Xpansion pack

The third generation BMW X1 has grown in size, offers more space, more features and more tech than ever before, but that's all on paper. We drove the diesel variant to find out how all those gains pan out in the real world.

- Dhruv Saxena

BMW is responsible for the creation of the entry-level luxury SUV/ crossover segment with the X1 that debuted in 2009. Of course, BMW’s rivals followed suit with similar offerings including the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, but despite heavy competition, BMW has sold around 1.9 million units of the X1 globally, a testament to the model’s popularity and a number that highlights the importance of the SUV in BMW’s lineup globally. The third generation X1 comes across as a bigger leap over its predecessor than the second generation model was over the first and time spent with the all-new X1 sDrive18d M Sport exhibits just how big that leap has been.

BMW’s design department has come out with some very controversial creations in recent times because of which I’ve approached every new BMW reveal with a sense of trepidation, bracing myself for another potential shocker. That’s perhaps why my initial opinion of the new X1’s styling wasn’t too kind, sort of like a reverse cheerleader effect. Having seen the new one in the flesh, though, my opinion has done a complete 180. It’s a good looking design with just the right amount of aggression, especially at the front. It looks more like an SUV than its predecessor and has grown in size. It’s 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 32mm taller and the wheelbase has increased by 22mm. The nose gets full LED lighting with inverted L-shape DRLs flanking the signature kidney grille whose size has mercifully been kept in check. There are 18-inch alloys offered across all trims albeit in different designs and towards the rear, the X1 sports a two-tone bumper and beautifully detailed LED tail lamps.