Introducing: The new BMW X1

Robust proportions, sculpted surfaces and genre-specific design features clearly mark the X1 out as a member of the BMW X model family. The front is defined by the large, upright BMW kidney grille, three-section lower air intake and characteristic “four-eyed” look formed by the twin circular head lights and fog lamps. Standard specification for the new BMW X1 includes LED daytime driving lights and for xLine and M Sport models full-LED headlights for low and high beam. This is optional for Sport line models.

On the inside, the new X1 strikes a fine balance between driver focus and practical elegance. The flat surfaces of the instrument panel and centre console controls are angled towards the driver, while the controls located in the lower section are surrounded by high-quality surfaces and are separated 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.

Meanwhile, the iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. Navigation is standard on the new X1, as it is on all BMWs from September onwards. 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 13cm.

The new BMW X1 uses completely new powertrain and chassis technology: front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation, and a newly developed BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system or an advanced front-wheel-drive configuration, depending on the model variant.

The new BMW X1 will be available from launch with one petrol and three diesel units, each with 2.0-litre displacement and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW X1 xDrive20i is powered by a 192hp version of the same, new, four-cylinder petrol engine, whose peak torque of 280Nm can also be accessed from just 1,250rpm. This power unit also combines as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW X1 xDrive20i sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.4 seconds, with an average fuel consumption is 44.8mpg and, while CO2 emissions come in at 146g/km.

The new BMW X1 also has smooth under-body panelling, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and vertical aeroblades, which form a unit with the roof spoiler to channel the airflow around the rear of the car to best effect. With the drag coefficient (Cd) of the X1 now as low as 0.29, depending on the model variant, the new model cuts efficiently through the air.

With their reduced weight and enhanced internal efficiency, the new six-speed manual and eight-speed Steptronic transmission also help to optimise efficiency. The manual gearbox has a centrifugal pendulum absorber in the dual-mass flywheel, smoothing out rotational oscillations occurring at low engine speeds. This increases comfort when the driver is keeping revs low to enhance economy. Meanwhile, the reduced converter slip of the new automatic transmission cuts energy losses, and its wider gear spread keeps revs lower at higher vehicle speeds.

Credits: Oneshift News Team