'16 BMW xDrive28i

'16 BMW X1 gets a major overhaul, including an all-new front-drive-based chassis and powertrain, restyled sheetmetal and a vastly improved interior. (See related article: 

Second-row passengers see the greatest benefit, with a 1.5-ins. (38-mm) increase in legroom in base models and 2.5 ins. (63 mm) in models equipped with the optional sliding rear seat that provides up to 5.1 ins. (130 mm) of travel. Cargo room also grows 3.0 cu.-ft. (85 L) to 27.1 cu.-ft. (767 L), which BMW says is the largest in the class and similar to the cargo room in the previous-generation X3. Cargo room with the second row folded flat increases 7.0 cu.-ft. (198 L) to 58.7 cu.-ft. (1,662 L).

Exterior styling doesn’t stray too much from the previous model, but the extra height does give the vehicle a taller SUV-like presence, augmented by a bolder front fascia featuring a larger signature kidney grille and a subtle “X” crisscrossing the fascia from corner to corner.

Standard wheels are 18 in. fitted with run-flat all-season tires; 19-in. run-flat performance tires are optional.

Inside, the X1 grows up considerably, with a commanding driver-centric cockpit accented by a wide center stack canted slightly toward the driver and a center console positioned low in the cockpit to allow the shift handle to fall readily at the driver’s hand. Ambient lighting across the dashboard and in the door panels, along with high-quality wood, leather and plastics, upgrade the environment.

Strong Powertrain, Easy Driver

The xDrive28i’s initial throttle tip-in seems abrupt, but that’s just a sign the small engine is up to the task of powering this 4,720-lb. (2,141-kg) vehicle. We found ample power across the rev range. When the powertrain is allowed to operate without manual-shift intervention, it often runs in third gear, providing plenty of pull on uphill grades and in corners without any hunting for the right ratio. While not unusual in a Jaguar V-12 of yore, it’s fairly remarkable for a small-displacement four.

We didn’t notice any lag due to EcoPro, a fuel-saving mode that allows the powertrain to fully disengage and coast at speeds between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 100 mph (161 km/h) whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator.

Though the X1 shares its underpinnings with the lower and lighter Mini, there’s no defeating physics when it comes to managing body roll in a taller and heavier vehicle. But considering the 7.2-in. (183-mm) ground clearance and high seating position, the X1 is a fairly capable handler and rides smooth and steady in the straights.

Steering is a strong point. BMW employs an electric-power steering unit that is speed-sensitive, with more effort required at higher speeds but a lighter steering effort when parking and making tight turns at low speeds.

BMW was early to the compact luxury CUV segment and its sales reflect that. The company has sold nearly 70,000 X1s in the U.S. since its launch in 2012. Early on, the X1 controlled nearly half of the small luxury CUV segment, but that share has dropped to 17% since competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz have appeared.

The ’16 xDrive28i is on sale now, starting at $35,795 (including $995 destination charge).

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'16 BMW xDrive28i Specifications

">BMW Shifts Gears With ’16 X1 CUV).