The second-generation BMW X1 crossover has been revealed, featuring a larger body and more practicality as a result. Rivalling the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA-Class, the new X1 will launch this October.
The redesign makes the new X1 look less like an estate car than its predecessor and gives it more of a SUV-like profile. Although it’s shorter than before, it’s taller and features larger and more aggressively styled bumpers.
More room and larger side windows improve the cabin ambiance, especially at the rear, and a sliding rear bench is optional to boost load capacity. Sat-nav is included as standard and an optional head-up display is available for the first time.
Standard boot capacity is now at 505 litres, which is 85 litres more than the previous X1. With the seats folded, total load space is now at 1,550 litres, beating the Audi Q3 by 185 litres.
Another major change for the new X1 is that rather than using rear-wheel drive as standard, it now switches to front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will still be available on higher-end models in the range.
Whereas its predecessor used only diesel engines, the new X1 will offer a single 1.5-litre petrol unit from launch. This is available on the xDrive20i spec which produces 189bhp. Joining this will be three diesel engines with outputs ranging from 148bhp for the sDrive18d to 228bhp for the xDrive25d. The latter model can cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.6 seconds.
BMW says the new X1 engines are around 17 per cent more fuel efficient than before. The sDrive18d is the most efficient of all, with an official average fuel economy of 65mpg and CO2 emissions at 114g/km.
The four-wheel drive system available for the X1 has been updated, and will only send power to the front wheels most of the time. It can, however, send all of the car’s torque to the rear wheels when it senses a significant loss of grip.
Prices for the new BMW X1 will be revealed after the crossover’s public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
