Spy Shots: New BMW X1 Switches to FWD Platform and Gains 3-Cylinder Engines

The closer BMW edges to being a…Volkswagen brand of this world instead of an exclusively premium manufacturer, the more mainstream some of its products become, and you can see this from the designs to the expansion into popular segments and the adoption of front-wheel drive platforms for models like the X1.

Truth to be told, from a mainstream buyer's perspective, it makes a lot of sense for smaller SUVs and crossovers that won't necessarily be ordered with all-wheel drive to come with a front-wheel drive layout as this solution offers reduced costs, increased fuel economy, less weight and more driver-friendly handling.

As such, the second generation X1, expected to be revealed at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, will abandon the current model's older (E91) 3-Series Touring's platform with RWD and AWD, switching to the BMW Group's UKL1 architecture shared with the new Mini models like the hatch, which utilizes transversely mounted engines powering the front- or optionally, all-four wheels.

For its motivation, the X1 will also share the same engine lineup with the new Mini range, comprising 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder mills, all turbocharged. Unlike the current model, the new X1 will not be available with six-cylinder engines.

The competition for the X1 when it hits the market in 2016 will include the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3, both of which will be offered in the States this year. 

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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BMW Brushes Up the X1 Compact Crossover for 2014MY

After roaming alone in the lower priced (and sized) segments of the SUV luxury market for about a year and a half in the States, BMW's X1 will soon have to make space and greet two new rivals from its traditional German rivals, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which will launch the GLA and Q3 respectively.

BMW already has plans for a replacement, as the car has been in the market (in Europe) since 2009, but for now, it is treating it to some light updates for the 2014MY at the Detroit Motor Show.

The changes seen on the North American market model will also be applied to Europe and elsewhere, with the 2014MY X1 to go on sale worldwide in the spring.

Exterior revisions include different air intake vents in the front apron, new accents in the boot lip, standard daytime driving lights on all models, new 17-inch alloy wheels and the addition of a Sparkling Brown metallic to the paint options.

Inside, on the XLine, Sport Line and M Sport trim models, the instrument cluster visor is now dressed in soft-touch plastics highlighted by lapfolded seam, while buyers can opt for high-gloss Black, matt Coral Red or pearl-gloss Chrome accents.

The final touch for the new model year is the expanded range of BMW ConnectedDrive services, which can be accessed via apps, using the smartphone or the SIM card that is installed in the vehicle.

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