First Look: 2016 BMW X1 by Henny Hemmes +VIDEO

2016 BMW X1

By Henny Hemmes
The Auto Channel
Senior European Editor

2016 BMW X1

MUNICH - BMW has released details and pictures of the new X1, but we will have to wait another five weeks before we can drive the second generation of BMWs compact crossover in Austria. The premium compact crossover was introduced in 2009 on markets worldwide and even though it is not a true off-road vehicle, it proved to be very successful with more than 730,000 units sold. The rugged design of the new X1 is in sink with the X model range and the new interior offers more space and more variability than before. The X1 will become from October this year available with the latest generation 4-cilinder engines and gearboxes and the latest version of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

2016 BMW X1

The new model has grown in height by just over 2 inches, allowing a 1.4 inches higher seating position in the front and 2.5 mm in the rear. Knee room in the rear has increased by 2.5 inches in standard trim and up to 2.6 mm with the optional adjustable rear seat. The luggage compartment is 3.o cubic feet larger than that of the outgoing model and can be expanded to 54.7 cu.-ft. The rear seat bench can slide forwards or aft, offering 5.1 inches of extra leg room, while they are optionally available with angle-adjustable backrests. Another option for variability is the folding backrest of the front passenger seat. Like the other BMW models, also the new X1 has a driver oriented cockpit design and we see a 6.5-inch display of the iDrive system integrated in the free standing monitor. The new X1 debuts with BMW’s Head-up display and can be specified with the Driving Assistant Plus line-up of the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assistant, Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. These systems are complemented by an up-to-the-minute selection of apps, so that customers can add to the car’s comfort, navigation and infotainment functionality, as desired.

2016 BMW X1

The 2016 X1 will become available with a choice of new fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines, two petrol and three diesel units, with outputs ranging form 110 kW/150 hp to 170 kW/231 hp. They will be teamed the a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, both also newly developed. The xDrive system is an evolution of the current system and will be offered in the xDrive 20i and XDrive 25i. The sDrive 20i and the diesel models 18d, 20d and 25d have front-wheel drive. The new generation has an all-new chassis for better ride comfort and Variable Sports Steering and Dynamic Damper Control are available as options, as well as M Sport suspension. The new CUV will be available in Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport. BMW ConnectedDrive has been brought up-to-date. Other additions are BMW Driving Assistant, and Driving Assistant Plus, as well as Parking Assistant with automatic parallel and transevers parking, navigation with map dat updateing via a mobile phone connection. Please stay tuned in the beginning of July for our first drive with the new BMW X1.