The new BMW X1. Urban all-rounder delivers boundless driving pleasure.

The new BMW X1 – the successor to the model that blazed the trail for this class of car – treats the premium compact segment to an even more potent shot of Sports Activity Vehicle DNA. The second generation of this successful model, more than 730,000 units of which have now been sold, takes to the stage with a body design straight out of the BMW X model mould. The interior of the new BMW X1, meanwhile, offers significantly more space for passengers and luggage, a cutting-edge premium ambience and functionality grounded in solid engineering. Four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units, an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 per cent, model-on-model.

Alongside its market-leading dynamics and efficiency, a host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the new BMW X1 its stand-out position in the segment. Among the items on the options list are full-LED headlights, Dynamic Damper Control, the BMW Head-Up Display and the Driving Assistant Plus system.

A typical BMW X model: sturdy proportions, impressive variability and established premium characteristics.
Rugged proportions, a powerful presence and dynamic lines lend the new BMW X1 a commanding appearance and highlight its status as the youngest member of the BMW X model family. The new model has grown in height compared to its predecessor (+53 millimetres), which has helped increase the spaciousness of the interior. And its significantly raised seating position (+36 millimetres at the front, +64 millimetres at the rear) optimises the driver’s view out over the road.

Knee room in the rear has increased by 37 millimetres in standard specification and by up to 66 millimetres 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 centimetres fore and aft offer additional variability.

The interior design of the new BMW X1 combines 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. Meanwhile, the Advantage, Sport Line, xLine and M Sport packages available as an alternative to standard specification open the door for targeted individualisation.

New generation of engines, efficiency-optimised xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The second-generation BMW X1 (fuel consumption combined: 6.4–4.1 litres/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 149–109 g/km) lines up with an all-new selection of engines. Two petrol and one diesel units will be available from launch in October 2015, all of which have four cylinders and are members of the BMW Group’s new engine family. Outputs range from 110 kW to 170 kW. 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 the new BMW X1 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. Joining the fray in the BMW X1 sDrive20i and BMW X1 sDrive18d, meanwhile, is a front-wheel-drive construction which has been developed to deliver the driving dynamics typical of the brand and has already proved its mettle in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

Premiere in the BMW X1: Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus.
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 Head-Up Display 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. These systems are complemented by an up-to-the-minute selection of apps allowing customers to add to the car’s comfort, navigation and infotainment functionality, as desired.

The new BMW X1 will go on sale in South Africa from October 2015 in the following engine variants:

• BMW X1 sDrive18i,
• BMW X1 sDrive 20i,
• BMW X1 xDrive20d,
• BMW X1 xDrive20i,
• BMW X1 xDrive 25i.

Pricing and specs will be confirmed in due course. More information in the attached press kit.