2016 BMW X1 First Look Review

See All 28 Photos28

As the new Lexus NX blows past a BMW X3 and the rest of the competition in aMotor TrendBig Test comparison, the German automaker is fighting back. The new 2016 BMW X1 crossover arrives in dealers this fall with a new look, improved efficiency, cool tech, and a more spacious interior. The outgoing X1 serves as the lowest-priced model in BMW's car and crossover lineup. Will the new 2016 X1 attract more customers to the brand?

The 2016 X1's case starts strong, even if the new BMW doesn't have as much power as the outgoing model. Under the hood of the 2016 X1 xDrive28i is a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four with 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2015 model's 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. The new X1 again uses an eight-speed automatic, but a lower-cost, rear-drive sDrive28i model is gone, as is the U.S.-special, 300-hp xDrive35i. The new X1 is said to ride on the Mini's front-drive-based, transverse-engine UKL platform, so don't count on a rear-drive variant returning. Still, we wouldn't be surprised to see a diesel alternative make its way into the U.S. X1 lineup before the crossover is refreshed in a few model years.

See All 28 Photos28

The most relevant power/torque comparisons with the 2016 X1 (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) aren't to the outgoing X1, but to the Audi Q3 (200 hp, 207 lb-ft) and Mercedes-Benz GLA250 (208 hp, 258 lb-ft). We'll also note that the Lexus NX 200t, which carries a base price with front- and all-wheel drive of about $1,500-$3,000 more than the outgoing X1, has 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. We tested a 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and BMW estimates the 2016 X1 xDrive28i will hit 60 in 6.3 seconds. EPA-rated fuel economy isn't yet available, but BMW claims the X1 is "significantly more efficient" and we'd expect it to come in a bit above the 2015 X1 xDrive28i's 22/32 mpg city/highway. BMW's more efficient all-wheel drive system reduces powertrain losses by about 30 percent in normal driving, and the eight-speed automatic is lighter, as well. With standard hill descent control, the xDrive all-wheel drive system can send up to 100 percent of the 228-hp turbo-four's power to the rear wheels when necessary.

See All 28 Photos28

Thanks in part to a more rigid front axle, BMW says the X1 is agile, and changes directions with precision -- we look forward to testing those claims in the real world. The Driving Dynamic Control should appear familiar to drivers of recent BMWs, with its Comfort, Sport, or Eco Pro modes that alter the responses of the accelerator pedal, steering, and on some models, the transmission. The Eco Pro mode can even disengage the powertrain when coasting at speeds of 30-100 mph.

The new 2016 BMW X1 is 1.7 inches taller than the outgoing crossover, which might help consumers think of the vehicle as more of a crossover than a small wagon. Still, with the 2016 X1 measuring in at 1.1 inches shorter and 0.9 inches narrower than the outgoing crossover, in person, few will confuse the X1 with the larger X3. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on every X1, as are power front seats, and a seven-speaker sound system. Options include real leather, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, an 8.8-inch infotainment display (replacing a 6.5-inch unit), LED headlights, a head-up display, and active safety tech including adaptive cruise control with a Stop & Go function, a pedestrian warning system, and City Collision Mitigation. A rear-view camera remains an option; along with Park Distance Control, it's available in a Driver Assistance package.

The original BMW X1 arrived in the U.S. two model years before compact luxury entries arrived from competitors including Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but being first doesn't always assure success. With a new, bigger, and more efficient X1 debuting in the U.S. after just three model years, the entry-level BMW might just have what it takes to grab back some market share from Audi, Mercedes, and Lexus.

See All 28 Photos28