After making shuffle in the portfolio of the current 3 Series, the Bavarian Motor Works has silently introduced the petrol variant of its entry-level SUV – X1 sDrive20i xLine. Though the price remained the same as that of its diesel counterpart at Rs 35.75 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), there is a slight variation in the specs. In the meanwhile, the company has dropped the X3 inline 6-cylinder diesel variant, xDrive30D M Sport, from its website which hints towards its extinction from the country. Also the company has made an expansion in its mighty 7 Series by adding two more variants in the lineup.
Coming back to the X1 petrol version, the company has blessed it with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine with a displacement capacity of 1998cc and a capability of generating 193.5PS of power at 5000RPM and a peak torque of 280Nm with 1250-4600RPM.
The engine is synced to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic sport tranny that has gearshift and launch control paddles. It takes 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-100Kmph whereas its diesel sibling takes 7.8 seconds for the same. The BMW driving experience control modes, namely Sport, Comfort and ECOPRO are provided in the new SUV.
To increase X1's visual appeal, 18-inch Y spoke alloy wheels have been added to it along with some interesting features such as split/dynamic brakes for each wheel, performance control dynamic power and servotronic steering assist. Other features remain the same as that of its diesel sibling where the safety features include BMW condition-based service, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), ABS with EBD, attentive assistance and 6 airbags for front and rear passengers.
Talking about the addition in the 7 Series, the company has introduced M760Li xDrive and M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence at the same price point of Rs. 2.27 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). With this price point, these variants become the most expensive BMWs up for sale in India. In fact the price of BMW i8 is Rs. 13 lakh cheaper than these new additions.
Both the 7 Series models are energized by the same Twin-turbo V12 6.6-litre petrol motor mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox churning out a maximum power and torque of 610PS and 800Nm. The vehicles support AWD system and can sprint from 0-100Kmph in only 3.7 seconds.
From the outside, the company has added air inlets larger in size than other monikers, iconic kidney grille of the marque, door sills with V12 marking, M Sport exhaust system and 19-inch M Sport braking system with blue calipers, door handles and air breather in cerium grey color and M double-spoke 760M 20-inch alloy wheels. Though the specs and features of both the petrol variants of 7 Series are same, there is a slight difference in the exhaust systems of both the trims. In terms of luxury, more luxury features are added to the V12 Excellence model whereas the other version is more focused towards the sporty appearance.
Both the 7 Series babies will compete against the likes of Mercedes-Maybach S600 that is currently priced at Rs. 2.65 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).
It seems like the Bavarian carmaker is emphasizing more on introducing the petrol variants in India and as the gap between the diesel and petrol monikers is getting narrower, the buyers have been more inclined towards the petrol option because of its comfort factor.
Stories
Video Tour
