For Sporty Activity

The new BMW X1 has arrived with unique styling and the same essential character. However, this one brings back the "18" specification. Here is what the entry X1 turbo-diesel is like

- Jim Gorde

AN 18d BMW TODAY MAY BE THE A entry model here, but one look at the new XI and all prejudice evaporates. It looks stunning. There is no badging on the car's rear or lower down front, save for an "X1" on the tailgate and "M" badges on the shoulders at the front and on the door sills. Why do I start with this? Well, I thought the "all-new X1" was a sensible update with a tweaked interior and new BMW Operating System version. Oh, how wrong was I!

The new XI's design is modern and it does pack a fair wallop compared to what the badge meant a few years ago. The new BMW XI intends to raise the level of presence and equipment in the compact luxury SUV segment; spend some time with it and one will immediately realise that it does indeed. The 4-5-metre-long Xı has grown 53 millimetres in length while the wheelbase has been increased by 22 mm. That's good and all, but the entire vehicle has been completely transformed. The grille is slightly larger but not 7 Series large. The LED headlights get a new curved and rather vertical daytime light signature. There are a lot of angular elements front and rear with the smooth side profile somewhat punctuated by the square-ish wheel-arches. This M Sport version rides on 18-inch wheels with 225/50 rubber and has a ground clearance of more than 200 mm. The rear is also properly new with sharp and rather distinct LED tail-light elements. In terms of silhouette, it's a fair bit different, but under the spotlight it's all new indeed.

Even the door-handles are new. My fingers found nothing to hook on to as I glanced to see new lift-up handles. Smooth. The piano-black key with M colour accents is new, too, a and proper keyless access and go is now here in the X1. Not once did I need to fish out the fob from my pocket. There's also the BMW Digital Key that allows access using one's linked smartphone.