The successor to the first ever E84 BMW X1 was just introduced mid this year, but it may just arrive on our shores much earlier than any of us would expect. Munich’s littlest Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is a direct competitor to the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, though the new F48 X1 is all-new, ditching the previous RWD architecture for a simpler, lighter front-drive layout.
Many E84 owners found that the crossover lacked interior room, but this has been mitigated by adopting the company’s new UKL1 platform – one that also underpins the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This means the engine will be mounted transversely, driving either the front wheels or all four wheels via xDrive.
Besides the refreshingly new look, the F48 X1 is shorter than the previous model. Thanks to its new platform, the SAV is 53mm taller and its wheelbase is stretched by a considerable length (90mm), hence the improved rear legroom and headroom.
Presently, there are four engines on offer; two diesel and two petrol mills. It’s unclear which of the six variants will be Malaysian bound, and the new brigade is comprised of the xDrive25d, xDrive 25i, xDrive20i, sDrive20i, xDrive20d and sDrive20d.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | X1 sDrive20i | X1 xDrive20i | X1 xDrive25i | X1 sDrive18d | X1 xDrive20d | X1 xDrive25d |
| Engine | 1,998cc; inline-4 with BMW TwinPower Turbo | 1,995cc; inline-4 with Variable Geometry Turbo | ||||
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic auto | 6-spd manual or 8-spd auto | 8-speed Steptronic auto | |||
| Max Power | 192 hp | 192 hp | 231 hp | 150 hp | 190 hp | 231 hp |
| Max Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm | 350 Nm | 330 Nm | 400 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h | 225 km/h | 235 km/h | 205 km/h | 219 km/h | 235 km/h |
Inside, the X1 will either come with a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch head unit, both operated via the all-familiar iDrive rotary dial. A six-speaker configuration comes as standard, however  a Harman Kardon HiFi 12-speaker system with a 360-Watt output digital amplifier can be specified as an option.
As the title reads, the X1 will be making its way here really soon. Be sure to watch this space!
IMAGE GALLERY
