A report on Autocar UK says that the next generation BMW X1 will be unveiled in June next year, and that the car will be based on a front wheel drive platform. The second generation of the entry-level crossover will use the new Mini's UKL front wheel drive architecture, ditching the current model's rear wheel drive platform (which is carried over from the previous 3 Series).
The new X1 will get a transversely mounted engine unlike the current model which uses a longitudinal setup. This will allow for a shorter bonnet, which in turn will give the car more interior space than today's model. The engine lineup will also be downsized in the interest of economy. Starting the X1 range would be a three-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol, while the most powerful unit will be the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel making about 168 bhp with an AWD arrangement.
A long rumored X2 is also being jointly developed by the company with the X1 program. The X2 will be a more sportier looking X1, possibly with a three-door bodystyle, though their underpinnings will be common.
In India, the X1 is known to have started the entry-level luxury segment when it was launched in late 2010. The model is one of the volume sellers for the company, and we expect BMW India to launch the new X1 soon after its European premiere.
Competitors: Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3
Expected Price: INR 25 - 30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
[Source - Autocar UK]
