BMW set to introduce face-lifted X1 later this year (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: June 2012

HOW MUCH: Rs 22 – 30 lakh

ENGINE: 2.0-litre petrol (150 PS), 2.0-litre diesel (177 PS)

COMPETITION: Audi Q3, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Koleos, Honda CR-V

BMW is all set to introduce a face-lifted version of its popular X1 premium SUV in India in the middle of 2012. The new X1 was revealed to show-goers at the recently concluded New York Motor Show.

Changes to the new X1 are purely cosmetic, and there have been no revisions to the drivetrain  or chassis. BMW have given the new X1 a new front bumper which features more body-coloured elements, and a more pronounced eyelets for the fog lamps. The masses of black plastic have been ditched to create a more up-market look. The front grille has been revised as well, with more slats featuring a brushed metal look. The shape of the headlights remains unchanged, although BMW have taken pains to revise the interior elements, and have included the corona rings, which are optional with the xenon lights package.

At the rear, the changes are fewer, but once again BMW has reduced the black plastic cladding, and widened the metal-finish skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper.

The interiors too have received some attention, with BMW altering the layout of the centre console slightly, and introducing high-gloss finish for elements such as the air vents.

A more powerful turbocharged version of the petrol engine, with 245 PS on tap was also displayed in New York. The BMW X1 will be sold with this engine and four-wheel drive, dubbed X-Drive by BMW, in the United States. Whether BMW chooses to introduce the same engine in India remains to be seen, but with the imminent launch of Audi’s new Q3, it is likely that BMW will be keen to revise its product offering. For now, BMW India offers the X1 with rear-wheel drive only, but since Audi is likely to offer quattro all-wheel drive on the Q3, BMW could be forced to up the ante as well.