BMW’s X1 xDrive28i seeks to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded compact crossover market with desired functionality, impressive fuel efficiency, and of course the dynamic driving experience expected of a BMW. This all-new, second generation premium compact crossover features updated styling for 2016, new powertrain and chassis technology, and an array of desired on-board electronics. Plus, it offers greater headroom and legroom while also increasing cargo capacity. All this comes at a starting price of $34,800, a premium over most other small crossovers but then again, this is a BMW.

Best-in-class power is delivered by a 228 horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter EfficientDynamics engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, providing the X1 xDrive28i an EPA estimated 32 highway mpg. This latest 2.0-liter modular BMW engine has an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft with an integrated balance shaft drive, low-weight pistons, forged connecting rods, friction-reduced cylinder coatings, and map-controlled oil pumps. Peak torque of 258 lb-ft is available between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. The engine connects to a lighter 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with reduced converter slip to decrease energy losses. A wider gear spread also means lower rpms at higher speeds for reduced emissions.

The BMW xDrive system in the new BMW X1 is considerably lighter with 30 percent less energy loss in normal driving. Working closely with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), it counteracts oversteer or understeer. BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand fuel and coolant pumps. ECO PRO mode allows coasting between 30-100 mph, disengaging the powertrain when a driver's foot is taken off the throttle.

Inside, the all-new X1 features a driver focused cockpit with the flat surfaces of the instrument panel and center console controls all angled toward the driver, and the choice of a 6.5 or 8.8-inch display.

The rear seatback can be split 40:20:40, with the three sections folding down individually or jointly to enhance functionality. An optional sliding and reclining rear bench has individual elements that can slide forward or back by up to five inches for seating comfort. Cargo space has been increased by more than 15 percent to 58.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

BMW ConnectedDrive features include a Head-Up Display, BMW Online, BMW Apps, and Advanced Real Time Traffic Information. Standard and available camera-based assistance systems include Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Frontal Collision Warning with Pedestrian Warning, City Collision Mitigation, Park Distance Control, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Altogether that’s about all the advanced tech you could possibly want, and BMW delivers it big time.

 

 

 

 

Computer and communication technologies are proving important in helping motorists drive more intelligently and efficiently. These high-tech strategies are increasingly being used to complement the fuel economy and emissions reductions brought by improved powerplants and vehicle electrification. On the way to the federally mandated fleet fuel economy average of 54.5 mpg, all strategies and efficiency technologies become important.

Like many other automakers,  the BMW Group is investing large amounts in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies to make traveling  more efficient, safer, and more convenient. Recently, the BMW Group presented some of its latest innovations that are part of its BMW ConnectedDrive.

BMW's Mobility Assistant, currently being tested in Berlin, can help travelers chose the best way of traveling to a destination, especially in a congested city. This iPhone app can provide information on a variety of transportation options. When a destination is entered, the Mobility Assistant displays various routes to reach the destination cost-effectively and quickly – whether by car, public transportation, or a combination of modes.

Finding a place to park can waste fuel and time. BMW's ParkatmyHouse and ParkNow provide an answer by making it easier to locate parking spaces. ParkatmyHouse is for entrepreneurs and homeowners who want to rent parking spaces, with ParkatmyHouse parking spaces at more than 20,000 locations in the United Kingdom and over 150,000 registered drivers using them. With ParkNow, drivers can book parking spaces in advance through the ParkNow website or by using the ParkNow App for smart phones. There are currently 14 ParkNow locations in the San Francisco area.

The ability to travel in city traffic without constantly stopping and starting at traffic lights means calmer and safer driving while saving fuel and reducing emissions. BMW's Traffic Light Assistant communicates with traffic lights to obtain and evaluate their timing, and then informs a driver about the optimum speed to match traffic light timing. For instance, if the light at the next intersection is projected to be red if the driver doesn't change speed, the driver would be informed early enough to brake smoothly.

Getting stuck in a traffic jam can waste lots of fuel, not to mention being a source of frustration and  even lead to road rage incidents. ConnectedDrive-equipped BMWs with RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) provides drivers with the latest information about traffic conditions, enabling drivers to select routes with less congestion, thus saving time, emissions, and fuel.      

Updated every three minutes, RTTI indicates five levels of traffic flow including flowing normally,  slow-moving traffic, heavy traffic, congested, or gridlocked.

BMW is also developing BMW ConnectedRide, a version of BMW ConnectedDrive for BMW motorcycles. Currently, the emphasis is on safety with features like Left Turn Assistant, Traffic Light Assistant, Collision Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The motorcyclist would be alerted about adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, snow, and ice, which are all much greater hazards for motorcycle riders. The cyclist could also be warned about other hazards like an oil slick, loose gravel, potholes, or an obstacle in the road. Warnings could be presented via a heads-up display in the windscreen.