Rendering - 2016 BMW X1

The car which started the entry-level luxury segment in India, the BMW X1, is set to undergo a full model year change next year. In this rendering made by Auto Bild, the German car magazine also gives a few interesting details about the X1's successor.

Firstly, the report indicates that the crossover will no longer use the rear-wheel drive layout which is borrowed from the older 3 Series. The new X1 will instead move to the front-wheel drive layout, using the same platform as the Active Tourer. The move to the UKL platform will give cost benefits and will also get rid of the huge transmission tunnel, which hinders space for the middle row occupant.

Using this platform would mean a reduction of about 100 mm in the overall length of the X1. The resulting weight loss will aid in improving the fuel efficiency of the crossover.

Coming to the engine options, the new X1 will be offered only with three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Top-end models will use turbocharged 2.0-liter units, while the base variants would borrow 1.5-liter units from the new Mini.

Auto Bild also speculates that there will be two versions of the new X1, one with five seats and the other with seven, the latter for family buyers who require the additional seats.

[Source - WorldScoop and AutoBild]