Re: Next Gen BMW X1 Launched @ Auto Expo 2016 Did a test drive of the X1 today:
1. It is only a bit taller (around 3.5 cm) than the previous generation, not a whole lot taller. However it is also wider and overall conveys the sense of beign a larger car than the previous generation X1 and the Audi Q3.
2. The build quality is immaculate, the doors are solid, although a bit lighter than I would have imagined.
3. The interior quality is only just acceptable. Although the fit if very good, the materials do not seem as plush as I would expect.
4. The steering wheel is a joy to hold. Very small for an SUV, but well contoured and has just the right amount of heft.
5. The headroom (both front and rear) is awesome. I test drove the Ford Endeavour, which is two sizes bigger, but found the headroom inadequate.
6. The seating position is a bit low the seat would not go up as much as I liked even in the highest position, however, the visibility is superb, no complaints there. The dash seems low set.
7. There are abundant storage spaces, including a couple of unexpected ones under both the front seats. There is even a mini glove compartment for the driver!
8. The back row space is very good, the seat back can be reclined at a variety of angles it is easy to get comfortable in the back.
9. The boot is very big even after accommodating the space saver spare.
10. The gear shift level looks average and seems only on par with my Ecosport in terms of finish. I would have loved to see the earlier electronic gear lever based on the previous ZF transmission.
11. However, the gear lever is very functional and shift solidly into the drive and into the manual mode. The gear shift paddles in X line and above trims are very well placed.
12. However, the horn is not at all well placed, it is very small in the middle of the wheel and hard to reach and also hard to activate. I think BMW is going to contribute its bit to reduce noise pollution, whether we like it or not as owners!
13. The brakes are very sharp and a couple of times the car came to a stop with a jerk just as I was fiddling with the brake.
14. The engine is smooth and punchy and the car picks up revs very fast. I was at 4000 rpm a couple of times before I knew it.
15. I found the transmission to be fairly smooth shifting in comfort mode and quite quick including downshifts. The sport mode makes a tad more aggressive. The acceleration is very linear but quick. There is no sudden shove in the back.
16. The car is a joy to drive in the city especially overtaking slow moving vehicles and twisting around a bit to do so. It is the perfect size for our crowded streets!
17. Trip computer showed 9 KPL after a lot of aggressive driving and stop/start conditions. I had turned auto start/stop off and was on sport mode most of the time. I am sure one should much better numbers with Ecospro mode and Auto start/stop mode turned on.
I have asked for pictures of the expedition trim to see how much the interiors differ. Most features except sun roof and paddle shifters are present in the Expdition trim, at a price point that is over 6 Lacs lower. The transmission
Was researching a bit about the Aisin 8-speed gearbox on the new X1. This is a fairly new design, started to get into some Lexus cars in 2014 and then into Volvo Cars (including the new XC90) in 2016. Looks like the Cadillac XT5 2017 model is slated to use it as well.
The reviews of the various cars are fairly positive about the box. AXF8F45 box can handle upto 470 NM of torque, so it seems safe to be paired to the X1's 400 NM max engine output. The box seems to be responsive and very fuel efficient. It works very well in high speed conditions however there are some cases of slight hesitation/jerkiness reported in city conditions. |