The luxury crossover BMW X1 is expected to appear in facelifted form at April's 2012 New York Auto Show, before going on sale this fall as a 2013 model. This prototype for the facelifted X1 was spotted testing in its pajamas in Northern Europe this past winter.
The X1 has been on sale in other parts of the globe for several years, including in Canada, but has been excluded from the U.S. due to strong demand, particularly in Europe, and an unfavorable exchange rate differential between the U.S. dollar and euro. After several broken promises, it appears the X1 is now finally ready to entice U.S. audiences, according to Motor Authority.
The X1 in the U.S. is expected to feature a sole powertrain option, the brilliant turbocharged and direct-injected 2-liter TwinPower engine found in the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive281 and 2012 BMW 328i. Peak output should be 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Matched to this engine will be a six-speed manual as standard, with an eight-speed automatic remaining an option. All-wheel drive should also be fitted as standard.––Paul Duchene
