2016 BMW X1 - IAB Rendering

17/03/2015 - 22:11 BMW X1, BMW, Renderings Shrawan Raja

Moves to the FWD platform.

Our digital rendering artist Shoeb R Kalania has previewed the front of the 2016 BMW X1 based on leaks that have surfaced this year.

BMW X1 2016 front rendering by IAB — The changes on the incoming X1 are aimed at the making the car look more like an SUV.

Shoeb envisages the new baby crossover with a mature and bit more rounded design. The kidney grille, sharply cut headlamps, V-shaped contours on bonnet, and the air intakes have evolved, but not at the cost of the X1's familiarity.

From what we can observe in interior spyshots, the car receives a new dashboard and a redesigned steering wheel. The car will ride on the UKL platform that underpins the new MINI Cooper and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, switching to the FWD layout, that should free up more space for the rear passengers. A seven-seat version is also on the anvil, for markets where space is a high priority, or where BMW has not decided to sell the 2 Series Gran Tourer.

Top-end variants will, however, feature BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, an option that is not offered on the Indian X1. Engine options are likely to be the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel and similar arrangement with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.

2016 BMW X1 interior — The interior bears many similarities to the 2 Series Active Tourer, and will offer more storage capacity and room for rear passengers. Spyshot source: AutoHome.

BMW may preview the new X1 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The Indian launch should follow in about 6 months after global deliveries commence.