Is the 2016 BMW X1 rear-wheel drive?

[CamilaRose]

The 2016 BMW X1 is not rear-wheel drive; starting from the 2016 model, the BMW X1 became a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The 2016 BMW X1 is a compact SUV with body dimensions of: length 4565mm, width 1821mm, height 1624mm, a wheelbase of 2780mm, a fuel tank capacity of 61 liters, and a curb weight of 1550kg. The 2016 BMW X1 features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 136 PS, a maximum power of 100 kW, and a maximum torque of 220 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[HarperLee]

I remember when I first got interested in the 2016 BMW X1, I also thought it still had the traditional rear-wheel-drive layout. In reality, this generation of the model has switched to a transverse front-wheel-drive platform, so the base version is front-wheel drive. The chassis code for this generation is F48, and BMW fitted it with the UKL front-wheel-drive architecture to free up more rear passenger space. However, BMW was clever enough to retain the xDrive all-wheel-drive version, which is noticeably more stable than regular front-wheel drive when cornering in the rain. The base version is light and agile to drive, but don’t expect it to drift like a rear-wheel-drive BMW. If your budget allows, going for the all-wheel-drive version is more versatile, especially in northern winters where it proves quite practical.

[OGrant]

As someone who has driven the older X1 daily, I noticed a significant difference in the steering feel of the 2016 model. After researching, I learned that the chassis underwent a major overhaul, switching from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. The base model is front-wheel drive, with a turning radius half a meter smaller than the older version, making it much more convenient for navigating narrow alleys in traffic. However, the xDrive version can automatically distribute power when wheels slip, providing more confidence in rain or snow. I recommend focusing on the differences between the two drivetrain layouts during a test drive: front-wheel drive offers more direct throttle response, while all-wheel drive feels more composed over speed bumps. Don’t be fooled by the appearance—this generation of X1 looks like a rear-wheel-drive car but isn’t.

[LeEverly]

I've studied the chassis structure of the 2016 X1 and can confirm that this generation switched from rear-wheel drive to a front-wheel-drive platform. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension with front-mounted engine is a standard FWD layout, sharing technology with Mini. However, BMW cleverly optimized it - the steering play is much less than typical FWD cars, and body roll during cornering is well controlled. If you opt for xDrive, the rear axle can receive up to 50% power, which is sufficient for light off-roading. Actually, the FWD configuration offers noticeable fuel efficiency advantages - it saves about 1L/100km compared to RWD in urban commuting.

[SanLola]

I was quite surprised by my colleague's 2016 X1 purchased last year. When sitting in the rear seats, I noticed the legroom was a fist larger than the older model. Flipping through the manual revealed the secret lies in the drivetrain: the front-wheel-drive layout saves space by eliminating the driveshaft tunnel, resulting in a completely flat floor that's genuinely comfortable. However, it's worth noting that the standard front-wheel-drive version occasionally experiences front-wheel slippage during steep hill starts, especially when fully loaded. If you frequently drive on mountain roads, it's better to opt for the xDrive version - its rear-wheel intervention demonstrates very intelligent power distribution. During maintenance, the mechanic mentioned the front-wheel-drive structure is simpler, with half-shaft replacements being 30% cheaper than rear-wheel-drive models.