2017 BMW X1: What's Changed
CARS.COM
- Most significant changes: New sDrive28i model has front-wheel drive and a transverse-mounted engine, two firsts for BMW.
- Price change: Base price is unchanged on the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i at $35,795 (including a $995 destination charge); front-drive sDrive28i is $2,000 cheaper.
- On sale: Late summer.
- Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017, if you can accept the idea of a front-drive Bimmer and want to save money on an sDrive model. If not, the bigger discounts will be on 2016s.
When most car companies introduce a front-drive version of an SUV in the U.S., it’s no big deal. But when it’s a BMW, it’s welterschütternd — earth shattering — news, at least for purists who believe the brand should remain true to its rear-drive roots.
BMW is breaking out of its traditional mold for 2017 with the X1 sDrive28i, which has front-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mounted transversely instead of longitudinally, as in other BMWs.
Related: More BMW News
The automaker says that front-wheel drive and positioning the engine in an east-west layout frees up more space in the subcompact X1, which competes in a crowded and hotly competitive segment. Rear legroom increases by nearly 1.5 inches (and 2.6 inches with the optional sliding rear seat) and cargo room grows by 3 cubic feet.
The front-drive X1 also should have a slight fuel economy advantage over the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i, though 2017 EPA estimates weren’t available. The 2016 xDrive model has estimates of 22/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined.
Other changes for 2017 on the X1 are more routine: The M Sport package will include the M sport suspension and sport seats will be offered as a stand-alone option.
As with most BMWs, the X1 leaves a lot of desirable features on the options list and gets pricey (as in the $50,000 range) when you load it up. It also delivers a lot of utility in a small package and the new front-drive model adds even more.
