India-bound 2016 BMW X1 revealed with front-wheel drive - Video

The 2016 X1 is 135 kg lighter than its predecessor.

BMW has taken the wraps off the all-new 2016 BMW X1, ahead of its German launch this October and public premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the all-new front-wheel drive UKL architecture, the second generation X1 aims to take the baton from its predecessor, which sold over 730,000 units.

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Mechanically, the new X1 features a standard front wheel drive, a transverse engine layout and an all-new suspension setup. With the use of aluminium swivel bearings, an aluminium bonnet and high-strength steel, the X1 has shed 135 kg over its predecessor weighing a mere 1,430 kg.

The second generation 2016 X1 is also 36 mm shorter in length over its predecessor. However, it has grown in width (+21 mm) and height (+53 mm) which has created a spacious cabin, according to BMW. The 2016 X1 measures 4,439 mm in length, 1,821 mm in width, 1,598 mm in height and 2,670 mm in wheelbase (+90 mm over the first X1). This has generated 37 mm more knee room at the rear while boot space has gone up by 85 liters to 505 liters.

2016 BMW X1 dashboard
Interior space and boot space have increased thanks to a 90 mm longer wheelbase.

The design of the dashboard is all-new, but retains the driver-focussed cockpit of the first generation X1 says BMW. The updated iDrive system comes in two sizes - 6.5- or 8.8-inches - while the customization options for the seats and trims have been increased further with the introduction of new xLine, Sport Line and M Sport variants.

Coming to the engines, the 2016 BMW X1 offers a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units with BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine relevant for India - the 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit - is offered in power outputs of 150 hp, 190 hp and 231 hp, and promises a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

2016 BMW X1 gearbox
For Europe, the 2016 X1 gets a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Also read: 2016 BMW 7 Series side profile leaked

The 2016 BMW X1 is expected to launch in India in the first half of 2016. As with the current model, BMW India will continue assembling the crossover at its Chennai plant through the CKD route.

2016 BMW X1 - Press Release

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2016 BMW X1

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