2016 BMW X1: First Look

BMW's "X" models originally arrived to much criticism, but sales have proved naysayers mostly wrong. The outgoing X1 has sold almost 62,000 units to date, and this refreshed second generation version hopes to boost growth even further.

On the surface the changes appear relatively minor, and yet the new X1 crossover rides on an entirely new platform — ditching the old 3-series chassis for a new front-drive platform that's shared with the Mini Cooper. To that end, the X1 is 3 inches shorter than the older model, but interior roominess is up, and cargo space has been improved by 15 percent.

At launch, the only model available here in the U.S. will be the xDrive28i and its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque routed to all four wheels. Fuel economy figures have not yet been released, but BMW says it will outperform the old crossover's 22/32 city/highway rating — in part due to a 100 lb. weight loss.

The 2016 BMW X1 will arrive in dealerships sometime this fall, at a price that's yet to be released.