BMW X1 launched: RM300K for xDrive20d, petrol in June

BMW Malaysia has just pulled the wraps off its smallest X model, the X1 this morning. Billed as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) by its maker, the X1 will be sold here with two engine options: one diesel, one petrol. Only the xDrive20d diesel model is available for now; the sDrive18i petrol will reach our shores in June.


The X1 is a compact SUV that slots below the X3, which will still be on sale. With length and width of 4,454 mm and 1,798 mm respectively, the X1 actually has a smaller footprint than a Honda CR-V. It doesn’t look that compact in the metal though, and Munich’s baby SUV has a pretty long wheelbase of 2,760 mm. That figure is similar to the 3-Series, which it shares a platform with.

The xDrive20d model uses the same drivetrain as the 320d that was launched here last year, which means you’ll get a 2.0-litre commonrail turbodiesel with 177 bhp and 350 Nm of torque delivered from 1,750 rpm to 3,000 rpm, paired to a six-speed automatic. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.6 seconds and maximum velocity is 205 km/h. Combined fuel consumption of 15.4 km/l and CO2 output of 170 g/km leads BMW Malaysia to say that this X1 is the most eco-conscious in the segment. There’s more weight to carry than the 320d (which manages 16.7 km/l) but it will still save you a lot of fuel money compared to petrol powered rivals.

The not yet available sDrive18i pales in comparison. Its 2.0-litre N46 engine pushes out 150 bhp and 200 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and a 200 km/h top speed. Claimed fuel consumption is 11.9 km/l. This petrol version is rear-wheel drive only, as opposed to the diesel’s four driven wheels (notice the S and the X in the name). Unlike some other 4WD systems, xDrive can channel up to 100% of drive to either axle. It works together with DSC (which lumps in ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control) which can cut torque and brake individual wheels.

The X1 xDrive20d is priced at RM299,800 while the sDrive18i will cost RM263,800. Prices for both CBU cars are on the road inclusive of three-year BMW Service + Repair Inclusive package