A few days ago we reported that BMW’s second-generation baby SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the F48 X1 will be hitting Malaysian shores much sooner than expected. This news stays true to that notion, following the sDrive20i’s Malaysian debut courtesy of BMW Group Malaysia.
The E84 X1 was previously sold in Malaysia in several trims, most notably the xDrive20d and xDrive20i variants – both of which were all-wheel drive. The ’s’ on this sDrive20i denotes two-wheel drive only, and because it rides on BMW’s new UKL platform, drive is sent to the front axle instead of the rear.
| Name | F48 BMW X1 sDrive20i |
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-4, TwinPower Turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic |
| Max Power | 192 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,250 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h |
| Price | RM279,800 |
EXTERIOR
On the whole, this X1’s overall length is shorter, however wheelbase and height have both been increased allowing for better rear legroom and headroom. It measures at 4,439mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,598mm tall (an increase of 53mm), whereas the wheelbase has been stretched by as much as 90mm!
There’s about five exterior colours to come with the X1, however the signature kidney grille slats are now bigger than before and are finished in black throughout. One thing we find hard to come to terms with is the positioning of the fog lamps (worse on the BMW X6), which are placed above where they’re usually housed. That said, illumination source is powered by Adaptive LED lights with the compulsory LED DRLs taking the form of corona rings.
Some standard features comprise of the all-black roof railing, and the X1 sits on a set of 18-inch twin-five spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 R18 run-flat rubbers. Convenience wise, there’s keyless entry and push-start ignition.
INTERIOR
Inside, our X1 will miss out on the huge 8.8-inch centrally mounted screen, thus making do with a 6.5-inch display. BMW prides themselves with this X1 because it comes with a new-generation BMW ConnectedDrive software that grants you accessibility to features like Intelligent Emergency Call (establishes rescue coordination in the event of an accident or breakdown without the use of mobile phone), Concierge Services (acts like an on-call Waze 24/7), Remote Services (allows smartphone programming for various in-car functions), Intelligent Parking and BMW Navigation Professional.
Thanks to its new transverse engine layout, there’s more perceived interior space and the rear legroom is increased by 37mm. The rear seats have a 40/20/40 split configuration and when all of them are folded down, the luggage capacity is increased from 505 to 1,550 litres to suit all your hauling needs. The seats are all wrapped in Dakota Leather with three different colours to choose – Black, Mocha and Red highlight. Capping off this category is the door sills with embossed BMW lettering.
PERFORMANCE
Pop open the hood and you’ll find a 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine that makes 192 hp at 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque from as low as 1,250 rpm, achieved thanks to BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. As mentioned, the engine is transversely mounted to send drive to the front wheels, and that’s a job managed by our personal favourite eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.
Performance wise, the X1 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 225 km/h. If driven sedately (or in ECO PRO mode), it will return, at best, a claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km and emits 136 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled. Steering wheel is electronically assisted, and there’s also Brake Energy Regeneration.
SAFETY
On the safety side of things, the X1 comes with six airbags as standard with ISOFIX child-seat fasteners at the rear seats. More to this is cruise control with brake function, Park Distance Control built into both the front and rear bumpers, Parking Assistant which helps in parallel-parking manoeuvres, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC with Dynamic Traction Control) and run-flat tyre indicator.
WHAT ELSE?
BMW has confirmed that the F48 X1 is fully imported, unlike the locally assembled E84. The sole sDrive20i will set you back at RM279,800 and comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty package including the Free Scheduled Service Program. The five colours on offer are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Chestnut Bronze and Mediterranean Blue. If you’re not in a hurry to get the X1, the locally-assembled model will also be introduced at a later date, although when was not specified.
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