BMW announces second-generation X1; fuel consumption reduced up to 17%
03 June 2015
BMW announced the all-new BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. In its second generation, the new MY 2016 BMW X1 builds on the success of its predecessor (more than 730,000 sold worldwide to date, 61,974 sold in the US) by incorporating a roomier interior combined with greater efficiency and technology. The new generation features enhanced sportiness and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model, with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17%, model-on-model.
The second-generation BMW X1 (fuel consumption NEDC combined: 6.4–4.1 liters/100 km [36.8–57.4 mpg US]; CO2 emissions combined: 149–109 g/km) is fitted with an all-new range of engines comprising two gasoline and two diesel units, each with 2.0-liter displacement and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Beyond this, the model range is scheduled to be extended from November 2015 by the variants BMW X1 sDrive18i with 100 kW/136 hp and the BMW X1 sDrive16d with 85 kW/116 hp, both driven by three-cylinder engines. The engines link up with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Steptronic unit, both of which are new developments.
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Gasoline engines. The engine powering the new BMW X1 xDrive25i develops a maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp and peak torque of 350 N·m (258 lb-ft), which is available between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. Its pulling power enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the BMW X1 xDrive25i, which comes as standard with the likewise newly developed eight-speed Steptronic transmission, is between 6.6 and 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (35.6–36.8 mpg us), while CO2 emissions stand at 152–149 grams per kilometer (in the EU test cycle, depending on the tire format specified).
The BMW X1 xDrive20i and BMW X1 sDrive20i models are powered by a 141 kW/192 hp version of the new four-cylinder gasoline engine, whose peak torque of 280 N·m (206 lb-ft) can also be accessed from just 1,250 rpm. This power unit likewise links up as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW X1 xDrive20i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, the new BMW X1 sDrive20i in 7.7 seconds. Their average fuel consumption is 6.4–6.3 liters and 6.0–5.9 liters per 100 kilometers (36.8–37.3 / 39.2–39.9 mpg US) respectively, while COCO22 emissions come in at 149–146 and 139–136 grams per kilometer (in the EU test cycle, depending on the tire format specified).
The BMW X1 xDrive28i will be the exclusive model in the US at launch featuring the 2.0-liter TwinTurbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW’s new family of modular engines with maximum output of 228 horsepower, making the all new BMW X1 the most powerful entry model in the segment. It will be mounted to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
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Diesel engines. The BMW X1 xDrive20d and BMW X1 sDrive18d diesel engines feature turbocharging with variable turbine geometry and an injection system generating a maximum pressure of 2,000 bar. In both cases, maximum output is up 5 kW on their predecessor engines and now stands at 140 kW/190 hp and 110 kW/150 hp respectively. Peak torque is 400 and 330 N·m (295 / 243 lb-ft).
The new BMW X1 xDrive20d, which is fitted as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.6 seconds, while the new BMW X1 sDrive18d completes the same sprint in 9.2 (automatic: 9.2) seconds.
The new BMW X1 xDrive20d posts fuel consumption figures of 5.1–4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (46.1-48 mpg US) and 133–128 grams per kilometer, while the new BMW X1 sDrive18d records 4.3–4.1 (automatic: 4.5–4.3) liters per 100 kilometers) / 54.7–57.4 (52.3–54.7) mpg US and 114–109 (automatic: 119–114) grams per kilometer (in the EU test cycle, depending on the tire format specified).
Transmissions. The new BMW X1 sDrive18d is fitted as standard with a new six-speed manual gearbox, in which an engagement speed control function ensures optimized smoothness. A gear selection sensor matches the engine rpm to the transmission input shaft rpm, resulting in the slickest possible gear changes.
Available as an optional alternative to the manual gearbox in the BMW X1 sDrive18d is the likewise newly developed eight-speed Steptronic transmission (Aisin), which is fitted as standard on all other models. The new version of the automatic stands out with its improved internal efficiency, increased smoothness and more dynamic gear changes. The BMW X1 sDrive18i and BMW X1 sDrive16d models scheduled for launch from November 2015 with feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and the option of a six-speed Steptronic transmission.
Updated xDrive. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is also available in updated form for the second generation of the BMW X1. The compact, low-weight and efficient all-wheel-drive system distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle as the situation requires.
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system developed for the new BMW X1 is considerably lighter with powertrain losses that are reduced by 30% in normal driving situations. The improved functional effectiveness of the new rear differential also helps to deliver a particularly efficient all-wheel-drive experience.
Linking up with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) allows the system to act pre-emptively to counteract any inclination on the car’s part towards oversteer or understeer. It does this by diverting power to the wheel or wheels where it can be transferred to the road to maximum effect. The BMW xDrive system therefore delivers traction, optimized directional stability and enhanced cornering dynamics in all weather and road conditions. Furthermore, the combination of the DSC system and xDrive also includes Hill Descent Control, which can be activated at the touch of a button.
The xDrive system of the new BMW X1 consists of a single-speed bevel gear in the front-axle drive unit (a power take-off), and a rear-axle drive unit with an electrohydraulically controlled hang-on multi-plate clutch. The two are connected by a two-piece drive shaft. In normal driving situations, power is sent to the front wheels.
When required, however, the hang-on clutch—with the help of an electrohydraulic pump—diverts up to 100% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. It does so within fractions of a second and unnoticed by the driver. The DSC system keeps the pump’s control unit constantly supplied with important data for analyzing the driving situation. The data includes the car’s speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering lock, wheel speed, pitch, accelerator position and the Driving Experience Control and DSC settings. This information is used to determine—and instantly generate—the ideal power split between the front and rear wheels, seamlessly and flexibly.
Chassis. The chassis technology of the original X1 has been totally redeveloped for the new model and now comprises single-joint strut suspension at the front and a multi-link rear axle. Aluminium swivel bearings, as well as axle carriers and control arms made from high-strength steel, reduce weight and increase the rigidity of the front axle, which in turn helps to ensure an agile turn-in response and direction-changing precision.
The rear axle also employs a high proportion of high-strength steels. Tube-shaped anti-roll bars at the front and rear axle, innovative axle mounting and specially tuned elastokinematics contribute to the agility and ride comfort of the new BMW X1, as do the connection of the dampers to the body via sophisticated three-way support mounts.
The new BMW X1 is equipped as standard with Servotronic speed-sensitive steering assistance, while a new item on the options list is Variable Sports Steering. This system allows parking and turning-off maneuvers to be completed safely and comfortably with little steering effort. M Sport suspension is furthermore available as a special option, featuring a distinctly tauter spring and damper setting and a 10-millimeter-lower ride height.
Another option available for the first time in the BMW X1 is the Dynamic Damper Control system. The electronically controlled dampers improve the primary and secondary ride of the new BMW X models and sharpen their dynamic attributes. Two damper control settings can be activated using the Driving Experience Control switch.
The Driving Experience Control switch on the center console allows the driver to give the car’s set-up an even sportier, more comfort-oriented or efficiency-optimized character. Calling up COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode at the touch of a button adapts the responses of the accelerator pedal and steering. The shift characteristics of the automatic transmission and the damper settings are also adjusted if the relevant equipment has been specified.
The DSC stability system includes features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist system, Fading Compensation, a Dry Braking function and a Start-Off Assistant. Other technology available to customers includes the trailer stabilization function, Active Differential Brake (ADB) function and Performance Control. When DSC is deactivated, an electronic locking function for the front axle differential—known as Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC)—comes into play. In tight corners it brakes a spinning wheel as required and ensures power is diverted to the other wheel.
EfficientDynamics. The BMW EfficientDynamics technology employed in the new BMW X1 includes intelligent energy management. Brake Energy Regeneration enables efficient power generation for the on-board power supply. The Electric Power Steering and on-demand fuel and coolant pumps work with maximum efficiency, while shorter glow phases reduce the amount of energy required when starting the diesel engines. The Optimum Shift Indicator and Auto Start Stop function are also part of the standard specification for the new BMW X1.
ECO PRO mode—activated via the Driving Experience Control switch—also allows drivers of new BMW X1 models with eight-speed Steptronic transmission to make use of the coasting function. At speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31–99 mph), the powertrain is disengaged as soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator. Further efficiency gains have been achieved with items including reduced-friction wheel bearings and tyres with lower rolling resistance.
EfficientLightweight. An intelligent mix of materials for the body structure and chassis components of the new BMW X1 allows increased agility, lower vibrations and enhanced safety to be combined with optimized vehicle weight. The targeted use of hot- stamped, high and ultra-high tensile steels enables reduced materials usage yet also significantly improved torsional rigidity and strength. Like the hood, the bumper supports and wheel swivel bearings—among other areas of the car—are made from aluminum.
The weight of the chassis has been reduced by the deployment of components such as tube-shaped anti-roll bars, output shafts and damper piston rods, plus the increased use of aluminum. The integrated BMW EfficientLightweight concept also contains solutions for construction details, such as the production of steel with optimized material strength—in the form of tailored rolled blanks—for the front bulkhead and B- pillar support beams.
ConnectedDrive. The second generation BMW X1 also brings significant advances in the field of intelligent connectivity over its predecessor. The new selection of options designed to optimize comfort; safety and the use of infotainment functions, such as the Head-Up Display, take their cues from those available from other BMW Sports Activity Vehicles.
BMW ConnectedDrive features on the new BMW X1 now include the newest BMW Head-Up Display which projects driving-related activities directly onto the windshield. The optional high-resolution 8.8-inch Control Display with touchpad controller will host BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services and provide Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information. As an option, a high-resolution 6.5-inch screen navigation with BMW Online, BMW Apps, Remote Services, Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is also available. By adding to the functionality of the infotainment system the new BMW X1 allows for increased safety by simultaneously providing greater comfort, all based on user selection.
The Navigation option assists route guidance on the standard Control Display with direction arrows and sophisticated map graphics, including views from various angles. With the standard multifunction steering wheel, the destination can also be entered by voice command. Another, in many respects pioneering option is the Navigation system, which comprises a bigger 8.8-inch Control Display, an instrument cluster with extended features, including a split-screen function as well as the BMW Head-Up Display.
This system allows High Guidance instructions including lane recommendations to be shown in the instrument cluster’s TFT display or projected onto the windshield, as desired. The BMW Head-Up Display projects this and other information directly into the driver’s field of view, allowing him or her to register the information without having to divert their gaze from the road ahead. The graphics are displayed using the full spectrum of colors. The 8.8-inch Control Display in conjunction with the standard multifunction steering wheel destination also allow for info input by voice command.
Driver Assistance Plus. The camera-based assistance systems available for the new BMW X1 ensure greater assurance and safety in different driving situations. The Driver Assistance Plus package encompasses Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Automatic High Beams, as well as Frontal Collision Warning with Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation. In addition to these functions, the Driver Assistance Plus package also features the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function. Park Distance Control and the Rear-View Camera are part of the Driver Assistance Package that transfers images onto the Control Display, making precise and comfortable parking maneuvers that much easier. Parking Assistant is included with the Driver Assistance Package and also helps the driver to find and make use of parallel parking spaces.
BMW ConnectedDrive Services and apps. The ConnectedDrive Services option enables the use of the BMW Online internet portal via the SIM card embedded in the vehicle, as well as the integration of smartphone apps into the car. Standard features also include BMW Assist eCall and BMW Teleservices. The steadily growing selection of smartphone apps comprises web radio functions as well as the use of social network services such as Facebook and Twitter or services like Spotify, Life 360, iHeartRadio among many more.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Full marks for the weight reductions and improved fuel efficiencies, but on the whole just another classic BMW over-complicated and, probably, overpriced toy for the well-heeled to get them to the ski-fields. I do not see anybody ever trying to get a pair of these through the Darien Isthmus in central America.
Posted by: Peterww | 15 June 2015 at 07:04 AM