The new car gets revised styling, front wheel drive and new engines.
The Bavarian auto giant has revealed the new X1 four months prior to its scheduled debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car goes on sale internationally sometime later this year, and is based on the front-wheel-drive UKL platform that also features in cars from the Mini brand.
A transverse engine layout replaces the longitudinal arrangement, making more interior space available along with improved safety credentials. Engine options for the international markets include a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in two states of tune and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel in three output levels.
The 2.0-litre petrol unit is tuned to deliver 189bhp and 28.5kgm and 228bhp and 35.7kgm. The diesel engine, codenamed B47, replaces the N47 unit used by the previous X1. It delivers 148bhp and 33.6kgm, 187bhp and 40.8kgm, and 228bhp and 46kgm of torque. In the future, BMW is likely to add the three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the Mini Cooper, to the X1’s engine line-up.
The entry-level X1 sDrive18d is the only model to receive a standard six-speed manual gearbox. All other new models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which, in combination with the optional Driver Experience Control, includes a standard coasting function that disengages the clutch when you lift off the throttle at speeds between 50 and 160kph.
The X1 sDrive18d and sDrive20i come as standard with front-wheel drive, while the others — the xDrive20i, xDrive25i, xDrive20d and xDrive25d — all get four-wheel drive as standard. The company claims the four-wheel drive system used by the new car is noticeably lighter and boasts a 30 percent decline in torque losses for added fuel savings and greater traction in off-road conditions. Among the long list of standard driving aids on all models is dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control and cornering brake control.
The new car is 4,439mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,598mm tall, which makes it 36mm shorter, 21mm wider and 53mm taller than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been increased by 90mm.
The new car uses additional components made from hot-formed high-strength steel and aluminium within the main body structure. It also uses tailored bland steel for the front bulkhead and B-pillars, and an aluminium bonnet to reduce weight.
The car gets MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. This is linked to an electro-mechanical speed-sensitive steering system that alters steering feedback with changes in speed. The new model comes with adjustable dampers and an optional function that enables shifting between Sport and Comfort suspension settings, along with Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro driving modes.
The new car has a more distinct front end, sharp headlights with LED DRLs and circular fog lamps. The contoured bonnet, prominent wheel arches and additional cladding on the sills, in addition to the improved ground clearance complete the hardy look. The shorter bonnet and longer roofline result in an altered silhouette, which is due to the UKL design module. The new model also receives larger rear doors for ease of entry.
Alongside standard models, the Bavarian carmaker is also working on a high-performance variant of the new car to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG but details on the performance car remain scarce.
Also under development is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid version of the new X1. It is claimed to use a powertrain set-up similar to that of company’s original Active Tourer concept, revealed at the Paris motor show in 2012. The concept used a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine to power the front wheels and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, with a combined system output of 190bhp.
In India, the new car is expected to be launched sometime before the year end. Details of the India bound car are only likely to be revealed closer to the launch date.
Source Autocar India