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2016 BMW X1 Looks Even Better in Motion

Now that the cat’s finally out of the bag, we can take a look at the 2016 BMW X1 in motion. The first video of the fresh crossover has been launched, and we have to say it looks a lot better than what we expected. It’s a definite step up and one that takes the car into new territory.
2016 BMW X1 1 photo
Photo: BMW
The old model was good, don’t get me wrong, but being launched back in 2009, it was starting to show its age, despite the facelift. Now, we get a better design, a drastically improved interior but also more tech under the bonnet.

Apart from the new engines, the fresh X1 comes out with a plethora of new optional and standard features as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Sure, the official press release didn’t say a word about it but we know that it’s in the works, as we saw it out testing a couple of times.

The question is not if it’s going to come out but what configuration will it have? Recent plug-in hybrids announced by BMW seem to use the same 2-liter petrol engine in combination with an electric motor encompassed in the gearbox.

However, for the X1 and future MINI PHEV versions, that layout could be changed. That’s to imply that a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder could be used instead along with an electric unit. That would drop the weight by a couple of kilos and would also offer more space for a bigger gearbox to be used under the bonnet, one that could include an electric motor.

It’s all just supposition at the moment though as nothing was set in stone. All we know is that a plug-in hybrid model was spotted out testing this winter, and we’re pretty sure it will be sharing its underpinnings with the MINI Countryman PHEV that is also in development.

In the meantime, we can indulge ourselves in some footage of the new X1 in motion, showing us its new shapes in all its glory. Enjoy!

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