2016 BMW X1 Photos, engines & full specs

In 2016 BMW introduced the second generation of its smallest SUV, the X1, and unlike its predecessor, it was not based on the same platform as the 3 Series.

The first generation of the X1 was welcomed by BMW's customers, although most of them complained about the cramped interior. So, the German automaker turned its attention to a new platform named UKL2, which was shared with MINI.

Due to this platform, the car no longer featured a longitudinally-mounted engine but a transversely-mounted one. This major change led to a new front-end design with a shorter nose and overhang. The cabin was pushed forward as well, thus helping the automaker create wider front and rear doors. Still, the front fascia shared the same design language as the rest of BMW's vehicles, with an enlarged kidney-grille up front and a pair of headlights resembling those installed on the X3.

Inside, there was a roomier interior than on the X1's first generation. At the front, the automaker installed bolstered seats separated by a tall center console that housed the gear stick or the gear selector for the automatic-transmissions versions. On the dashboard, fronting the driver, BMW installed two large dials inside the instrument cluster, complemented by temperature and fuel level gauges. In addition, a small LCD placed underneath them showed various information from the onboard computer. Atop the center stack, the automaker installed the infotainment system screen, which was controlled by a rotary dial and a few buttons around it mounted on the center console. Thanks to the new architecture, the automaker could provide better legroom for the rear passengers and generous trunk space.

BMW made the second generation of the X1 with either front or all-wheel drive systems, with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic provided by Aisin. For specific versions, the automaker offered a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.