Following its regional debut at the recent Dubai International Motor Show, the second generation BMW X1 is now on sale across the Middle East. 

Having already sold more than 740,000 units worldwide, the X1 is turning heads with its new design, a sporting character blended with outstanding efficiency, and an array of innovative equipment features in comfort, safety and infotainment.   

The BMW X1 for the first time ever is based on the new front-wheel drive platform, and is equipped with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system to provide drivers with the ultimate driving experience on even the most challenging road surface conditions. 

The passing of the baton from the original BMW X1 to the all-new second generation model encapsulates a far-reaching maturing process clearly expressed in the design of both the exterior and interior of the all-new sports activity vehicle (SAV). The first generation of the BMW X1 was the founding member of the premium compact segment and in fact, shaped it to represent the type of driving pleasure for which BMW X models have become renowned.

A host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the new BMW X1 with its stand-out position in the segment. Among the items on the options list are full-LED headlights, Dynamic Damper Control, a head-up dsplay (HUD) and the Driving Assistant Plus system. Robust proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and design features typical of a SAV lend the all-new BMW X1 an assured appearance that is immediately identifiable as a member of the BMW X family.


TYPICAL BMW X MODEL

Rugged proportions, a powerful presence and dynamic lines and a commanding appearance clearly mark the new X1 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 specifications for the new BMW X1 include LED daytime driving lights and for xLine and M Sport models full-LED headlights for low and high beam as an option. 

The new model has grown in height compared to its predecessor (+53 mm), which has helped increase the space in the interior. Its significantly raised seating position (+36 mm at the front, +64 mm at the rear) optimses the driver’s view out over the road. Knee room in the rear has increased by 37 mm in standard specification and by up to 66 mm with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while the 505-litre boot capacity is 85 litres larger than that of its predecessor. Folding down the standard-fitted 40:20:40 rear seat backrest, which can also be specified in angle-adjustable form as an option, allows load capacity to be expanded to as much as 1,550 litres. The optional folding front passenger seat backrest and a rear seat bench which can slide 13 cm fore and aft offer additional variability.

The interior design of the new BMW X1 also strikes a balance between driver focus and practical elegance.  The driver-focused cockpit design that has become a hallmark of the brand’s models with touches promoting authoritative, SAV-style driving pleasure and a contemporary premium ambience. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an audio system with USB and AUX-in sockets, and the iDrive operating system, whose 6.5-inch display is integrated into the instrument panel in freestanding monitor form. 

The xLine and M Sport packages available as an alternative to standard specification open the door for targeted individualization. For example, the exterior of the xLine model features a BMW kidney grille with bars that are matt aluminum at the front. Its rugged character is also accentuated by matt silver accents for the air intakes, side skirts and underbody protection. The interior trim comprises cloth/leather seats in Granite Brown/Black with black accents and interior trim strips in high-gloss Black with accent strips in Pearl Gloss Chrome. Meanwhile, the M Sport model is fitted with a model-specific M aerodynamic package and 18-inch or optionally 19-inch M light-alloy wheels that lend even further emphasis to its dynamic character. The interior of the M Sport model features sports seats in anthracite-coloured cloth/Alcantara with blue accents, and Aluminum Hexagon interior trim strips with accent strips in matt Blue. Its extremely sporty cockpit design also includes an M leather steering wheel and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite.


NEW GENERATION OF ENGINES 

The second-generation BMW X1 uses new powertrain and chassis technology from the BMW’s latest generation of engines, and a new xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system or an advanced front-wheel-drive configuration.   There are two engines available to customers in the Middle East:  BMW X1 sDrive20i: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 141 kW/192 hp and the xDrive25i: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 170 kW/231 hp. 

The engines link up with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Steptronic unit, both of which are new developments.

The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system also takes its place in a further developed form. The weight-saving, compact and efficient system uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between the front and rear axle just as required for the situation at hand.  

In addition to the latest-generation BMW EfficientDynamics engines, the use of BMW EfficientLightweight and comprehensive aerodynamics measures designed to minimise drag further increase the fuel efficiency of the new BMW X1. An intelligent material mix combining high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium minimises weight. The bonnet, bumpers and many chassis components are made of aluminium. Air vent control on the BMW kidney grille, Air Curtains and wind deflectors on the wheel arches, a largely smooth underbody and aeroblades on the car’s rear enable a cd value of just 0.28, which is outstanding for a vehicle in this class. These measures are aided by additional features such as the Automatic Start/Stop function, ECO PRO mode or the optimised manual and automatic transmissions, which allow early upshifts without loss of ride comfort. Together, all these measures make a key contribution to the excellent fuel efficiency of the new vehicle. 

The change of BMW X1 generations also brings significant advances in the field of intelligent connectivity. A new addition to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive features is a BMW HUD which, as in the larger BMW X models, projects driving-related information directly onto the windscreen. The BMW X1 can now also be specified with the Driving Assistant Plus line-up of the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assistant, Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function.