Financing Sunroof Leather Steptronic Trans Heated Seats Bluetooth Phone System on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Next BMW X1 moving to smaller, lighter FWD-biased platform

BMW's decision to make the upcoming 2-Series Active Tourer front-wheel drive has been polarizing to say the least, but like it or not, that is the direction the company will go in the near future - one rumor put the number as high as 23 front-wheel-drive models for Mini and BMW combined. The next-generation X1 won't send all its power to the front wheels, though, when it launches in early 2016. While it will use the same platform as the Active Tourer, rumors suggest all models will use all-wheel drive - at least at launch.
A "high-ranking," unnamed BMW manager confirmed to AutoWeek that the new model will switch to transversely-mounted three- and four-cylinder engines and the same six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions as the Active Tourer. The new, smaller platform will allow for more efficient packaging, and despite the smaller size, interior space will remain comparable. All the changes should make it significantly lighter too.
Don't start wailing just yet because BMW surely won't be entirely abandoning sporty models. AutoWeek claims that the Bavarians are working on a higher-output version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with power closer to 300 horsepower, about a 72-hp boost. It's also rumored to offer a sporty version of the X1 that may be called the X2.

2015 BMW X6 stays the course with more power, RWD model

What would this world be without the BMW X6? Oh, sure, the whole coupe-crossover design trend surely would have started somewhere, but BMW was the first, launching its odd duck back in 2008. Much as we like to harp on the X6 (for being less functional and more expensive than the X5 on which it's based), people around the world sure do seem to like the thing, BMW having sold some 250,000 examples since the CUV's birth. And as you first saw thanks to leaked images this morning, the second-generation X6 has just arrived.
The shape is familiar, as are specific styling elements like the larger headlamps (now available with a full-LED treatment) and taillamps, mimicking those found on the X5. Two trims are available - xLine and M Sport - the former taking a more subdued approach, while the latter uses the traditionally bulgy and aggressive M-badged kit, with larger air intakes and matte aluminum grille bars. All X6s come standard with 19-inch wheels, and 20s are optional.
Regardless of trim, BMW will now offer the X6 in three guises here in the United States: sDrive35i, xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Dissecting the nomenclature, that means the first two models will be powered by BMW's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, good for 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The sDrive X6 uses rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive, of course, uses all-wheel drive. Moving up, the xDrive50i uses the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as its predecessor, though power has been increased to 450 hp and 480 lb-ft. All X6 models are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and BMW says that the new powertrains are more efficient than before, though official fuel economy numbers have not yet been released.

BMW 1 Series sedan prepares to fight Mercedes CLA, Audi A3

The entry-level premium sedan segment is pretty hot right now, with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class doing well for their respective automakers here in the US. Of course, BMW has its 2 Series, but that's currently only available as a coupe, with a convertible bodystyle forthcoming. That all looks to change, however, as our spies recently caught BMW testing a four-door 1 Series sedan that seems to have the A3 and CLA clear in its sight.
BMW's entry-level four-door is expected to ride on the same front-wheel-drive UKL platform that we recently spied in Mini Countryman form. We're pretty sure this thing will launch under the 1 Series line (odds for sedans and wagons, evens for coupes and convertibles), but it's anyone's guess with BMW - after all, the five-door, front-drive Active Tourer wears a 2 Series nameplate.
Look for the 1 Series sedan to launch sometime in 2016 as a 2017 model. Better late than never in the entry-lux segment, we suppose.