Before we begin elaborating about the new BMW X1 2016 model, announced in 2015, let us take a look back memory lane. When BMW launched the first X1 back in 2009, I found to be a bit of an awkward car. The older BMW X1 didn’t have the conventional good looks of its family. It didn’t quite provide the room as its competitors did. In the driving department ..eh..well let me just say it was nothing spectacular. However, one thing it did successfully is that it helped in creating the ‘soft roader category’ and a new segment ‘ affordable luxury car’.
To my surprise, 6 years after the first X1 launch, BMW revealed that it has sold 750,000 of this soft roader! That’s neat! The massive sale is a clear testament to the popularity of this ‘affordable luxury car’ category.
The new BMW X1 2015/2016 model has been revealed. It is based on BMW’s new UKL architecture, which has been used most recently in the new three- and five-door Minis & will lead to the new front wheel drive 1 series.
Rear-wheel-drive models of the previous X1 suffered from poor traction in the snow, but had good fuel economy. The 4-wheel drive option did offer better grip. For a ‘not so off-road’ friendly X1, they did seem a bit redundant. The new BMW X1 2016 will have front wheel drive, unlike the previous model. Front wheel drive does have some benefits.
BMW says the new X1 will stand 53mm taller and 21mm wider than the old car, which was a bit cramped for tall people like me. The boot space hasn’t improved much. However, with the standard 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down, it’s useful enough.
In case you’re not a big fan of front wheel drives, no fret – the SUV is also offered with the adaptive ‘xDrive’. BMW ‘xDrive’ is capable of delivering power between axles when required. The basic BMW X1 2015 model- the 18dsDrive – gets a six-speed manual. The rest of new BMW X1 variants use an eight-speed automatic, as standard.
All-wheel-drive 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i and rear-wheel-drive BMW X1 sDrive28i models, are powered with BMW’s natty 2.0-liter turbo four, which delivers an impressive 240 hp. For those inclined for a bit of adventure the potent 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six that’s found in the X1’s top variant xDrive35i pushes it from a zero to 60 mph in an astounding 5.3 seconds.
The 2015 BMW X1 also comes a with a lot of new safety tech. Don’t get all zippy. Its roster of safety options is still not as impressive as that of BMW’s larger vehicles.
In conclusion, the new BMM X1 2015/2016, looks better, is sportier & more spacious than its previous avatar. To top it all it’s cheaper to run!
While I was not much of a taker of the old X1, the 2015 does make me curious enough to try. You and I will have to wait till 2016 to try it on road. Price for BMW X1 2016 or 2015 model will be revealed closer to the date when it hit showrooms.
