Introduction

The BMW X1 was a good idea. The main purpose of this entry-level luxury SUV was to draw in brand conscious buyers away from well-equipped full sized sedans. And in its initial run, the X1 did manage it to a great degree. But, then Mercedes and Audi joined the party and the X1’s estate like looks and the lack of all wheel drive pushed it to the back of the grid; many prospects just didn’t see enough value in it.

Now though, in its second generation, BMW has not only made the new X1 more SUV like in its stance and styling, but it is also offering the SUV with the option of all wheel drive. And to see if this new approach can actually give the X1 wings, we have brought along one of the more popular entry-level luxury SUVs in the class, the Audi Q3. The versions we have here are mid level trims with all wheel drive, xLine for the X1 and Premium for the Q3. But, with a price tag of nearly Rs 50 lakh on the road in Mumbai, these aren’t exactly entry-level anymore; at least not in terms of pricing.

Time now to find out if the new X1 really is worth the while…

Luxury wars

Luxury first. Now, luxury is broadly defined as a state of great comfort and elegance. And to be honest, when it comes to exterior looks, both the X1 and the Q3 have done well to resemble their bigger and pricier siblings, putting both reasonably high on the elegance scale. Between the two though, the new X1 looks younger and more current. It still doesn’t have the Q3’s SUV stance – the wide face, the high clearance and the visibly short overhangs, but it has visual length, crisper lines, and a set of gorgeous wheels to draw glances.

The theme continues inside. The Q3 has a higher set dash and more towering seating typical of an SUV. It also has chunky A-pillars giving the impression that one is seated in something solid. The new X1 might have higher seating than the car it replaces but it still feels like a tall car than an SUV; the low positioning of the dash only adds to this. But, this also means the visibility on the X1 is much better than on the Q3 making it easier to drive, especially in congested city traffic.

We also prefer the interiors of the new X1 to the Q3’s. The Audi’s insides now look dated. There’s nothing wrong with the quality or the fit and finish or even the ergonomics, mind; both cars score equally well here. But, the visual appeal is just higher on the BMW. There’s hardly any difference between the features list of the two cars either.

Both get LED lamps, two-zone climate control, powered front seats with memory, driving modes, sunroof, and an elaborate multi media system. There’s all wheel drive too and in terms of safety both get ABS and ESP, six airbags, and hill descent (for those serious about basic off-roading). And while the BMW misses out on a reversing camera offered on the Audi, the X1 has reclining rear seats compared to fixed ones on the Q3.

Now the space. Dimensionally, the new X1 is longer, it sits on a lengthier wheelbase and it is taller compared to the Q3. But, in terms of space, both SUVs offer almost identical legroom. The new X1 does utilise its height well, nonetheless, offering more headroom all round. The Q3 on the other hand is wider. And it too uses its dimensions well for it offers more shoulder room front and back. What’s more, the Q3 has bigger, more accommodating seats and it is the more comfortable of the two SUVs to spend time in.

Mechanical appeal

Helping the Audi Q3’s comfort cause is its ride quality. The Q3 has a suppler, quieter and a less jiggly ride compared to the X1’s sometimes crashy and noisy ride quality. The stiffer setup on the BMW does lend it good high-speed manners. It feels more planted in a straight line with less waywardness or wallowing. It works well even when loaded.

Even around a set of corners, the X1 with its pointier front end, livelier steering and nimbler footwork is more fun than the Q3. It does roll a bit, but the new X1 is quick to settle down into a corner which also makes quick direction changes fun instead of a chore. The Q3 isn’t cumbersome in that sense, but it just isn’t as alert as the X1.

The new BMW X1 also has a more eager engine. The new 1995cc, four-cylinder diesel – helped by a twin scroll turbo – develops 188bhp of max power and a peak torque of 400Nm available from 1750rpm. Add a smart and quick shifting 8-speed automatic to the mix, and the X1’s on road feel is that of a linear but peppy car.

And our test figures support this. The X1 gets to 100kmph in 7.83 seconds and to 120kmph in just a little over 11 seconds. So, it is quick. And, it’s not short on driveability either. In the 20-80kmph and 40-100kmph kickdown tests, the new X1 posted times of just 4.97s and 6.31s. Top speed for the X1 is a limited 219kmph.

Coincidentally, the Audi Q3 has exactly the same top speed; and it too is limited. But, the Q3 uses a 1968cc, four-cylinder diesel fed by a conventional variable geometry turbocharger. It’s an older engine compared to the X1 and it makes less power and torque with its outputs rated at 174bhp and 380Nm. It comes mated to a 7-speed auto but instead of the torque convertor on the BMW, the Audi unit is a DSG.

On the road, the Audi Q3 is half a second off the BMW’s time to 100kmph; it takes 8.33s to hit the mark. 120kmph meanwhile comes up in 12 seconds, again a second off BMW’s time. The Q3 was also slower in both 20-80kmph and 40-100kmph kickdown tests taking 5.28s and 6.59s, respectively.

The new BMW X1 isn’t just quicker; it is more fuel-efficient too, courtesy in part to the Eco Pro system. The X1 returned 12.5kmpl on our city route with the figure climbing to 16.1kmpl on the highway. The Q3 at the same time returned 11.7kmpl in the city and 15.4kmpl on the highway.

Verdict

Audi Q3 35TDI Premium: Rank 2

Final Score: 390/600

Price: Rs 47.13 lakh, OTR Mumbai

The Q3 might be older than the X1 but it is still relevant. The Audi is nearly 10 points adrift of the BMW, which is down to poorer performance and fuel economy, lesser driver involvement and a higher price tag. And though it has quality interiors, these have started to look dated now. The Q3 then, especially in the new X1’s company, just doesn’t seem as desirable anymore even though it is more comfortable and SUV-like of the two.

BMW X1 xDrive20d xLine: Rank 1

Final Score: 399/600

Price: Rs 46.58 lakh, OTR Mumbai

The new BMW X1 is our winner. It looks better than the car it replaces, it finally gets all wheel drive, and it is more spacious as well. As you can tell BMW has ironed out most of the negatives that held the older X1 down. The new X1 is now comparable to the Q3 on space and ability. Additionally, it is easier to drive and live with, is more fun to drive, and is cheaper and more fuel-efficient. So yes, the new BMW X1 is worth the while.

Photos by Kapil Angane

Click here to read our road test of the new BMW X1

Click here to read our first drive report of the Audi Q3

Specification

Test Data

Score sheet