Makes the move to a front-wheel drive platform.
An Indian Autos Blog reader snapped these images of the 2016 BMW X1 in India recently, ahead of a launch expected to take place in early-2016. The second generation X1, like the sixth-generation 7 Series, will be two key launches by BMW India next year, though in sales perspective, the X1 bears more significance owing to its segment.
The 2016 X1 will be the first model for BMW India with a front wheel drive layout (Note: BMW-owned Mini sells front-wheel drive products in India), a significant change from the rear-wheel driven current X1. The UKL platform which underpins the new X1 saves 135 kg, even though the wheelbase has increased by 90 mm, width by 21 mm and height by 53 mm. This translates to an additional 37 mm of rear knee room and 85 liters of luggage space.
Coming to the engines, the X1 for India is expected to be powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, which on the European variant is available in power states of 150 hp, 190 hp and 231 hp, boasting a 17 percent improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Likewise, BMW have given the 2016 X1 an improved 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Also read: India-bound 2016 BMW 3 Series (facelift) – GIIAS 2015 Live
While the automatic transmission will make its way on the India-spec model, it remains to be seen if BMW India launches the xDrive AWD variant, or offers only 2WD. Currently, the X1 is assembled at the Chennai plant and the next generation model is expected to be assembled here as well, with localization levels up to 50 percent.
