The new generation BMW X1 is based on the UKL1 architecture and gets a front wheel drive setup instead of the rear wheel drive seen on the outgoing model.
The BMW X1 was one of the most affordable luxury vehicles to enter the Indian market before the onslaught of compact luxury cars and made quite a difference for the Bavarian automaker in establishing its presence. The first-generation X1 was launched globally in 2009 and the new generation model made its global debut earlier this year. Now, ahead of the Indian launch scheduled for 2016, the automaker has imported the all-new X1 in the country for testing purposes.
With the second generation X1, BMW has replaced the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) since the crossover is now based on the UKL1 architecture that also underpins the third generation MINI Cooper and 2-Series Active Tourer in the company lineup. The variant imported for testing was the FWD sDrive20d. However, India will get AWD as optional. With the new generation, the 2016 X1 has lost its estate-like proportions in favour of a more beefed SUV-ish look inspired from the larger X3. The crossover is quite taller too this time opening up more space inside the cabin.
Speaking of which, the familiar BMW design continues to feature inside the 2016 X1, but with a tweaked dashboard and a new steering wheel as well as gear knob. Internationally, the SUV gets adaptive LED headlights, power folding rear seats, hands-free operation of the power liftgate, BMW’s ConnectedDrive app with access to Facebook, Twitter, Spotify and the likes. It needs to be seen as to which of these features will be skipped for India. Optional accessories though will be in abundance.
Under the hood, the 2016 BMW X1 gets a new transversely mounted engine setup with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine updated to produce around 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In recent times, the very capable Audi Q3 and the good looking Mercedes GLA managed to outdo the BMW X1 in the compact luxury SUV segment, but the latter is sure to come back with a bang providing an extremely butch profile, a powerful oil burner and its trademark driving fun. The new generation X1 will be brought in the country via the CKD route, being assembled at the Chennai based facility in order to keep the prices competitive.
Source – Zauba.com
