The BMW X1’s gone through a growth spurt, and it’s now right in the sweet spot of what you’d expect from a German SUV. No doubt, it’s been the budget-friendly SUV champ for BMW, but it didn’t quite scream “ultimate driving machine” until now. Since the luxury brand switched things up and moved to Mini’s front-wheel-drive setup from its old-school rear-wheel-drive roots, the X1’s gained some extra breathing room. Even in its third-generation, it’s still rocking that FWD mojo, and today, we’re spilling the beans on why this new version is the X1 to rule them all.

Let’s kick off this BMW X1 joyride by talking road presence. In the size department, the new X1 stretches its legs a bit compared to the old one, thanks to its 2,692mm long wheelbase – that’s a cool 22mm longer. And boy, does it make an entrance with BMW’s fancy, ginormous kidney grille. The great news? It fits like a glove, blending seamlessly with the X1’s sleek design. Those twin LED headlights and the bold front bumper, decked out with an all-black air dam courtesy of the M Sport kit, give the X1 an undeniable tough-guy look. It’s like the SUV version of a Hollywood action star.

Now, peek at the side profile, and you might catch a whiff of the X3, which is a very, very good thing. New 18-inch alloy wheels add to the X1’s swagger. But that’s not all, folks! BMW’s spiffed up the rear too – there’s a slick, sloping roof spoiler, sculpted 3D LED tail lights, and a blacked-out bumper that amps up the sportiness. It’s like the X1 hit the gym and got itself a fresh wardrobe.

Let’s slide into those well-heeled interiors now. When you step inside, it’s like you’ve just entered a realm of opulence and futuristic tech. Dual HD curved screens, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and a 10.7-inch touchscreen greet you like old pals. But the showstopper? That vertical wireless phone charger – it’s like something out of a sci-fi movie. Now, if you go for the M Sport package, you’re in for a treat with leather-wrapped steering and front seats that can give you a massage. Perfect for those days when work’s been a total pain. And guess what? Audiophiles, BMW’s got your back with a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon boom box. It’s like having a concert on wheels!

But there’s a catch – BMW’s ditched the physical buttons on the center console, leaving you at the mercy of the touchscreen for climate control, fan speed, and drive mode changes. Sure, the metal brushed floating armrest looks straight out of a sci-fi flick, but some of us miss that trusty iDrive rotary dial. On the bright side, the M Sport steering wheel is a work of art, solidly built, and yes, it comes with good ol’ physical buttons instead of those pesky touch-sensitive ones.

Now, here’s the game-changer – space. Gone are the days of cramped back seats. The new X1 gives your rear passengers room to stretch their legs, all thanks to that extended wheelbase. Plus, there’s a low transmission tunnel, so even an adult can squeeze into the middle seat without feeling like a contortionist. The seats? Well, they’re top-notch – comfy and supportive. Although, we have a tiny gripe – the seat squab could use a bit more cushion. And for those moments when you need extra room, the rear seats can slide back a cool 130mm.

Don’t worry about packing light either. The X1’s got a roomy 476 liters of luggage space, and you can even pop that electric tailgate open with a nifty kick sensor under the rear bumper. No hands needed!

Now, let’s talk about the driving experience. We took the diesel version for a spin, packing a 1,995cc engine that dishes out 148bhp and a hefty 360Nm of torque. BMW’s gone for a smooth and refined vibe this time, though it stings a bit that the old-gen X1 packed 187 horses. But don’t fret, it’s still got that low-speed pep, and things really kick into gear in the mid-range. The power delivery is steady, and any hint of turbo lag is cleverly hidden. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission? Quick on the draw, both upshifting and downshifting, giving you that extra push when needed.

The steering? Well, it gets weightier as you pick up speed, and it’s nimble and accurate. Now, when it comes to handling, BMW’s kept things tight and sporty, just like you’d expect. Even on less-than-perfect roads at lower speeds, it stays steady. But here’s the magic trick – crank up the speed, and it turns into a smooth cruiser, keeping rear passengers comfy as can be. It’s like getting the best of both worlds.

Final thoughts? Priced at Rs 51.60 lakh, ex-showroom, the X1 M Sport diesel is the whole package. It screams premium, flaunts a roomy cabin, and comes packed with goodies like ADAS, wireless tech, reverse assistant, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The new X1’s got the road presence SUV owners crave, and it leaves its predecessors in the dust. The power delivery might not be heart-pounding, but it’s still one heck of a ride.