The new BMW X1 is BMW’s latest baby for the family launched in the X range of product portfolio. It is primarily based on 3-series Touring platform and the interiors are similar to the size of X5 model launched in 1999. The new X1 was launched last week in Germany and is based on rear-wheel drive which is quite dissimilar from its competitors as all of them have front wheel drive.

The new BMW X1 is a compact SUV and the nearest rivals are expected to be upcoming Range Rover LRX and Audi Q3 both of which are expected to be launched not before 2011. The X1 is available in a choice of three 2.0-litre diesel engines. The 18d has 141bhp, the 20d 175bhp and the 23d produces 201bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the 18d and 20d, while a six-speed auto is standard on the 23d and optional with the 20d.

The solid build quality of BMW assures lots of reliability and also comes with Performance Control System. The new model is priced between £22,660 to £29,055 which is about Rs. 17.44 lakh and above.