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2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Spied During Winter Testing

Our dedicated team of spy photographers can’t be held back by bad weather. Living proof is the fact that hey just sent in a set of photos of the new BMW F48 X1 in 7-seater configuration, at least that’s what they tell us. But is it really the next-gen front-wheel drive compact SUV?
2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype 12 photos
Photo: SB Medien
2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype2016 BMW F48 X1 7-Seater Prototype
The thing is, the new X1 will be migrating to a FWD platform and that should allow it to offer more space inside than ever. However, looking at the size of the car in the photos below, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever hold 7 adults inside. Sure, 2 adults and 5 kids wouldn’t be a problem but even 5 adults and 2 kids could pose a problem if you ask me.

Either way, we know for certain that there will be a new car part of the X1 model range out in the next two years, soon after the unveiling of the 5-seat model that is supposedly going to happen this year. That means that if you’re into a 7-seater compact SUV from BMW you’re going to have to wait until 2016 to get one.

In the US, the X1 will be sold solely with xDrive while the rest of the world will benefit from the entire range (with some small exceptions). Either way, no matter the market, the engines used will be the same.

That means we’ll get to see 3-cylinder 1.5-liter mills under these new models’ bonnets as well as 2-liter 4-cylinder ones, all of them turbocharged. No word on 3-liter inline sixes but don’t get your hopes up. A plug-in hybrid is also expected, featuring a 1.5-liter with a small electric motor and the batteries tucked in the floor.

Expect the new X1 to show up at Frankfurt this year at the very latest. If we’re lucky, we might see it in the flesh at Geneva, this March.
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