While a tough competitor in the form of Audi Q3 arrives in the market, is eating away BMW X1’s sales and BMW working on a facelift version, there is a reason for BMW to stop competing for a while and celebrate.
As we all know BMW was the only brand to offer a premium SUV in that price band until Audi stepped in with the Q3. And definitely the X1 has its own demand among customers which is why within 3 years of its launch, launched in 2009, BMW has sold 300,000 units of the same. In 2009, OFF ROAD magazine readers voted BMW X1 as Off Roader of the year. The car was honored once again in 2010 when Quattroruote declared it as the New Car Of the Year 2010.
image – BMW X1 2013 New Model SUV
Similarly other awards that BMW bagged over these years include Design Trophy, Auto Trophy, Design Award and red dot award. In fact the credit for making BMW reach the top manufacturer spot after replacing Mercedes-Benz in India is to be given to X1. The lead is maintained till date as Audi is still lagging behind with its Q3 but is expected to beat BMW if the latter does not come up with something more interesting for the buyers.
image – BMW X1 2013 New Model SUV
But will the Q3 be able to lure X1 fans? The company expects not as the car is still enough because of its agile handling, exemplary efficiency and extraordinary versatility. Other highlights include BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology and the optional eight speed automatic transmission. Exclusive features are plenty of which the most interesting is BMW ConnectedDrive.
image –BMW X1 2013 New Model SUV Interiors
Recently the facelift model was spied in Pune in front of the ARAI headquarter and we were a little disappointed with the changes that were made to the car. We expected something more unique just because of the fact that Q3 is new and therefore the looks of the X1 should be as compelling as Q3’s. The facelift model of the X1 will get launched by November 2012 so let us hope that all goes well and buyers do like the changes that X1 is coming with.
