BMW’s Philippine distributor SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. launched the new generation of its entry level sports activity vehicle (SAV), the X1, in its RSA Motors Greenhills dealership last March 17.

The German car maker has been busy with new car launches this year, with the iX3 and the new 3-Series launched early in the year.

This generation of BMW’s X1 also comes with its electric variant, the iX1. BMW’s Philippine distributor shipped in just one variant, the sDrive18d xLine, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four making for 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque, mated to a seven speed Steptronic transmission.

Completely revamped from the inside out, the new X1 now sports a new design, sporting a new, more squarish grille, and a more angular overall design, with grey accents on the front, sides and rear bumper replacing the black plastic trim.

Accentuating the boxy design language are the squarish LED headlamps and the L-shaped 3D taillights. It rolls on 18-inch five-spoke star-style wheels. The new interior now sports black perforated Sensatec synthetic leather with memory functions and power adjustments, and in between the front seats includes an airbag for added safety. BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus is also included as standard, with 10.25-inch digital information display in front of the driver and a 10.7-inch control display with OS8 operating system at the center, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

A vertical wireless charging pad with ambient lighting is added on the center console below the center control screen. A new iDrive system, no longer utilizing a controller, now leans more on voice controls with its Intelligent Voice Assistant. Fold down the rear seats and the 540 liters of cargo expands to 1,600 liters of space.

Other features include BMW’s Driving Assistant package (with automatic emergency brake and front collision warning), passive cruise control, parking assistant with reverse assist, rain sensing wipers, ambient lighting as well as dualzone climate control.

The BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine retails for a cool P3.89 million and comes with a five-year factory warranty. It is now available in all BMW dealers nationwide.