New BMW X1 still from under $50K

BMW has announced full details including a sub-$50,000 starting price for its second-generation X1 compact SUV line-up, all-wheel drive variants in which go on sale in Australia next month, followed by front-drive models in December.

Four versions of BMW's direct rival for the Audi Q3 (from $42,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $48,300) will again be available: two four-cylinder petrol variants and two diesels, along with two all-wheel drives and two 2WDs.

This time, however, 2WD models are front-drive rather than rear-drive, because the new E84-series X1 is based on the same front/all-wheel drive platform as the new MINI. All models come standard with more equipment, improved efficiency and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Additional standard features at base level compared to the outgoing seven-year-old model includes a reversing camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, pedestrian warning with light city braking function, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, front/rear parking sensors, Parking Assistant, xLine trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite-navigation, rear seat adjustment, Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices, ConnectedDrive Lifestyle, Real Time Traffic Information.

Once again opening the range is the X1 sDrive18d diesel, at $49,500 plus on-road costs – up $3200. The new model offers 110kW (up 5kW) and 330Nm (up 10Nm), and a combined cycle fuel figure of just 4.1L/100km (down 0.9L). The new 18d is also quicker in the 0-100km/h sprint, now taking 9.2 sec (down 0.7 sec).

Next up is the X1 sDrive20i, the cheapest petrol model at $51,600 plus ORCs – up $3300. The new 20i offers 141kW (up 6kW) and 280Nm (up 10Nm) while reducing combined cycle fuel economy to 5.9L/100km (down 0.9L). The sDrive20i adds steering wheel paddle shifters, and its 0-100km/h acceleration time remains unchanged from the old model at 7.7 sec.

The cheapest AWD model is the X1 xDrive20d ($56,500 plus ORCs – down $400), the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in which makes 140kW and 400Nm, accelerating the car to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds while using only 4.9L/100km.

Topping the range is the xDrive25i at $59,900 plus ORCs (unchanged from the old xDrive28i), packing a 170kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the MINI JCW and accelerates 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Although on paper power is down on the current xDrive28i (180kW and 350Nm), the 25i delivers an identical 0-100kmh time and better combined fuel economy at 6.6L/100km (down 0.7L).

The X1 xDrive25d diesel is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Specifications for both AWD models is as per the sDrive20i, while the xDrive25i adds 19-inch alloys, Comfort Access, Electric Seats, Lumbar support, Seat Heating, Navigation Plus, Head-Up Display, Leather Upholstery and Variable Sports Steering.

Designed by Sydney-born Calvin Luk, who styled the recently facelifted 1 Series, the all-new X1 offers 77mm more rear legroom and a "segment-leading" 505/1550-litre cargo space aided by 40/20/40-split folding rear seats.

The first X1 found more than 730,000 customers globally, accounting for nearly one third of BMW X model sales. In Australia, it notched up more than 10,000 registrations since 2010.

“The all-new BMW X1 represents an advancement in every way over its predecessor,” said BMW Group Australia Head of Product and Market Planning, Shawn Ticehurst.

“Given the worldwide success of the first generation model, we are very excited with the opportunities afforded by the upcoming launch of this latest addition to the X Series range.

“As Australia’s love affair with SUVs shows no sign of abating, the all-new BMW X1 will undoubtedly make its mark with its attractive new design, considerable pedigree and competitive pricing.”

2015 BMW X1 pricing (plus ORCs):
sDrive18d -- $49,500
sDrive20i – $51,600
xDrive20d – $56,500
xDrive25i – $59,900