Next generation 2015 BMW X1 Crossover could go front wheel drive by sharing platform with Mini range

The next generation BMW X1 crossover is due in 2015. The crossover, which is a hot seller for the German luxury car brand across the world could share its platform with the Mini range, which means that the crossover could dump its existing rear wheel drive layout to go front wheel drive. A front wheel drive also means that the next generation 2015 BMW X1 will be lighter, while also being cheaper to produce. While it is too early to speculate on whether the cost benefits will be passed on to the car buyer, this bit of speculation provides an inkling about BMW’s plans for the future.

2013 BMW X1 Crossover used as an illustration

That BMW could share the platform of the new X1 with the likes of the Mini Countryman and the 1GT car range means that like its other Teuton rivals like Audi and Mercedes Benz, the world’s leading luxury car brand will also embrace a common platform across a range of its car models. The new platform is expected to use a front wheel drive layout, making for better fuel economy, lower weight and lower production costs. However, the new X1 is expected to retain the 4 wheel drive layout along with its front wheel drive underpinnings.

The transverse mounting of the engine is another possibility in the next generation X1 and doing so is said to result in more capacious interiors. Currently, the space on the BMW X1′s rear seat is nothing to write home about and the crossover could definitely do with more space at the rear. So, the new transverse engine layout is a good way to increase overall volume of the cabin, thus allowing the designers to liberate more room at the rear. Speculation also suggests that the next generation X1 could use 4 cylinder engines instead of the 3 cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engine range that the brand has developed for its new range of entry level cars.

All in all, a common platform is the only way that BMW can survive and thrive in the face of heightened competition. A common platform will allow BMW to price its entry level range quite competitively while also giving it the opportunity to pare down on production costs to improve profitability. For instance, Mercedes Benz has the MFA architecture that underpins its entry level range while Audi has the MQB platform that is used by the likes of the Audi A3 hatchback and sedan, apart from other Volkswagen and Skoda models.

Via Autocar.co.uk