BMW X1

The 2025 BMW X1 in India is available with two engine options:

• 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol (sDrive18i): This three-cylinder petrol engine produces around 134 bhp of power and 230 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
• 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (sDrive18d): This four-cylinder diesel engine produces around 148 bhp of power and 360 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Both engines offer smooth performance suitable for city driving and comfortable highway cruising. The petrol engine is refined, while the diesel provides stronger torque for easier acceleration and overtaking. The automatic transmissions are smooth and responsive. While globally more powerful engines and xDrive AWD are available, the Indian market focuses on these front-wheel-drive variants for the standard X1. The electric iX1 LWB is also available in India with a more powerful electric powertrain and AWD.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 BMW X1 offers a balanced ride and handling setup, leaning towards a slightly sportier feel compared to some rivals while maintaining good comfort levels. The suspension is tuned to provide agile handling and confident cornering, characteristic of BMW vehicles.

The ride quality is generally comfortable, absorbing most road imperfections effectively, although larger bumps might be felt in the cabin. The steering is precise and offers good feedback, making the X1 engaging to drive on winding roads and easy to maneuver in urban areas. The compact size and relatively tight turning radius contribute to its agility. Overall, the X1 provides a good blend of driving dynamics and ride comfort, making it enjoyable for both daily commutes and occasional spirited drives.

The interior of the 2025 BMW X1 is modern and technologically focused, featuring BMW's latest cabin design philosophy. The dashboard is dominated by the BMW Curved Display, a single-piece glass surface housing both the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.7-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. The design is clean and minimalist, with a floating center console and a toggle-switch gear selector.

The cabin offers seating for five occupants, with comfortable and supportive seats. Rear seat space is decent for a compact SUV, offering adequate legroom and headroom for adults. Material quality is generally good, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and premium upholstery options like perforated Veganza or leather. Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and heated front seats are standard or available. Boot space is practical at 476 litres, and the rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split for increased cargo capacity.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 BMW X1 is powered by the latest BMW Operating System 9, controlled primarily through the 10.7-inch central touchscreen and voice commands via the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The BMW Curved Display provides a visually impressive and user-friendly interface. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration.

Integrated navigation is included, and the system offers access to various online services and features through BMW ConnectedDrive. Optional features may include a head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 360-degree camera system. The system is generally responsive and intuitive, although the sheer depth of features might require some learning.

The exterior design of the 2025 BMW X1 is characterized by a bold and modern aesthetic, aligning with BMW's contemporary design language. The front features a prominent, nearly square BMW kidney grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights with signature BMW daytime running light elements. The bumper design is sporty, with large air intakes (depending on the variant).

From the side, the X1 has a dynamic profile with a rising shoulder line and a relatively upright stance for an SUV. The wheel arches are pronounced, housing stylish alloy wheels (typically 18 inches or larger). The rear features L-shaped LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate. The overall design is more assertive and visually striking than the previous generation, giving the X1 a strong road presence. Dimensions are approximately 4500 mm in length, 1845 mm in width, and 1630 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2692 mm.

Safety is a strong point for the BMW X1. The current generation has received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP and a high rating from ANCAP, indicating excellent performance in crash tests.

The 2025 BMW X1 comes equipped with a range of safety features. Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags (expected to be 6 or more), ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are available, potentially including features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional ADAS features like adaptive cruise control with lane centering and a self-parking feature may also be offered on higher variants or as part of packages. The robust chassis and comprehensive safety systems contribute to a high level of occupant protection.

The 2025 BMW X1 competes in the highly competitive entry-level luxury SUV segment in India. Its primary rivals include:

• Mercedes-Benz GLA: Known for its stylish design and comfortable interior.
• Audi Q3: Offers a premium interior and comfortable ride.
• Volvo XC40: Stands out with its Scandinavian design, focus on safety, and available electric powertrain.
• Other potential rivals: Depending on pricing and positioning, it might also compete with models like the Mini Countryman and potentially some higher variants of mainstream SUVs.

The BMW X1 differentiates itself with its focus on sporty handling, modern interior technology, and the appeal of the BMW brand. It offers a good balance of performance, luxury, and practicality in the segment.

The 2025 BMW X1 remains a compelling option in the Indian luxury compact SUV market. It successfully combines a bold exterior design, a high-tech and premium interior featuring the BMW Curved Display, and efficient petrol and diesel engine options. Its strengths lie in its engaging driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and comprehensive feature list.

For buyers in India seeking a luxury SUV that is practical for city use yet capable and enjoyable on the highway, the X1 offers a strong package. While the lack of standard AWD on the standard petrol/diesel variants in India might be a consideration for some, the available powertrains are well-suited for most driving conditions. The X1 competes effectively against its rivals by offering a distinct blend of sportiness, technology, and premium appeal. Its competitive pricing and the prestige of the BMW badge make it a popular choice in the segment.