Earlier this week BMW proudly announced the second generation X1 sports activity vehicle – that’s BMW talk for CUV.
The new version is larger both inside and out, which is great news as the original was a tad cramped for larger occupants, especially in the back.
But the new design has resulted in much needed head, and leg room for all.
Powered front seats are now the standard and by raising the seats 1 inch in the front and 2.5 inches in the back, BMW has delivered a more comfortable seating position.
The legroom for the back seat is 1.5 inches greater in standard models and by opting for the adjustable seats you can gain 2.5 inches.
Additionally the 40-20-40 split folding layout of the rear seats adds a great deal of versatility to the cargo area. A very handy feature is the power folding button, which makes loading your stuff easier.
The cargo area itself has also benefitted from the increased vehicle size by some 15%. The power tailgate comes standard, but there is also the option of a hands-free open and closing function.
Like all Beemer’s, the cockpit is driver focused.
There is also a variety of storage compartment throughout. Large door pockets will swallow up bulky items and your smaller objects can find numerous places to rest, be it the storage nets on the front seat backs or the front passenger center armrest compartment.
Being a premium brand you may expect the list of standard equipment to include some advanced tech; you will not be disappointed. Like all BMW’s the i-Drive control system is standard with a 6.6 inch screen mounted on top of the dash like they had forgotten to include it during the design process. There is an optional 8.8 inch screen if you wish to draw even more attention to this oversight.
Standard equipment includes front fog-lamps, alarm with remote-controlled central locking and keyless engine ignition, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a multifunction leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic headlight control and Dynamic Cruise Control.
If you require everything BMW offers then the premium package is for you. It adds such niceties as a panoramic sunroof, and full LED lighting.
Overall the X1 interior is well laid out and finished in nothing but the best materials, offering extreme comfort.
When parked side by side, the new generation X1 is much better to look at. It is a little taller, a bit bulkier and has a more chiseled look.
But not all is well as you circle the X1. You will eventually glance at the wheels and find either 18 or 19 inch run-flats. BMW has taken a lot of flak about these overly hard tires and evidently it has heard our gripes and listened. They are now offering a non-run-flat option complete with a donut spare.
When it is launched there will only be one model available in the U.S. The BMW X1 xDrive powered by a 2.0L twin-turbo 4 cylinder that makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The transmission is an 8-speed automatic that transmits the power through the AWD system.
To understand what that power means look at the 0 – 60 mph time. The X1 will do it in just 6.3 seconds, which is roughly the same as a VW Golf GTI, quick!
The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i will arrive in US showrooms in Fall 2015. Shocking news will be the new front-wheel drive layout that all non AWD versions will adopt. The X1 is based on the new platform that is found under the new Mini called the UKL platform.
This may not be the direction we expect the Ultimate Driving Machine to be going, but the benefits must outweigh the draw backs. This platform is why the X1 has more interior space; it means the X1 weighs much less and will be more fuel efficient. If you want an enthusiast vehicle the X1 may not be for you, I suggest you look at the 3 – 4 series.
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
