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2016 BMW X1 Spied Wearing Production Headlights

It seems like BMW is going forward with the testing scenarios for the upcoming X1 model. The car was just spotted wearing what seem to be production headlights and they fall right into the pattern we’ve been seeing on recent Bimmers.
BMW F48 X1 with Production lights 8 photos
Photo: CarPix
2016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X12016 BMW F48 X1
That means, the kidney grille and the lights will be connected, forming a powerful unit up front that is meant to emphasize the sporty character of the car. At least that’s the justification BMW offered when they first introduced this design. We can’t help but wonder just how ‘athletic’ this car will be with front wheel drive.

That’s right, the F48 X1 will be built on the UKL platform and will migrate to a front-wheel-drive architecture. Sending the power to the front wheels will allow the designers to offer more space inside while keeping the car’s size in check.

Of course, xDrive alternatives will also be available but there’s a strong possibility that they will be FWD-bias and not RWD as we got used to until now.

Another interesting change on this car, unlike what we’ve seen so far on the early prototypes, are the taillights. They too moved on from the early designs and now feature clear glass as well as a new shape. We’d be inclined to say that’s their production form but the transparent glass doesn’t seem like something BMW would put on its cars. And then, they didn’t seem like the type of company that would go FWD either...

Under the bonnet the new engine family will be used, that allows diesel and petrol units to use up to 40% common parts. That will drive production costs down while also improving performance and reducing CO2 emissions, according to BMW.

1.5-, 2- and 3-liter plants will be used with 3-, 4- and 6-cylinders, all ordered one after the other, in a straight line. Power outputs should range from 136 HP to around 300 HP and plug-in hybrids could also be offered, using i technology, as seen on the X5 eDrive Concept that is expected to reach the market well before the F48 X1.

Considering the huge popularity the current X1 is recording, being one of the best sellers in the US and the rest of the world, the new one will have some big shoes to fill. Production will begin in July, next year at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
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