BMW Begins Local Manufacturing of the X1

First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the new BMW X1 was launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 29.9 lakh and going up to Rs. 39.9 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The German manufacturer has now announced the new X1 will be locally manufactured at BMW's Chennai facility. The first unit of the X1 was rolled off the assembly line by Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, MD, BMW Plant Chennai. While we were thinking that a reduction in prices would be announced, but BMW made no such announcements. Maybe in due course of time, it might.

The new BMW X1 made its global debut at Frankfurt last year and is taller and wider than its predecessor by 53mm and 21mm respectively although, the length has become 36mm lesser. The wheelbase though, increases by a good 90mm thereby increasing knee room at the rear and an 85-litre increase in the bootspace as well. The new UKL platform also helped the X1 to lose a significant 135kg. The signature kidney grille up front also gets a very mild re-design. Rounding up the changes are the LED headlamps and tail lamps. You can read our review of the BMW X1 here.

BMW is offering the X1 with just one engine option at present, which is the 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 190bhp and 400Nm. BMW might add a petrol engine later in the year. There are a few changes to the interiors as well which include a new iDrive infotainment system, new trims and lesser control buttons. There are some optional bits that can be specified on customer's request. The new BMW X1 goes up against the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.