All-New 2016 BMW X1 Videos

Beyond the fresh styling, which is a clear improvement if you ask me, the 2016 BMW X1 is more important because it’s the first SUV from Munich based on a front-wheel drive architecture. Of course, it will have all-wheel drive versions, but in normal mode on dry roads it will be a front-wheel drive SUV, which means it will offer more predictable driving characteristics on slippery surfaces along with a less engaging experience when it’s warm and dry.

But let’s face it, people will buy the X1 for its posh looks and practicality rather than for driving dynamics. Speaking of practicality, the new model offers more legroom for rear passengers and a significantly bigger boot (+85 liters) than its predecessor. The interior is an improvement in terms of quality too, as the following walkaround video from Auto Express points out.

The initial launch lineup in Europe will include three 2.0-liter petrol models, the (FWD) sDrive20i and (AWD) xDrive20i with 192PS (189hp) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft), and the xDrive25i with 231PS (228hp) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).

There will also be three 2.0-liter diesel models, the (FWD) sDrive18d with 150PS (148hp) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft), the (AWD) xDrive20d with 190PS (187hp) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) and the xDrive25d with 231PS (228hp) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft).

The three-cylinder petrol and diesel units will be introduced later on.  Both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will be on offer.

In North America, BMW will launch the X1 this fall as a 2016MY with a single engine option, the xDrive28i sporting a 2.0-liter turbo'd straight-four with 228hp and 258 lb-ft of peak torque paired to a standard eight-speed automatic for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 6.3 seconds.

Looking like the offspring of the 2-Series Active Tourer and the facelifted X3, the new X1 is 36mm (1.4 in.) shorter than its predecessor at 4,439mm (174.8 in.) long, but it's also 21mm (0.8 in.) wider at 1,821mm (71.7 in.) and 53mm (2.1 in.) taller at 1,598mm (62.9 in.).

According to BMW, it offers a significantly raised seating position (+36mm or 1.4 in. at the front and +64mm or 2.5 in. at the rear), along with 37mm (1.45 in.) more knee room in the rear in standard specification and up to 66mm (2.6 in.) with the optionally adjustable rear seat that can slide 130mm (5.1 in.) fore and aft. It has a boot capacity of 505 liters (17.8 cu.ft), an increase of 85 liters (3 cu.ft) over the outgoing X1.

BMW said it will offer four different trim packages named Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport, in addition to the base version of the X1.