Photo: SB-Medien
The second-generation BMW X1 has just been spied testing in Germany once more. What's changed from the last time we saw it is that full production details have been added to the prototypes. That's right, prototypes used as a plural, because there's a truckload of X1s in our photo gallery.
Peeling back the camouflage reveals the the F48 X1 will be a handsome little devil, looking a lot more like an SUV than its predecessor and we'd argue a manlier car than the Mercedes GLA.
The front shows a taller fascia, headlights that flow from the grilles into the fenders and large air intakes. We also get to see the silver roof rails that will be added to production X1s and full glimpses of the taillight design. Overall, the X1 is now a baby X5 rather than a jacked up 1 Series.
That has allowed BMW to arrange the cabin more ergonomically, without having to worry so much about the space the engine takes up. More legroom, headroom and cargo space could make this a class leader when it debuts.
Most of the really important engines will be 2-liter ones, including the 192 hp turbo from the Cooper S and the 231 hp unit from the JCW and 225i Active Tourer. Most diesel buyers will go for either the 150 or the 190 hp model, both units that are available on other production models.
1.5-liter 3-cylinder units should also be available, mostly in combination with front-wheel drive. Even plug-in hybrids have been planned further down the line, using the technology previewed by the X5 eDrive concept car.
Production will begin in July, next year at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. We expect the new X1 to break all kinds of sales records once that happens.
The front shows a taller fascia, headlights that flow from the grilles into the fenders and large air intakes. We also get to see the silver roof rails that will be added to production X1s and full glimpses of the taillight design. Overall, the X1 is now a baby X5 rather than a jacked up 1 Series.
A different kind of SUV
Technologically speaking, the new X1 has basically nothing in common with the 1er. Its platform is the new front-wheel drive UKL, shared with both the new MINI hatch and the 2 Series Active Tourer.That has allowed BMW to arrange the cabin more ergonomically, without having to worry so much about the space the engine takes up. More legroom, headroom and cargo space could make this a class leader when it debuts.
New powertrains
Under the bonnet, the new B family of engines will be used. BMW says its modular diesels and petrols share 40% of their parts, meaning that costs are down and investments can be made into the tech that really matters – the fuel saving kind.Most of the really important engines will be 2-liter ones, including the 192 hp turbo from the Cooper S and the 231 hp unit from the JCW and 225i Active Tourer. Most diesel buyers will go for either the 150 or the 190 hp model, both units that are available on other production models.
1.5-liter 3-cylinder units should also be available, mostly in combination with front-wheel drive. Even plug-in hybrids have been planned further down the line, using the technology previewed by the X5 eDrive concept car.
Production will begin in July, next year at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. We expect the new X1 to break all kinds of sales records once that happens.
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