The second-generation of BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1, will be launched in New Zealand at the end of this month. Prices will start from $65,500, an increase over the previous car’s $63,900 starting price. It’s still on par with rivals from Audi and Mercedes. However, to offset the price increase the new X1 is more spacious and better equipped.
This new X1 ditches the outgoing car’s rear-biased four-wheel drive system in favour for a more conventional front-biased four-wheel drive system. Based on the same UKL platform as the 2-Series Active Tourer, this new X1 is actually shorter than the car it replaces. While it might not give the X1 a niche appeal (the old one was the only car in its class to have a rear-biased four-wheel drive layout), it does mean that BMW were able to package this new car better.
Buyers will have the choice of four engines to choose from. The X1 range kicks off with the front-wheel drive sDrive18d powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 148bhp/108kW and 330NM of torque. The sDrive20i uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol pumping out 189bhp/141kW and 280NM of torque.
Four-wheel drive models include the xDrvie20d with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 187bhp/400NM of torque. For those of the petrol persuasion the sporty range-topping xDrive25i M Sport has a hot-hatch rivalling turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol that’s good for 228bhp/170kW and 350NM of torque.
As with other BMWs expect there to be all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium car. It’ll also come with a three year scheduled servicing, five year warranty, and five year roadside assistance. Will you be placing an order for the new X1 later this month?
