BMW prepares X1 for GLA action

BMW Australia has announced a raft of extra standard equipment for its smallest SUV, the X1, just weeks before the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class goes on sale here.

The four-variant X1 line-up continues to comprise two rear-wheel drive and two all-wheel drive models and, while entry-level pricing remains unchanged at $46,300 plus on-road costs, top-spec AWD versions are up to $600 more expensive.

Meantime, pricing for front-wheel drive GLA models starts at $47,900, while Audi added a new front-drive1.4 TFSI version of its Q3 Germany’s other small SUV – in February, priced from $42,300.

As we reported last year, the E84 1 Series, launched here in 2009, scores a number of mechanical, cosmetic and equipment upgrades two years before its replacement arrives by 2016.

Along with lower options prices, BMW Australia says the extra standard equipment, fitted across the range from March production, adds more than $4400 of added value to every X1 model.

Chief among them are an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the manual gearbox to which pricing previously applied.

Rear-drive sDrive18d and sDrive20i variants also receive a new 17-inch wheel design, the chrome line exterior package, aluminium satinated roof rails and a sports leather steering wheel.

All-wheel drive xDrive20d and xDrive28i variants score steering wheel paddle shifters, convenience telephony including Bluetooth audio streaming and pairing of multiple devices, and a parking package including a reversing camera, front parking sensors and anti-dazzle interior/exterior mirrors.

All X1s gain exterior updates focussing on the front bumper, where aluminium satinated lower inserts have been extended. When optioned with Sport Line, these inserts are finished in high-gloss black.

Interior updates include a stainless steel finisher protecting the luggage compartment and the addition of an updated soft-touch finish to the instrument cluster binnacle. This is complimented with contrast stitching in either Fire Red, Oyster or Everest Grey when optioned with Sport Line, xLine or the M Sport package respectively.

Also offered is an extended choice of exclusive highlight trim finishers in high-gloss black, matt coral red or pearl-gloss chrome depending on line or package selected.

For $100 less, the Visibility Package now also includes bi-xenon adaptive headlights, while High-Beam assist replaces the lighting package, which is now standard across the range and includes exterior door-handle lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights and luggage compartment lighting.

Now standard on X1 xDrive models, the parking package reduces in price by $150 to $850 for sDrive variants. There are also price cuts for the Sport Line, xLine and M Sport character packages.

2014 BMW X1 pricing (plus ORCs):
sDrive18d -- $46,300
sDrive20i -- $48,300
xDrive20d -- $56,900
xDrive28i -- $59,900