Based on a new platform, the new model replaces the previous longitudinally mounted engines with new front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder units and a newly developed BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system or front-wheel drive configuration, depending on the model variant.

At 4,439mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,598mm tall, the new model is 36mm shorter but 21mm wider and 53mm taller than its predecessor and also brings a 90mm longer wheelbase. As a result interior space is up along with boot capacity, which stands at 505 litres – up 85 litres on the first-generation X1 – rising to 1,550 litres with the standard 40:20:40-split rear seat folded. A 60:40-split rear bench is optionally available that can slide forward or back by up to 13cm. The rear backrests can now be folded electrically using a button in the boot area. As an option, the front passenger seat backrest can also be folded down. Hands-free tailgate opening and closing is also included within the Comfort Access option.

Exterior design changes bring it in line with the rest of the BMW family and see changes to the grille and headlights as well as the adoption of LED daytime running lights.

The interior feature a driver-facing instrument panel and centre console along with a 6.5-inch or, optional, 8.8-inch freestanding monitor for the iDrive operating system's Control Display.

Depending on market, two petrol engines will be available from launch, comprising the 192hp unit in the X1 xDrive20i and the two-wheel drive X1 sDrive20i and the 231hp engine in the X1 xDrive25i. Diesel engines will see the X1 sDrive18d lead the way for efficiency with combined fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.3 to 4.1l/100km and CO2 emissions of 114 to 109g/km. The other diesel units comprise a 190hp in the BMW X1 xDrive20d and 231hp in the X1 xDrive25d. These will be joined from November 2015 by the X1 sDrive18i and X1 sDrive16d variants powered by three-cylinder engines.

The X1 sDrive18d is fitted as standard with a new six-speed manual gearbox with the newly developed eight-speed Steptronic transmission available as an option – as will be the case with the sDrive18i and sDrive16d models due in November. The Steptronic is fitted as standard on all other models.

The X1 also gains an updated version of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system designed to be lighter and more efficient, and also features a completely revised chassis that now comprises single-joint strut suspension at the front and a multi-link rear axle.

The new BMW X1 is equipped as standard with Servotronic speed-sensitive steering assistance and Driving Experience Control, while a new item on the options list is Variable Sports Steering. M Sport suspension is also available as an option, featuring firmer spring and damper settings and a 10mm lower ride height. And the X1 will be offered for the first time with the option of BMW's Dynamic Damper Control system with the choice of two settings using the Driving Experience Control switch.

Standard specification includes the iDrive operating system, hands-free telephone facility and USB interface.

Other changes to the range include extensive additions to the BMW ConnectedDrive range including the Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, Parking Assistant with automatic parallel and transverse parking and navigation system with map data updating via a mobile phone connection.

The new model is produced at the BMW Plant in Regensburg, Germany and will be launched from October 2015.