2016 BMW X1
The BMW X1 was a true, early entry into the subcompact luxury crossover segment. But as is often the case, those that quickly follow are able to use your blueprint and improve upon it. Thus a new X1 has now been unleashed on the entry-level luxury loving streets of upscale suburbia. But there’s more new here than meets the eye.
The 2016 BMW X1 may not look all that unique from its predecessor; but it is indeed vastly different, riding on all-new architecture, and a front-wheel-drive based one at that.
Surely blasphemy to the BMW faithful. It’s all about baby steps, folks. BMW has already gotten you addicted to their SUVs, and now they slip in the front-drive architecture.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the reasons for that change; to drive costs down thanks to platform sharing with MINI, while bringing interior space up.
And there is indeed more room, especially in the back seat; but don’t expect midsize space here, it still feels smallish.
There’s also a bit more cargo space, climbing from 25.0 to 27.1 cubic-ft.; accessed by a standard power lift gate. Hands free operation is an option making the X1 a much more practical vehicle.
And we do like our practicality, as does BMW; giving us functionality plusses like the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats that slide and recline; as well as fold almost fully flat to expand the space to 58.7 cubic-ft.
All of the additional space wasn’t really a necessity, but it is much appreciated, making the X1 one of the roomiest in its class; now just about the perfect size for families either starting out or nearing the empty nester phase.
Still, the X1 retains that intimate feel that we love in a BMW, being surrounded by a luxury-clad, competently sporty vehicle. And not only are all materials inside improved, but everything seems more upscale in operation.
Well, everything except the front seats, that is. They are small, narrow, and uncomfortable almost to the point of being a deal breaker. And you definitely want to think twice about seats this light in color if kids are in your foreseeable future.
The X1 is initially available only in a single xDrive28i model. So despite a front-drive type chassis, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. As does an 8-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels. Plenty of add-ons like head-up display and advanced safety features are available.
Though I6 power is offered no more; only a 2.0-liter turbo I4. Still, 228–horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque easily puts it among class best.
We tried to make it sweat, but it responded by continuously delivering smooth and buzz-free trips to 60 in 6.3-seconds. It’s quite torquey off the line, with some front wheel spin before the rears kick in to compensate.
Gear changes were quick and firm, accompanied by a nice exhaust rasp throughout the 14.8-second ¼-mile run, which we completed at 94 miles-per-hour.
Even with the shift to a front-drive chassis, handling remains very rear-drive BMW-like. That’s not a big surprise, since this platform already deals out plenty of fun in the MINI Cooper. And, with all-wheel drive standard, it’s almost a guarantee that most buyers will not be able to tell the switch in chassis design.
Though we certainly could sense some additional understeer; body roll was kept well in check.
111–foot average stops from 60 is certainly not bad either, but braking performance was not quite up to the par we had in mind. Stops were inconsistent and the pedal felt soft with a fair amount of travel.
The X1 does appear more SUVish than before, and much better looking overall. But like most of the European crossover entries in this segment, still a little too “wagony” for our tastes.
Most every dimension has increased, except for length; minus-1 overall, while the wheelbase shrinks by 3½-inches to 105.1.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 22-City, 32-Highway, and 26-Combined. Our average was just 24.8 miles-per-gallon of Premium. Still, that makes for a better than average Energy Impact Score of 12.7-barrels of annual oil use with 5.7-tons of CO2 emissions.
X1 base pricing is a reasonable $35,795; but you can easily tack on another 10-grand in optional packages.
Oddly enough, going against just about everything BMW stands for, has made the 2016 BMW X1 one of our favorite BMWs; especially if you look at is as a sporty 5-door, not as an entry-level crossover.
It may not be the most capable or comfortable mini-ute on the market, but as you can expect, it’s one of the most fun. BMW has addressed anything we didn’t like before, as well as taken almost everything that we did like about the previous gen X1 and made it better. And most importantly, given us more of it.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 liter Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 228
- Torque: 258 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds @ 94 mph
- EPA: 22 mpg city/ 32 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 12.7 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.7 tons/yr
- Transmission: 8 spd automatic
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
New Platform, New Level Of Tech…Still Feels Like An Audi
The Q6 e-tron is not Audi’s first EV; they’ve been in the game since the original e-tron arrived for 2019. But it is the first one to arrive on an all-new premium platform electric architecture. So, time for us to get to work and find out if it’s a foundation that Audi can truly build on.
It’s an interesting time in the auto biz, that’s for sure, as no one is really certain what the future holds for internal combustion engines or even EVs at this point. Audi is of course part of the Volkswagen Group who made a massive investment in BEVs as they emerged from Dieselgate. We continue to enjoy driving the results, the latest of which is this 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.
Even though it shares Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric basics with the Porsche Macan EV, the overall driving experience is similar to the rest of the Audi utility lineup, more so than any previous e-tron EV. Next-gen electric motor design means the standard rear-drive setup gets 302 horsepower from a permanently excited synchronous AC motor. All-wheel drive add an asynchronous AC motor up front for a total 422-horsepower output. Both motors are about 30% smaller and weigh around 20% less than previous e-tron motors.
Range estimates are as high as 321 miles. Our dual-motor setup with 20-inch wheels and 100-kWh battery is rated for 295 miles. A test loop found 260 miles to be more realistic. 800-volt architecture and 270-kW fast charging can fill the battery to 80% in just over 20 minutes. And using 35-kWh of electricity per 100 miles earns a good efficiency rating.
While 422 horsepower is the official rating, there’s a peak of 456 horsepower on hand when using Audi’s launch control. And launch is the appropriate term, as we blasted to 60 in just 4.6 seconds at our Mason Dixon test track. After a big jolt off the line, power continued to build going down the track, with no signs of it tapering off before we finished the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 108 mph.
We also got a chance to hit the track with the Q6’s swole sibling, the SQ6. It cranks out 509 horsepower with launch control, and ripped to 60 in just 3.9 seconds and through the quarter in 12.4 at 112 mph.
Bargain hunters have long known that many Audis unlock Porsche-style high performance for less, and that surely feels like it here. Both the Q6 quattro and the SQ6 felt incredibly nimble in our handling course, with minimal understeer and tremendous grip. Steering was quick and responsive. The SQ6 comes with an adaptive air suspension that can also be added to the Q6 quattro. The biggest benefit seemed to be more away from the track, feeling smoother over irregular pavement. During panic braking runs in the Q6 quattro, there was a nice firm pedal, and quick stops in just 100 feet from 60. There was a good bit of nosedive and be prepared for the seat belt to squeeze you like an anaconda.
As more and more EVs arrive, we also see lots of new active and ambient lighting setups, something that Audi was pioneering before the EV revolution. And if nothing else, the Q6’s can keep you and others entertained while you’re sitting at the charging station. And of course, you can monitor charging status and everything else through Audi’s latest virtual cockpit.
Interior dimensions have the Q6 falling firmly in the midsize luxury segment, though it doesn’t feel that much smaller than the Q8. Audi owners will definitely notice the all-new Digital Stage infotainment setup. This Android-based system is part of a new E3 1.2 electronic architecture that will be used in all future Audis. It’s fully integrated with all vehicle functions, boasting more computer power than ever, along with the ability to seamlessly update just about every electronic function of the vehicle over the air. Here in the Q6, there’s a central 14.5-inch touchscreen for driver interaction, along with an available 10.9-inch display for the front passenger.
Pricing starts with the rear-drive Q6 at $65,095, quattros just two-grand more at $67,095; with the SQ6 quattro starting at $74,195.
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is more than just another great EV from Audi. It’s truly a next level BEV that not only sets a new benchmark for the Audi brand, but sets them up nicely going forward, as this new platform provides a highly flexible high-tech launching pad for more great Audis to come.
Specifications
Q6 e-tron
- Motor Setup: Dual Motor
- Battery Size: 100-kWh
- Horsepower: 422
- EPA: up to 295 miles
- Peak Charging: 270-kW
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.2 seconds at 108 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 100 feet
- EV Test Loop: ~ 260 miles
SQ6 e-tron
- Horsepower: 509
- EPA: 273 miles
- 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.4 seconds at 112 mph