2016 BMW X1

The all-new 2016 BMW X1 is available in a single trim level, the xDrive28i, that can be enhanced by à la carte options and more comprehensive option packages. The all-wheel drive X1 is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Base pricing starts at $34,800 plus a $995 destination and handling charge.

Package pricing varies, but highlights include:

• M Sport Package with sport automatic transmission, aerodynamic kit, M steering wheel, sport seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and more.
• Technology Package that includes remote services, real-time traffic information, navigation, head-up display, and enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus smartphone integration.
• A Luxury Package that upgrades wood accent and leather seating materials.
• And a Premium Package that adds a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, satellite radio, a garage-door opener and more.

BMW actually refers to the X1 as a “sports activity vehicle” boasting equal parts fun and utility. It's hard to argue with this logic. The X1 has a sport-tuned suspension, crisp steering and a fairly potent 2-liter turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque -- enough to propel the little crossover from zero to sixty in 6.3 seconds.

The X1 may not be the ideal carpool vehicle, but with the increased interior space of the all-new 2016 model it is easier to imagine small families considering the X1 as a transitional vehicle from a 3 Series coupe.

Fuel economy is adequate in the city at 22 mpg and quite impressive on the highway -- especially considering the segment and sporty driving dynamics -- at 32 miles per gallon.

• The 300-horsepower 3-liter six-cylinder engine is gone for the 2016 model year.
• City fuel economy could be better, but isn't reason enough to scare you away from BMW's excellent performer.

One of the best features of the all-new X1 is that there is more X1 to love. The crossover is almost two inches taller and an inch wider, which means a roomier interior and more cargo space, both prerequisites in any serious crossover offering.

While there are technically five seat belts in the X1, the compact crossover is better thought of as a four-plus-one configuration. In that light, the X1 does well, offering plenty of room for everyone on board.

As you would expect from a luxury brand like BMW, the interior is well designed and the fit and finish are excellent. Sure, this is BMW’s entry level SUV and the pricing of the base model is close to what a non-luxury competitor might charge, but the manufacturer’s interior design DNA is evident throughout the cabin. Adding optional packages will up the luxury factor exponentially, but at a considerable cost.

Cargo space is greatly improved over the outgoing model. Somehow BMW worked its magic, adding three more cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats in place and seven more cubic feet when the 40/20/40 rear seats are down for a maximum of 58.7 cubic feet.

• Many of the interior goodies most buyers want are expensive options.
• The rear seat is fine for two, but a third adult will make it a tight squeeze.

The all-new 2016 BMW X1 offers a smoother and quieter ride than the outgoing model -- and much of the compact luxury crossover’s competition.

The more comfortable ride quality is at the price of sacrificing some of the 2015’s enthusiastic-oriented driving dynamics.

BMW has a reputation for creating benchmark vehicles with which other manufacturers strive to keep up. In many ways the 2016 BMW X1 fulfills that role in the compact luxury crossover segment. While larger families will likely need more interior and cargo space, the all-new X1’s cabin space is more than adequate for individuals and smaller families interested in the segment. While not the performance barn-burner that the previous model exemplified, BMW’s refinements have made the new X1 a better option for a much larger car buying audience.