I initially booked an XC40 recharge. But after careful consideration I realised this was an impulsive decision.
BHPian sankarx2 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
My new car is an X1 (F48), Nov 2022 born. I didn’t think I would post this here. But after seeing the responses (read flak) that the 2023 X1 got from Indian car enthusiasts, I changed my mind. I think F48 deserves a tribute, for one last time, via an ownership review and a new thread.
Like I posted before, I have been using a e90 sedan for 12 years and never felt the need to upgrade. But as people kept telling me about expenses that may come up, I thought it would be wise to trade this car for a new one while the E90 still can get some decent value.
I initially booked a xc40 recharge. But after careful consideration I realised this was an impulsive decision. The car drives more exciting than anything else. But I cannot do a Mumbai-Bangalore in one day in this. While I may not embark on such a journey at all, ruling out that option defeats the purpose of owning car which symbolises freedom.I cancelled the booking of xc40 recharge. And this time, I decided to not go for an impulsive buy. I knew this would mean a little compromise here and there, but I will be able to live with the decision for a long time. I intend to keep the car for at least a decade as I tend to spend a lot to maintain my cars.
For various reasons I set a narrow band. Not lower than an entry level German car because after experiencing one it’s difficult to accept the quality of the others. And not higher than an entry level German, as I would never take a loan to purchase a car. So the entry level was all that I could afford without risking my retirement.
But the entry level was not that bad a band. I got to test drive A class, A35 AMG, GLA, 3 series (including the long wheelbase), and mini etc. I didn’t get time to check out Q3 and A4, but then the emission scandal was too fresh in my memory, so I didn’t bother.
Of all these, if I had to go with my heart, I would go for A35 AMG. It felt like its a cross between a 3 series and a royal Bengal tiger. Nice sounds. Nimble and slippery. Lot of power. Once my retirement is secure, I will get this. But for now I have to think of accommodating two kids in the car and one of them is 6’3″.
So it boiled down to GLA and X1.
Once again GLA’s pub like nighttime ambience felt awesome. The fact it’s a newer model of the two and the missing AWD variant in X1 almost made me favour the GLA 220D 4matic (GLA35 has too much power for the body style I felt). But, this time around, I decided to research a bit more and not just go by my heart.
With so many features in modern cars, it’s easy to be lost over your priorities. So I had to write them down. So that I totally not get sold over some stupid fancy gadgetry.
1. Enough space for 4 people including at least one 6 feet plus person
GLA and X1 scored the same here
2. Adequate power – having been previously using a powerful car – at least 180 bhp
GLA and x1 scored same here
3. A trouble free gearbox – reliable and smooth enough for a good driving experience
X1 scored higher thanks to its AISIN gearbox (almost as good as the ZF in 3 series)
4. Build quality – tight construction – refined
I felt, no idea why, X1 is better here
5. Reliability
JD Power gave a score of 86 in reliability to x1 and GLA got 80. So X1 scored here.
6. A large sunroof – this is because for other members of the family it was a big happiness feature
x1 scored here though it is only cosmetic.
It was clear that stuff like powered tailgate, fancy LCD screens, 65 million colours ambient lighting etc would have to be kept aside, if the decision has to be rationale.
Thus the scale tilted in favour of x1. While researching this, I realised how much crap is there in YouTube and auto mags in the name of reviews. Some reviews are outright dishonest. And most reviews don’t even give basic technical info beyond what is there in the company press release.
So while it was again a BMW for sure, what created a new dilemma was the imminent launch of the new x1. What went against the wait for the new model was the discount that was being offered on the outgoing model. It was also a disappointment that there would not be the torque converter.
I must say, BMW must have reached a level with their DCTs that make it at least as reliable as the TC. Someday it was bound to happen. But a cleverly designed mechanical TC box is like a Swiss automatic watch whereas a DCT is a Japanese quartz. It feels sad that someday advancement in intelligent electronics will push the TCs out of business.
While DCT angle was known, what came as a surprise is BMWs choice of engine/power while bringing the new x1! I expected the 23D to be here. But I felt the 23D nomenclature may come a much higher price with not much more power (20 bhp more than the current 20D model). I thought the mild hybrids would give them an edge over Merc and match the power of the outgoing model. So I am surprised now seeing their launch. I still feel they will launch the mild hybrids at some point which will then justify their action somewhat.
However, my decision to go in favour of F48 could not have been influenced by the engine choice available in the new model. But the other factors like the discounts, the gearbox, the less radical design, and more than anything else – the JD Power reliability rating made me close the deal. In 2022, F48 has won the award for best car in small premium SUV category.
I knew that I will have to live with a few limitations when compared with a 320D.
1. A RWD low slung car is endowed with better physics than a boxy shape. So I cannot turn corners the same way I used to. But this cornering ability is not enjoyed by anyone other than the driver. And this car also have to accommodate them, so it was a small price to pay.
2. Since a new model is about to come, a notional loss of value may be imminent – but the reliability gearbox and the discount took care of this
The overall buying experience from Navnit was smooth. I visited only once. I didn’t need to do PDI. I trusted the brand and they did not disappoint. The delivery was within 7 days of making full payment. These days delivery of a car that fast should attract a premium (figuratively speaking). I felt they got a great deal with my trade in car which was in scratches condition. I also felt they could have explained BSI pricing a little better. But overall I am not disappointed.
Initially I wanted a white car as I feel it looks most elegant. But dealer only had the black and storm bay (a shade of bluish grey) in stock. I loved the storm bay colour, which India comes without any premium unlike US and EU. Black looked fantastic but in our dusty conditions it’s not wise to go for black. So storm bay it is.
I am driving the car for last three months. Three Lonavala trips and one Goa trip later, I can say confidently that I will keep this car for next 10 years.
Keyword: Why I chose the 2022 BMW X1 over the Mercedes-Benz GLA