2016 BMW X1 unveiled; Indian launch likely to be in 2016

The 2016 BMW X1 has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. It is the second generation car and will, for the first time, be offered as a FWD model as the new vehicle is underpinned by the UKL architecture.

The biggest change is that the cars, in the SDrive variants, will get a FWD setup with a transverse engine layout as well as new suspension setup.  Extensive use of aluminium in its construction means the car has shed over 135kg as compared to the outgoing model.

BMW has shortened this car by 36mm but made it wider by 21mm and increased the height by 53mm. This combination has allowed for a 90mm increase in the wheelbase. In terms of external design, the X1 has all the usual BMW elements and now stands taller and lot more muscular moving closer to the X3 and X5. 

Inside, BMW has updated the dashboard and the trim options but has retained the overall layout from the older model. One of the newer features is a revised iDrive system which can be had with a 6.5-inch or 8.5-inch screens.

On the engine front, the X1 will be offered with 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines which have outputs ranging from 148bhp to 188bhp for the latter and 192bhp to 231bhp for the former. These mills will later be joined by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engine which will be offered with two base variants 118i (135bhp) and 116d (115bhp). These engines can be had with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed AT.

The new X1 will come to India sometime next year via the CKD route and will be offered only in the SDrive diesel variant.