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BMW Introduces Three New Models in the X1 Range

When it was originally unveiled, the BMW X1 was presented with a small range of engines, only five to be more precise. For some manufacturers, that’s already too much but it’s definitely not enough for a company such as BMW.
BMW F48 X1 1 photo
Photo: BMW
With different variations around all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, the entire line-up of X1 models available would span up to 7 cars. We had the AWD 20i model, the AWD 25i, the RWD 18d in automatic and manual guise as well as the AWD 20d and 25d, only available with an automatic gearbox.

Well, the Germans decided to offer three new entry-level models and they have just been unveiled. We’re talking about the sDrive16d, the sDrive18i and the xDrive18d. This move also marks the first time a 3-cylinder mill is used on the X1, a moment we knew was coming way before the car was unveiled.

The 2016 BMW sDrive16d

Under the bonnet of the new sDrive16d that will become the cheapest diesel X1 in the range, we’ll be greeted by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder mill making 116 HP and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. It does seem like too little for a car the size of the X1 but since it will be sending all of the grunt to the front wheels alone, it should be ok for those looking for a practical car and not drag racing.

At first, customers will only get to buy this model with a 6-speed manual gearbox that, as you’d expect, doesn’t provide incredible driving dynamics. Getting up to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill takes 11.1 seconds while the top speed is limited to 190 km/h (118 mph).

Fuel consumption should be low though, rated at 4.6 / 3.6 /3.9 l/100 km (51.1 / 65.3 / 60.3 mpg) but we’re rather reluctant towards believing it at the moment.

The 2016 BMW sDrive18i

The sDrive18i will become the cheapest petrol offering on the table with the same engine under the bonnet as the new 218i model, a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged mill capable of 136 HP and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque.

This too will be a front-wheel-drive model, but it can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, depending on your preference.

The fuel consumption will, of course, depend on the transmission, the automatic being the less efficient choice here as the ratings show:
  • Urban consumption: 6.3 / 6.4 l/100 km (37.3 mpg / 36.7 mpg)
  • Extra-urban consumption: 4.5 / 4.7 l/100 km (52.2 mpg / 50 mpg)
  • Combined consumption: 5.1 / 5.3 l/100 km (46.1 mpg / 44.3 mpg)

As for the acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph), both transmission choices are the same at 9.7 seconds.

The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive18d

The last model introduced is the xDrive18d. Up until now, customers were able to order the 18d plant but only with a front-wheel drive layout. Now, you can also get all-wheel drive.

The 2-liter 4-cylinder B47 engine under the bonnet makes 150 HP and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque and should be one of the best sellers in the range as it has plenty of grunt to go around with a decent fuel consumption.

You can have it with a manual 6-speed gearbox as well as an 8-speed automatic that, this time around, proves to be the most efficient option.

Fuel consumption figures go from 5.5 l/100 km (42.7 mpg) inside the city (with both transmission choices) to 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 mpg) outside and 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg) combined. It’s interesting to notice how both gearbox options return the same numbers.

Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.2 seconds using the manual and 9.3 seconds with the Steptronic automatic box.
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