BMW India launched the all-new BMW X1 sports activity vehicle (SAV) in petrol and diesel at introductory ex-showroom prices of INR 45.9 lakh and INR 47.9 lakh respectively.
Compared to its predecessor, the new model is 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller while the wheelbase has increased by 22mm. It was launched at the third edition of its customer engagement programme – Joytown in Bengaluru.
The new X1 is offered in alpine white non-metallic paint and space silver, phytonic blue, black sapphire and M portimao blue (M Sport exclusive) metallic paintworks. The choice of upholstery includes Sensatec Perforated Mocha and Sensatec Perforated Oyster.
Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, told Mobility Outlook that the company is looking at a high double-digit growth rate in CY23, even though this will not be at par with the 37% growth seen in CY22.
Leading the pack last calendar was the SAV range comprising the BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X5 and BMW X7 which grew by over 60%.
Pawah is confident that the new X1 will do the magic for the company in the next few years as it has clocked 20,000 plus units since its launch in 2009. Moreover, adopting innovative financial products, online sales, and customer engagement programmes like Joytown have helped the company grow last calendar.
The company is also banking on product refreshments. “Almost 70% of our product lines get refreshed in 2023,” he added.
Pawah said that the company’s strategy of offering models and variants at every price point, as well as petrol, diesel and electric vehicles has been paying off well. In the future, this will help it grow sales even further with new initiatives and new models, he added.
On the new X1, which is bigger than the earlier version but delivers only 134 hp (petrol) and 148 hp (diesel), he said it is not underpowered as it sprints from zero to 100 kmph in 8.9 (diesel) seconds and 9.2 (petrol) seconds, giving a fuel economy of 16.3 to 20.37 kmpl, respectively.
This is the kind of expectation frm its customer group. As he put it, it is a typical BMW suitable for Indian conditions. This is the car that brings the Indian customers into the fold of BMW, he said, adding that one-third of the customer base for this model is between the age group of 21 and 40 years.
Besides, 57% of people who buy X1 are those getting into the premium segment for the first time. Therefore, this model clearly addresses their needs and Pawah is clearly confident of the prospects for the new X1. The economy is also in good shape compared to the disruptions elsewhere in the world which is good news for the company.
ThirdGen SAV
BMW X1 sDrive 18d M Sport is powered by a 1,995 cc four-cylinder diesel engine, while the BMW X1 sDrive 18i xLine is powered by a 1,499 cc three-cylinder petrol engine.
The seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission in both variants performs smooth gearshifts. Paddle shifters in the M Sport variant enable extremely rapid manual gear changes, and with sport boost mode, all the powertrain and chassis settings are primed to maximise sporting responses.
At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency.
The third generation SAV has a host of new features, including new highlights are - adaptive LED headlights with high beam assistant, live cockpit plus with curved display and My BMW App with remote functions. Besides, it has digital key plus with comfort access, parking and reversing assistant, active seats, instrument panel luxury and Harmon Kardon audio system.
In addition to a host of safety features, assistance to the driver comes in the form of effective support in parking manoeuvres, increasing comfort and safety.
Standard equipment includes functions like active park distance control with sensors at front and rear, rear view camera including panorama rear view, parking assistant, reversing assistant and attentiveness assistant. Reversing assistant remembers the last 50 meters covered and automatically reverses the car along exactly the same route. Attentiveness assistant monitors potential hazards, supporting drivers to react in time.
Service inclusive and service inclusive plus are options offered for customers. These service packages cover condition based service and maintenance work. They begin from three years / 40,000 kilometres and can be extended up to ten years / 2,00,000 kilometres, starting at INR 1.31 per kilometre for the X1. In addition, the optional BMW repair inclusive extends warranty benefits from the third year of operation to the maximum fifth year after the standard two-year warranty period is completed.
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