Roaring in the deep

The new X1 comes packed with enough tech and amenities to make older BMW cars feel dated

- HORMAZD SORABJEE

The XI is the baby of BMW's SUV range. Except, it's no longer a baby. The latest, third-generation XI is almost the size of the first-generation X5. It reflects the inevitable trend of cars getting bigger with every successive generation to meet the demands of customers who want more space, more comfort and more tech. Does the X1 deliver on these fronts?

Let's start with the size. At 4.5 metres long, 1.6 metres high, and sitting on chromed 18-inch wheels, the X1 has plenty of road presence. And with that signature kidney grille, there's no confusing it for anything other than a BMW. The LED cluster has twin headlight-like lighting elements and makes a statement of BMW's lighting tech. The X1 gets adaptive LEDs with automatic range control, which makes driving at night less stressful.

The sculpted rear tail lights that stick out are distinctive too. You can't miss the spoiler on top that extends far out.