The all-new 2016 X1 is BMW’s first crossover based on a front-wheel drive platform named UKL1 that is also used by the latest Minis and the 2-Series Active Tourer Gran Tourer minivans.
The second-generation BMW X1 also marks a departure from its predecessor in terms of styling – it drops the raised estate look for a traditional SUV appearance.
You now have another opportunity to decide whether the new model is an improvement as BMW has released a mega photo gallery with the X1 from the international media launch in Achenkirchen, Austria.
The new X1 is 36mm (1.4 in.) shorter than its predecessor at 4,439mm (174.8 in.) long, but it’s also 21mm (0.8 in.) wider at 1,821mm (71.7 in.) and 53mm (2.1 in.) taller at 1,598mm (62.9 in.). BMW says the 2016 X1 offers a significantly raised seating position, more knee room in the rear in standard specification and a boot capacity of 505 liters (17.8 cu.ft) – an increase of 85 liters (3 cu.ft) over the outgoing X1.
Along with the change of platform, BMW has shifted from longitudinal-mounted engines to a more space-efficient transverse layout for the X1’s new 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
In Europe, the new BMW X1 will launch with three 2.0-liter petrol models, the (FWD) sDrive20i and (AWD) xDrive20i with 192PS (189hp) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft), and the xDrive25i with 231PS (228hp) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
There will also be three 2.0-liter diesel models, the (FWD) sDrive18d with 150PS (148hp) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft), the (AWD) xDrive20d with 190PS (187hp) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) and the xDrive25d with 231PS (228hp) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be introduced later on.
In North America, the 2016 X1 will arrive this fall with a single engine option, the xDrive28i sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 228hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
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