Spied - India bound 2016 BMW X1 caught testing

05/12/2014 - 20:25 | ,  ,   | Paranjay Dutt

To be based on the front-wheel drive UKL platform.

The upcoming BMW X1 will mark the first product from the carmaker's 'X' range to adopt a front-wheel drive platform. While the recently published artist's rendition gives an idea of how the vehicle could look, a new set of spy photos have surfaced, too.

2016 BMW X1 spied rear three quarters
The 2016 X1 will adopt a front-wheel drive layout, and base variants will reportedly switch to 3-cyl engines.

Published by Mr. Denis on French website Auto Plus, here are the new pictures of the next generation X1 which appears to have adopted a more X3-like stance. While the silhouette is clear, the vehicle is certainly not running the production-ready panels or lights.

The UKL platform which currently underpins the new MINI and the first front-wheel drive BMW ever, the 2 Series Active Tourer, will do duty on the new X1 as well. But that's not to say there won't be any all-wheel drive 'xDrive' models.

And while the absence of RWD architecture is a step away from what BMW has stood for all these years, absence of the transmission tunnel is expected to free up more space inside. Reports also say that the X1 will gain a seven-seat variant, positioned slightly below the X3.

2016 BMW X1 spied front
BMW will introduce the new X1 in Europe next year while it's expected to reach India in 2016.

In terms of mechanics, the base version is reported to be powered by a MINI-derived 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol engine while the rest of the range will get two-litre inline-4 petrol and diesel engines.

Also read: 2017 BMW 5 Series (G30) caught on video

Indian arrival is definite, and should take place within a year of the official launch in Europe.

Competitors: Audi Q3, Mercedes Benz GLA
Expected Price: INR 28-32 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date in Europe: 2015

[Source: Auto Plus]

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