Next-Gen 2016 BMW X1 to Share its FWD Platform with the 2-Series Active Tourer

It’s being reported that the next-gen 2016 BMW X1 crossover willmake a switch to the same FWD platform that is the basis for the 2015 2-Series Active Tourer.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

Last week BMW unveiled the 2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, which is the first of many future front-wheel-drive BMW models. The 2-Series Active Tourer already shares its platform with the new 2014 MINI, but now it’s being reported that the next-gen 2016 BMW X1 crossover will also make a switch to the same FWD platform.
It’s being reported that the next X1 is going to arrive sometime in early 2016 and it will be smaller and lighter than the current 3-Series based X1. Even though the 2016 X1 is going to move to the same platform as the 2-Series Active Tourer, it will reportedly only come with all-wheel-drive. But due to the switch to the new platform, the next X1 will have a transverse-engine platform, that will not have room for the current inline-six cylinder engine. Sadly that means that the next X1 will get a range of three and four cylinder engines.

Before you throw in the towel, according to some sources BMW is working on a new direct-injection 2.0L four-cylinder that will have around 300 horsepower. The next X1 is also going to spawn a sportier X2 version.

Source: Autoweek