BMW ‘2016 X1 Sports Activity Vehicle’ Spotted – xDrive All Wheel Drive with 8 Speed AT on offer?

BMW is expected to launch the brand new X1 2016 by the end of next year which has been described as a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ rather than a ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ by the manufacturer. Even though the launch of the model is very far, BMW has already started testing the vehicle and a test mule spotted recently is the evidence for the same. As per the information, the respective test mule was roaming on the roads of Germany and an enthusiast has revealed few snaps of the test mule over web.

As we could observe from the respective set of images, there are wide number of differences in the upcoming edition of the SAV when compared with the current gen variant. The Bavarian giant is developing the new breed basing on the UKL platform which has been used for the recently launched MINI. All the former edition variants of the X1 are rear wheel drive models basically whereas the upcoming edition of the model is going to be a front wheel drive model surprisingly. As per the information, The overall length of the vehicle is going to be reduced due to the change of the platform.

There is also scope for a higher end version of the 2016 X1 SAV which may come equipped with BMW’s own xDrive all wheel drive system. Though the length is going to be reduced slightly, the vehicle is expected to be more spacious than the former edition. From the respective spy images, we could clearly observe the shape of the kidney grille on the front fascia which is the signature move of the Bavarian automotive giant. The revised set of head lights are extended in to the kidney grille.

The upcoming X1 2016 is expected to be offered both in petrol and diesel versions globally. The Indian market may get one or two variants of the model only and there may not be any scope for launching the xDrive All wheel drive powered variant in India. Engine line up may include a 1.5 litre three cylinder engine and a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine also. BMW may choose from a 6 speed manual transmission gear box or an 8 speed automatic transmission gear box to accompany the respective engine line up most probably.

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]