Yahoo Autos 2016 BMW X1 Preview
The current BMW X1 only reached U.S. shores in 2012, but overseas the compact crossover has been on sale since 2009. That’s why BMW is already introducing a new model, which has been revealed in full ahead of a likely debut at September’s 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. A sales launch has been confirmed for the fall of this year, making the new X1 a 2016 model year arrival.
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It has some major boots to fill. The outgoing model turned out to be a sales success for BMW, with almost 62,000 sold in the U.S. to date—and that’s over a three-year period only. But this new one has a lot going for it. For instance, it features a much more handsome design as well as a roomier cabin and a more fuel-efficient drivetrain.
The major improvements have come about by the adoption of the BMW Group’s UKL platform. Front-wheel drive in its native form, the UKL platform underpins the latest MINI models as well as BMW’s 2-Series Active Tourer range, and now it’s been utilized for the new X1. In contrast, the outgoing X1 was based on a rear-wheel-drive platform.
The 2016 X1 for its U.S. market launch will be available exclusively in xDrive28i trim. This means a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an all-wheel-drive system. Peak output registers at 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the only transmission is an eight-speed auto. BMW says the 2016 X1 will accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph, both reasonable figures for the class. Overseas, buyers are likely to have the choice of some diesels and possibly BMW’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder mills.
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