BMW’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle, the X1, has been a huge success since its launch in 2009.
More than 730,000 were sold globally of that first generation with nearly 40,000 new owners of X1 in the UK over the same period. Now an all-new BMW X1 has been unveiled and features dynamic BMW X styling, a sporting character blended with outstanding efficiency, and an array of innovative equipment features in comfort, safety and infotainment.
Featuring an all-new range of engines and gearboxes, not to mention the latest, ultra-efficient version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the second generation of the BMW X1 exemplifies BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy. At market launch, one petrol engine and three diesel options are offered.
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.
The new car has grown most notably in height compared to its predecessor (+53mm), which helps to create extra space in the interior. When viewed from the side, the window surfaces taper towards the rear creating a particularly dynamic impression. At the rear, the central section of the rear apron rises up significantly, mimicking the frontal styling. Customers can choose from two non-metallic and 11 metallic exterior paint finishes for their new BMW X1, while the Estoril Blue metallic shade is also offered exclusively for the M Sport model.
The versatility typical of this new BMW X model is expressed not only in the driving characteristics of the X1 on various types of terrain and the sporting exterior looks, but also in the way its interior can be used, with more space for passengers and luggage.
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.
Standard specification in the UK for the new BMW X1 includes cloth seat surfaces in the colour combination Anthracite/Black, and interior trim strips in Oxide, Silver dark matt with accent strips in high-gloss Black. Dakota leather trim in Black or Canberra Beige can be ordered as an option, as can interior trim strips in fine- wood matt Oak Grain and Fineline Stream. Beyond that, three further model lines can be selected:
The xLine model features a BMW kidney grille with bars that are matt aluminium at the front, with matt silver accents for the air intakes, side skirts and underbody protection. The interior trim comprises Dakota leather with perforated and contrast stitching, available in Mocha, Oyster, Black or Canberra beige with black accents and interior trim strips in high-gloss Black with accent strips in Pearl Gloss Chrome. This pack also benefits from LED headlights and heated front seats.
The Sport Line model features black BMW kidney grille bars, air intakes with accents in high-gloss Black and underbody protection in Black Silver with an inlay painted – like the side skirts – in body colour. The interior of the Sport Line model features black sports seats with either red or grey accents, and interior trim strips in high-gloss Black or aluminium with accent strips in matt Coral Red.
M Sport models are fitted with a model-specific M aerodynamic package and 18-inch or optionally 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. This pack also benefits from LED headlights .The interior features heated front sports seats in anthracite-coloured cloth/Alcantara with blue accents, and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips with accent strips in matt Blue. An M leather steering wheel and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite are also specified.
Dakota leather trim with perforation in several colours is also available as an option exclusively for the Sport Line, xLine and M Sport models, and a selection of other interior trim strip variants can be specified. Added to which, all equipment lines include 18-inch light-alloy wheels in their own specific design, exclusive door sill plates and an LED lighting package with vicinity and door handle lights, ambient lighting with variable use of colours and LED optical fibres in the door panel trim.
The BMW X1 goes on sale 24 October, 2015. Prices will be announced at a later date.
