Next-gen F48 BMW X1 to be smaller; spawn X2 coupe

F48-BMW-X1-02

The next-generation BMW X1, codenamed F48, will be a smaller and lighter machine than the model it replaces, according to a report by Australian site Drive. Soon after its global debut towards the end of 2015, the compact SUV will also spawn a sportier X2 model, much like the X5-based X6 and the upcoming X4.

Even bigger news is that the F48 will supposedly ditch the original E84’s traditional longitudinal engine layout for a transverse one used in the new 2 Series Active Tourer. This means that, like the 2 AT, future two-wheel drive or sDrive versions of the F48 BMW X1 will be a front-wheel driver. All-wheel drive variants will still be available, of course.

The move to a transverse platform also rules out the use of larger six-cylinder engines. As such, both the new X1 and X2 will only get access to BMW’s range of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines. Transmission options are expected to mirror those on the Active Tourer – six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

A high-output four-cylinder engine is also rumoured, and could form range-topping M Performance versions of the X1 and X2. If proved true, these could rival the 360 hp Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG and the 310 PS Audi RS Q3.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • donuts on Feb 25, 2014 at 9:44 am

    so there will be

    X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6….so X1 scale down since X2 can be original X2 size..? LOL…oh mine..
    1,2,3,4,5,6,7 series all line up as well, and the differences are grey…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • AutoFrenz on Feb 25, 2014 at 12:06 pm

      So theres an x for everybody…all our exs must b happy..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • hell yeah on Feb 25, 2014 at 3:28 pm

      The new 7 series was caught testing somewhere if im not mistaken. So its going to be released soon. Since there is s-class coupe, is there gonna be 8 series? Hmm wait n see.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Wait for it……wait for it……
      X7,X8,X9 coming soon..,also 9 series, 10 series, 11series…….
      *sacarsm

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • yes there’s going to be 8 series aka 7 series coupe.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ts-V2xPNk8

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • BMW intentionally creates another segment in the SUV market…sport coupe SUV. Lets just wait and see if others will take the bait.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • sudonano on Feb 25, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    In that case, I guess the xDrive model would be a better choice, since xDrive in the past is usually RWD biased, as in 60% power to the rear, 40% to the front.

    But then, we’d have X1,2,3,4,5,6 and 1-7 series. And not to forget, the i3, i8 and eventually an iSUV.

    That’s a lot of models.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Cetak Tak Mati on Feb 25, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    in the next 5 years after all full line up is there

    x1 x2 x3 x4 x5 x6 x7 x8 xman , bmw might want to explore even more niche market and create x1.5 x2.5 and so on

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr on Feb 25, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    I’m all in for a better looking X1. Front wheel drive ain’t really an issue since we can specify for xDrive versions. I just hope the rear and boot space is better this time.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • KillBox1Alpha on Feb 25, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    X1 is already small as it is….make it any smaller…it’s gonna be cramped!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
 

Add a comment

required

required