BMW-X1-002

BMW continues to test its new BMW X1, which will make a switch from its current longitudinal engine rear wheel drive platform to a new transverse engine front wheel drive platform shared with the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. Though it's a front wheel drive platform, there will still be option for xDrive all wheel drive.

Engines available for the new X1 should be similiar to those available in the 2-Series Active Tourer - 18i, 18d 20d, and 25i engine options, with either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed auto or a new Aisin 8-speed auto. We might also see an eDrive plug-in hybrid.

Since the current generation X1 was unveiled to the world in October 2009 and got its facelift in 2012, we might see the new X1 unveiled next year, with sales to start in 2016.

Other than the 2-Series Active Tourer and this new X1, we've seen another front wheel drive car from BMW being tested that's yet to be launched. The prototype looked like a 2-Series Active Tourer at the front but is much longer and looks like it could have three rows of seats.

We're also expecting the next generation 1-Series to switch to this same front wheel drive platform, but the 1-Series still has some life in it, with a mid-life facelift due any time soon.