When BMW engineers started work on the second-generation of the smallest SUV in the brand’s family they were determined to make the X1 look, feel and perform more like its bigger siblings. X1 project leader Ralf Graeser said customers wanted the new X1 to be taller and roomier with a higher seating position and more off-road abilities.
In response, BMW increased the new generation’s height by 53mm to 1598mm and width 23mm to 1821mm. This allowed BMW to raise the front seats by 36mm, giving the driver a better view of the road. In addition, the back seats were raised by 64mm and knee room was increased by 37mm in standard variants and by up to 66mm in models with the optional adjustable rear seat. Luggage space has grown by 85 liters to 505 liters with the seats up and increased to 1550 liters from 1350 liters with the seats down. There is also the option to equip the X1 with a front seat that folds forward for added cargo carrying benefits.
The new X1 is the first BMW SUV to utilize UKL, which also underpins the recently launched 2-series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer minivans. BMW says the new X1 has an efficiency optimized version of the automaker’s all-wheel-drive system, which uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle whenever it is required.
Wolf said the 4×4 system activates in less than a millisecond when it is needed. When it isn’t, the car travels in front wheel drive mode, which reduces fuel consumption, something BMW says has been improved by up to 17% compared with the original X1.
BMW sold 730,000 units of the original X1 since it debuted in autumn 2009. BMW is predicted to produce more than 1.3 million new-generation X1s from this year until 2024 with a peak output of 206,300 in 2017.
The BMW X1 – the successor to the model that blazed the trail for this class of car – treats the premium compact segment to an even more potent shot of Sports Activity Vehicle DNA. The second generation of this successful model, more than 730,000 units of which have now been sold, takes to the stage with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mould. The interior of the new BMW X1, meanwhile, offers significantly more space for passengers and luggage, a cutting-edge premium ambience and functionality grounded in solid engineering. Four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units, an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent allwheel- drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 per cent, model-on-model.
Alongside its market-leading dynamics and efficiency, a host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the new BMW X1 its stand-out position in the segment. Among the items on the options list are full-LED headlights, Dynamic Damper Control, the BMW Head-Up Display and the Driving Assistant Plus system
Knee room in the rear has increased by 37 millimetres in standard specification and by up to 66 millimetres with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while the 505-litre boot capacity is 85 litres larger than that of its predecessor. Folding down the standard-fitted 40:20:40 rear seat backrest, which can also be specified in angle-adjustable form as an option, allows load capacity to be expanded to as much as 1,550 litres. The optional folding front passenger seat backrest and a rear seat bench which can slide 13 centimetres fore and aft offer additional variability.
The interior design of the new BMW X1 combines the driver-focused cockpit design that has become a hallmark of the brand’s models with touches promoting authoritative, SAV-style driving pleasure and a contemporary premium ambience. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an audio system with USB and AUX-in sockets, and the iDrive operating system, whose 6.5-inch display is integrated into the instrument panel in freestanding monitor form. Meanwhile, the Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport packages available as an alternative to standard specification open the door for targeted individualisation.
New generation of engines, efficiency-optimised xDrive all-wheeldrive system
The second-generation BMW X1 (fuel consumption combined: 6.4- 4.1 litres/100 km [44.1-68.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 149- 109 g/km) lines up with an all-new selection of engines. Two petrol and three diesel units will be available from launch in October 2015, all of which have four cylinders and are members of the BMW Group’s new engine family. Outputs range from 110 kW/150 hp to 170 kW/231 hp. The engines link up with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Steptronic unit, both of which are new developments.
The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system also takes its place in the new BMW X1 in a further developed form. The weight-saving, compact and efficient system uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle just as required for the situation at hand. Joining the fray in the BMW X1 sDrive20i and BMW X1 sDrive18d, meanwhile, is a front-wheel-drive construction which has been developed to deliver the driving dynamics typical of the brand and has already proved its mettle in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
Premiere in the BMW X1: Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus
The change of BMW X1 generations also brings significant advances in the field of intelligent connectivity. A new addition to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive features is a BMW Head-Up Display which, as in the larger BMW X models, projects driving-related information directly onto the windscreen. The BMW X1 can now also be specified with the Driving Assistant Plus line-up of the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assistant, Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. These systems are complemented by an up-to-the-minute selection of apps allowing customers to add to the car’s comfort, navigation and infotainment functionality, as desired.
The concept: An authentic BMW X model in a compact format
The first generation of the BMW X1 introduced the premium compact segment to the type of driving pleasure for which BMW X models have become renowned. More than 730,000 units of the X1 have been sold around the world, and the singular qualities upon which the car’s success is based have acquired even greater depth as part of the development of the new model generation. The status of the X1 as a member of the BMW X model family is now displayed even more clearly in both its exterior appearance and the design of the interior. The sporting prowess and efficiency of the X1 have also been enhanced, and the array of innovative equipment features earmarked to fulfil individual requirements in terms of comfort, safety and infotainment has grown. The new BMW X1 therefore has all the ingredients to remain a stand-out player in the segment founded by its predecessor and to introduce new target groups to the thrill of driving pleasure, BMW-style.
Commanding and versatile in the BMW X family mould
Its raised seating position, increased space, stylish premium ambience and even greater interior variability underline the status of the new BMW X1 as an assured, multitalented addition to the segment. The even better view it affords the driver over the road ensures effortless driving pleasure, and there are also clear parallels with BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Sports Activity Coupes in higher vehicle classes in terms of the style of its interior design and range of optional driver assistance systems.
The versatility typical of a BMW X model is expressed not only in the driving characteristics of the X1 on various types of terrain, but also in the way its interior can be used. The new BMW X1 offers more space for passengers and luggage and raises variability another notch. The rear seat bench comes as standard with a three-section split/folding backrest and is available as an option with the ability to slide forwards and backwards by 13 centimetres. A folding front passenger seat backrest can also be specified as an option.
The compact BMW X model – pointing the way for ultra-efficient drive system technology once again
Armed with an all-new range of engines and gearboxes, not to mention the latest, ultra-efficient version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the second generation of the BMW X1 blazes a trail once again for BMW EfficientDynamics technology. The original X1 handed a debut outing to the first four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. All the petrol and diesel units available for the new BMW X1 are taken from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units. At market launch, petrol engines with 141 kW/192 hp in the BMW X1 xDrive20i and BMW X1 sDrive20i and with 170 kW/231 hp in the BMW X1 xDrive25i will be available. The BMW X1 sDrive18d sets the new efficiency benchmark in the segment with output of 110 kW/150 hp and combined fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.3-4.1 litres per 100 kilometres / 65.7-68.9 mpg imp (CO2 emissions: 114-109 g/km). The other diesel units have an output of 140 kW/190 hp in the BMW X1 xDrive20d and 170 kW/231 hp in the BMW X1 xDrive25d. Beyond this, the model range is scheduled to be joined from November 2015 by the BMW X1 sDrive18i and BMW X1 sDrive16d variants powered by three-cylinder engines.
The design: Dynamic, authoritative and with an established premium character
The passing of the baton from the original BMW X1 to the second-generation model encapsulates a far-reaching maturing process clearly expressed in the design of both the exterior and the interior. Robust proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and design features typical of a Sports Activity Vehicle lend the new model an assured appearance and immediately identify it as a member of the BMW X model family. Its dynamic lines when viewed from the side imbue the new BMW X1 with a distinctive, fresh and youthful aura.
Another feature of the new BMW X1 that is unique in the compact segment is the design of the interior, which majors on authoritative driving pleasure. The slightly raised seating position typical of a BMW X model, a new interpretation of the hallmark driver-focused cockpit and elegant, width-accentuating surfaces are complemented by a premium ambience exuding exclusive material quality and workmanship. The Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport variants available as an alternative to standard specification include special design features for the exterior and interior. They allow X1 customers to give their car an individual character that illuminates either the agile sportiness or versatile off-road nature of the new BMW X1 with even greater intensity.
Commanding presence, robust proportions, dynamic lines
The large, upright BMW kidney grille, three-section lower air intake and characteristic “six-eyed” look formed by the twin circular headlights and foglamps below them are the stand-out features of the new model’s front end. Flared wheel arches and lines converging in an X-shape into the kidney grille likewise contribute to the authoritative presence customary of BMW X models. Standard specification for the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime driving lights, while full-LED headlights for low and high beam – which generate a particularly white light that is close to daylight – are available as an option.
At 4,439 millimetres long, 1,821 millimetres wide and 1,598 millimetres tall, the proportions of the new BMW X1 follow the Sports Activity Vehicle blueprint in compact form. The new car has grown most notably in height compared to its predecessor (+53 millimetres), which helps to create extra space in the interior. Black borders on the lower edge of the body, the square contour of the wheel cutouts and the generous volume of the surfaces above them all underline the solid stature of the compact BMW X model. The athletic impression created by the side view is complemented by a modelspecific, dynamic wedge shape formed by the roofline, eye-catching character lines and window surfaces that taper towards the rear.
The central section of the new BMW X1’s rear apron rises up significantly, mimicking a characteristic element of the front-end design. When specified with the optional full-LED units, the two-section, L-shaped rear lights produce an even band of light. Their flat outline emphasises the width of the rear end, with the vertically arranged black aeroblades, which fit flush with the roof spoiler, adding sporting accents.
Customers can choose from two non-metallic and ten metallic exterior paint finishes for their new BMW X1. The Estoril Blue metallic shade is also offered exclusively for the M Sport model.
Interior offers harmonious balance between driver focus and luxuriant elegance
With its fine balance of a driver-focused cockpit design and elegance shaped by generously-sized surfaces, the interior of the new BMW X1 fits the classic stylistic template of a Sports Activity Vehicle. The flat surfaces of the instrument panel and centre console controls angled towards the driver help them maintain unruffled control over the car’s progress. The controls located in the lower section of the centre console are surrounded by high-quality surfaces and are marked off from the front passenger side by a newly designed bar. The instrument cluster, consisting of two circular instruments and framed by a small binnacle, also helps the driver to focus on the driving experience.
The iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. The interior trim strip and air vents are bordered by an accent strip spanning the full width of the instrument panel. The interior strip and accent strip extend through the door panel trim, with the effect that occupants in all seats are surrounded by surfaces with a uniform material and colour structure.
