A new variant has joined the ranks within the popular BMW X1 range, the company’s smallest SUV, and with that has reduced the entry point of ownership to $45,900, excluding on-road costs. The new sDrive18i, to give its full and awkwardly arranged name, will sit below the previous diesel-powered entry model.
Following BMW’s nomenclature to denote the use of their 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine by the '18i', the motor here is indeed the same 100kW/220Nm unit found in the base 1 Series and base 3 Series.
To further improve fuel economy, the three-pot is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic that sends power to the front wheels, aiding it it in achieving that claimed 5.4-litres/100km consumption figure, being some 1.2-litres/100km more frugal than the range-topping xDrive25i variant. This entry model with the least powerful motor is, predictably, a little slower - the century sprint takes 9.6 seconds.
That said, the level of standard equipment on offer here is relatively generous. Highlights include a rear view camera, cruise control, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights with cornering lights, automatic powered tailgate, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest iDrive6 and real-time traffic information, and even some advanced active safety features such as forward collision warning, speed limit assist, and lane departure warning.
Of course, it wouldn’t quite be a BMW if there wasn’t some optional extras to tempt you. The $1,500 Convenience Package, for example, adds automatic air conditioning, ambient interior lighting, and adjustable rear seats.
Meanwhile, for $2,600, the Innovations Package introduces an upgraded infotainment and navigation system, head-up display, and BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus suite that notably adds Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection.
Lastly, for an additional $2,700, you can also have the Comfort Package that adds heated electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, as well lumbar support for same.
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