5,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 30.6 kgfm is obtained between 1,450 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Powered by gasoline, this engine is very efficient and, according to Inmetro’s measurement, makes the X1 run 10.7 km/l in the city and reach 13 km/l on the road.
I rode both versions with 2-liter propulsion and it serves very well, providing pleasure behind the wheel. In both, there are driving modes, which focus on everything from energy efficiency to sportiness. However, only the top of the line has paddle shifters, which expand the sporty touch.
The details of the utility’s great interior finish
Those traveling in the back can adjust the seat and backrest.
Shift controls are raised, freeing up space
The induction charger leaves the cell phone upright
The 20+ inch screen stands out in the cabin
The details of the utility’s great interior finish
Those traveling in the back can adjust the seat and backrest.
Shift controls are raised, freeing up space
The induction charger leaves the cell phone upright
In this option, the sDrive20i M Sport, there is also a new “boost” function placed on the left butterfly, behind the steering wheel. It serves to give a little more performance to the engine for 10 seconds. In addition, this version has the most head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system.
The X1 SDrive20i X Line has a rich list of equipment, therefore, the public’s preference. It has interesting equipment as standard, such as a panoramic sunroof and electric front seats. In this aspect, the X1 has an interesting attribute for those traveling in the back: the backrest has a reclining option.
On board, it is the feeling of greater space and technology is what most attracts attention. Two factors reinforce this: the repositioning of the gear lever, which was raised, opens up more space at the front. And behind the wheel, the large 20.9-inch screen impacts the driver. A part of it (10.2 inches) is dedicated to the instrument panel, which can be customized, and the rest is dedicated to the multimedia center.
 |
| At 4.50 meters long, the SUV has a capacity of 476 liters in the trunk. |
There is also the Intelligent Personal Assistant, capable of performing numerous functions in the vehicle or explaining the operation of equipment, being activated by voice command with the phrase “Hello, BMW”, or any other phrase programmed by the driver. The model can also connect with Amazon Alexa and smart homes, in addition to being able to receive remote software updates when available.
Driving assistance technologies are present. Through visual and sound alerts, they monitor cross traffic, rear collision risks, involuntary lane changes and frontal collisions.
Mercado
Last year, the X1 had 3,479 units registered in the country, practically double the volume of rivals such as Audi Q3 (1,623) and Volvo XC40 (1,915). This update reinforces the competitiveness of BMW, which still has an after-sales attraction: the brand’s models do not have a predefined service plan. It is the vehicle systems that identify wear and tear and the right time for each overhaul. For the X1, all maintenance services will be covered free of charge for a period of three years or 40,000 km (whichever comes first).
*THE JOURNALIST TRAVELED AT THE INVITATION OF BMW
