The sporty model will go on sale at the end of year
The new X1’s platform will also be used by BMW’s upcoming X2 — a more overtly sporting model due to be previewed in concept form in early 2016 before the start of UK sales late next year.
BMW officials have already confirmed to Autocar that the X2 will follow the example of the larger X4 and X6 in receiving a uniquely styled steel body.
It will feature a five-door layout, with its tailgate set at a more extreme angle than that of the more practical X1 to give it a coupé-like silhouette.
Like the new X1, the X2 will initially be offered with a range of four-cylinder engines, with the likelihood of more economical three-cylinder units being added to the line-up within the first 12 months.
They will be mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox in combination with front or four-wheel drive.
The X2 will be produced alongside the new X1 at BMW’s Regensburg factory in Germany.
The first-generation X1 was built alongside the 1 Series and 3 Series at the company’s Leipzig plant.
However, increasing demand for key models and the establishment of production lines for the i3 electric car and i8 hybrid sports car at that site has forced BMW to reorganise its strategy.
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