Beemerrr X1

I begin my blog with a new beginning that a premium car maker BMW has made with the X1. The new beginning is in the sub Rs. 30 lakh category. A BMW costing Rs. 22 lakh... unbelievable!!! But it has happened and the compact SUV is amongst us. Although the Rs. 22 lakh price is for the base Corporate variant which is the lower trim level, it is great value for money!!! Yes, it does seem odd to call a Beemer value for money !!!! 

The X1 is powered by two units, a 1.8 L petrol that churns out 150 BHP and a more powerful diesel which generates 177 BHP at a phenomenal 350 NM of torque. As far as the design is concerned, it is a baby X5. I personally like the rear of the SUV which is very sporty with it's beautiful tail lamps which give a perception of Batman.... although retaining it's macho image. Dimensions are perfect for city driving and enough for ocassional outings. The car is a rear wheel drive and a 4WD is on the cards and will soon be available.

The car is set to stir up the competition which is hot with the likes of Honda CR-V, Chevy Captiva, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endevour and Hyundai Santa Fe. These car companies are going to find it really challenging to save their market share from the X1 as the X1 is a steal at it's price. In a country like India where Brand, Price and Fuel efficiency are the primary lookouts of buyers from all categories the X1 fits perfectly. No wonder with a sales target of 500 units BMW has achieved 300 odd bookings in Mumbai and 200 odd bookings in Delhi-NCR belt itself. Let alone the rest of Indian which is bustling with purchasing power.... BMW is going to find it hard to meet orders. The time of launch has been perfect with New year round the corner it is a great new year gift for yourself and the family( provided one can wait for 6 long months for delivery)!!!... but it is worth the wait. 

Just like the Tata Nano even for the X1 it's price is it's USP along with being a BMW. The company has priced it so correctly that it is not perceived as a "Cheap" BMW nor is it priced too much above the competition.Owning a car from the competition like Honda, Toyota or Chevrolet is great but a BMW is a BMW and nothing beats it. If all goes well the X1 will be a familier site on the Indian roads and we might just witness the competition heating up if other premium car makers like Mercedes and Audi enter the market. Till then its BMW all the way !!!!