Saturday, July 25, 2020

BMW Malaysia Launches the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive18i Sports Activity Vehicle [Video of Launch Unveililng Also Inside]


In addition to launching the all-new third generation BMW 1 Series in its most potent form, the M135i xDrive yesterday, BMW Malaysia also unveiled the New BMW X1 sDrive18i. This is a new addition to its stable of locally-assembled vehicles which come out from their assembly line in Kulim, Kedah. This is essentially the smallest and most affordable Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) here in terms of both price and where it sits in the X1 lineup for the Malaysian market. 



At the media unveiling, Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are pleased to present the new locally-assembled SAV in the BMW X portfolio – the New BMW X1 sDrive18i. The new variant joins the BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport we introduced in January this year, which is one of the key drivers of the relief work we have been doing for the underprivileged during the pandemic.”


Yes, BMW Malaysia does utilise the X1 here to help out in their local CSR efforts. The X1 SAV has been put to good use by the company and now, another variant has been made available for their customers to try out also. What this variant does is bring more models for those who want something more affordable in terms of outlay and it does look like BMW Malaysia is offering more choice for their customers at the lower end of the spectrum. A good move as the RM208,368.48 moves it closer down the price range and can actually compete with some Japanese brands that price their SUVs in the RM180k to RM200k price range. But add the fact that its a BMW, the brand does say that it still brings in a level of performance and sportiness to the drive which is what BMW is known for.

The New BMW X1 sDrive18i which you see here is specifided as a classic variant according to BMW Malaysia. It features the compact, efficient yet powerful enough in-line 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine which makes 140hp. When paired to a 7-Speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch set up, BMW claims that it would give more than adequate performance for most people. Well, a 0-100kmh sprint in 9.6 seconds in actually more than good enough and it actually sprints as fast as some 2.0liter normally aspirated SUVs out there on the market.


For a compact SUV (which is SAV in BMW talk), it has the most spacious interior in its class, with good headroom and even legroom at the rear. It has an expandable boot space of up to 1,550 litres when you fold down the rear seats. 

In terms of its exterior styling, it is like the X1 sDrive20i M Sport launched previously which is still on sale for those that want that sportier styling . It does of course look a little less sporty due to it not having that M Sport bits and the larger alloy wheels, but it does not look like you are being shortchanged at all. What you actually really need is still here.

Again it has to be said that the price is attractive for those that are looking to join the BMW SAV bandwagon. The small 3 cylinder engine has been around for a few years already and having tried wringing one out during one of BMW's sales carnivals, it is good enough and I actually like the characterful thrumming sound of that engine. It actually brings in that aural level of excitement and even in something 'entry-level' as this.


The New 2020 BMW X1 sDrive18i Sports Activity Vehicle Official Product Summary

A grand performance on any terrain.


The New BMW X1 sDrive18i comes with LED headlights, front LED fog lights, satin-
finish aluminium roof rails and exterior trim, with new 17-inch light alloy wheels in V-
spoke style 560 that gives the new SAV an athletic appearance.

Powering the New BMW X1 sDrive18i is the BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-
cylinder engine, that won the International Engine of the Year Award for five consecutive
years since 2015. With a maximum output of 140hp and a peak torque of 220Nm, the
SAV generates a top speed of 201km/h. The new SAV can achieve the century sprint in
9.6 seconds. The model has a lower fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100km and reduced
carbon emission of 144g/km. The dynamic engine is also complemented by a 7-Speed
Steptronic transmission with double clutch.


Inside, the cockpit of the New BMW X1 sDrive18i features interior trim finishers in black
high-gloss and highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome, along with Leather Dakota
upholstery for a touch of sophistication. The new SAV also comes with a sport leather
steering wheel, electrically-adjustable front seats, two-zone automatic air conditioning
and the BMW grey headliner.

The new SAV is the most spacious interior in its class. The boot capacity of the New
BMW X1 sDrive18i can be easily increased from 505 litres to 1,550 litres, when the rear
seats are folded, for more storage space – making it the most spacious SAV in its class.
The new SAV is complete with automatic tailgate operation with contactless opening
and closing functions via Comfort Access.


The advanced infotainment system highlights the technological capabilities of the New
BMW X1 sDrive18i via the intuitive iDrive system within the 8.8-inch Control Display that
can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and even voice control.
The driving assistance in the new SAV comes in the form of the BMW Personal CoPilot,
which includes the Lane Departure Warning. The system also features the Frontal
Collision Warning with braking intervention, High-beam Assistant, as well as the speed
limit info to ensure maximum safety on the road.

Colour offerings for the New BMW X1 sDrive18i include Alpine White, Mediterranean
Blue, Black Sapphire, and Mineral Grey. They will be complemented with exquisite
interior upholstery in black Leather Dakota.

The New BMW X1 sDrive18i will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships
nationwide from 24 th July 2020. Customers can also book the new SAV on
http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000 and be in the running to bring home a new
BMW i8 Coupé.





Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New
BMW X1 sDrive18i can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM
2,378.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the New BMW X1 sDrive18i will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia
Premium Ownership experience which includes:
 BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
 BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
 The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card
 BMW Service Online

The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest
5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) for the
New BMW X1 sDrive18i is:  RM 208,368.48


1 comment:

Shani Kaiser said...

Honestly the huge grille of BMW X1 reminds me of the nose of Peppa Pig.....I just can't help laughing...hahahahahah