In celebration of their dominance in the luxury car segment, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the exclusive distributors of BMW in the country, organized a ride and drive with select members of the motoring media in tow.
Hosted by the “Iron Lady” of the domestic automotive industry, Maricar Parco, the president of ACC gamely joined the event with her accommodating marketing and media executive Karl Magsuci.
“This event is an up close and personal experience with the new X1. We all need a break from the hustle and bustle of urban living, so this is an opportune time to do it with us,” said Parco.
Jump-off point for the two-day event was at the Autoallee BMW dealership at the ETON along EDSA, Quezon City.
After a hearty breakfast, the convoy of shiny new BMW’s X1’s proceeded with the drive up North towards Subic Bay.
“This exclusive lifestyle themed experience will allow you to explore the streets of Manila and the backroads of the North which will highlight the model’s efficiency, superior driving dynamics, best-in-class interior flexibility for cargo space, and seamless connectivity,” said Magsuci.
This second generation variant has sold more than 730,000 units worldwide, and takes to the stage with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mould. The interior of the new BMW X1 offers more space for passengers and luggage, a premium ambience, and functionality grounded in solid engineering.
The 2017 X1 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine from BMW’s latest generation of power units, with its efficiency-optimized version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 percent, model-on-model.
First stop of the event was a courtesy call to Pampanga businessman Levi Laus, who owns a string of car dealerships in the Northern part of the country which includes a BMW dealership in San Fernando, Pampanga.
I was in X1 number two with colleagues Anjo Perez of Wheels Magazine and Ira Panganiban of Autocar Ph.
From Pampanga, the convoy spent the morning at a sprawling resort in Lubao, the Pradera Verde. Moulded after the activity center in CamSur, the Pradera Verde is owned by controversial political figure Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda.
The only one of its kind in Pampanga, the recreational facility sits on a 315 hectare lot which offers guests a balance between relaxation and recreation as they can choose from a list of activities such as Wake Boarding, a round of golf or RC flying.
Premium feel inside and out
The interior design of the new BMW X1 combines the driver-focused cockpit design that has become a hallmark of the brand’s models with touches promoting authoritative, SAV-style driving pleasure and a contemporary premium ambience.
Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB, AUX-in sockets, and the iDrive operating system, whose 6.5-inch display is integrated into the instrument panel in freestanding monitor form.
The new model has grown in height compared to its predecessor (+53 millimeters), which has helped increase the spaciousness of the interior. And its significantly raised seating position (+36 millimeters at the front, +64 millimeters at the rear) optimizes the driver’s view out over the road.
Knee room in the rear has increased by 37 millimeters in standard specification and by up to 66 millimeters with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while the 505-litre boot capacity is 85 liters larger than that of its predecessor.
We were able to test the spirited response of the X1 during our drive to our final destination in Subic Bay, the Acea Resort.
This second generation variant is powered by BMW’s award winning Twin Power Turbo, in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine. With an output of 190 hp and torque of 400 Nm, the BMW X1 bears power that is best for both urban driving and out of town journey with the family.
Engine power is hankered down the four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system also takes its place in the new BMW X1 in a further developed form.
The weight-saving, compact and efficient system uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle just as required for the situation at hand.
BMW ended the activity filled day with a luxurious cruise around the surrounding bay of Subic and an outdoor BBQ buffet served at the sea shore of the Acea Resort.
The BMW X1 xDrive20d with xLine package retails at P3,340,000.00.
