The next-generation BMW X1 -- scheduled to hit showroom floors in 2015 as a 2016 model -- is slowly revealing itself as testing continues on public roads. Although the Germans have yet to ditch the heavy camouflage covering the compact crossover,->ke288 we have all of the other recently unveiled Bimmers that give us hints as to what we can expect from the X1. In short, the upcoming X1->ke2474 isn't much of a mystery as far as styling goes. And thanks to our trusty paparazzi, we now get a glimpse of the vehicle's revised interior, which leaves us with the engine compartment as the X1's main enigma.

We expect the redesigned crossover to receive an engine lineup that includes 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter mills with three and four cylinders respectively. The latter will come in both gasoline and diesel guises, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. A ZF-sourced, eight-speed automatic is likely as well. The 2016 X1 won't make its global debut until the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 but we should see the uncamouflaged vehicle sooner than that. Until then, let's have a look at the crossover's interior after the break.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 BMW X1.

Spy Shots

Not surprising, the X1 sports an interior similar to the 2 Series Active Tourer's. I say "not surprising," because it seems all BMWs using the UKL front-wheel-drive platform are set to receive the same cabin design. The 1 Series Sedan's cabin we saw earlier this month also comes to confirm the FWD platform is accompanied by its very own interior bits.

Compared to the current X1, the differences are quite noticeable. The buttons on the center console and the main display are larger, while the area behind the gear shift lever has been redesigned. It also now includes a bigger storage box.

On the other hand, the dashboard configuration remains largely unchanged, a further hint that visual changes are more of the facelift variety. Same goes for the steering wheel, which retains its three-spoke configuration and button layout.

Naturally, the new X1 will boast a roomier cabin, with increased legroom both front and rear. Some extra shoulder and headroom should be offered in the rear as well, but I wouldn't expect massive improvements in that department.

Why it matters

Granted, the next-generation X1 won't be a major departure from the current crossover as far as styling goes. Sure, the UKL platform means power will be spinning the front wheels on non-AWD models, but other than that, and the fact that the entry-level model will get a 1.5-liter three-banger, the X1 will remain the familiar crossover we all know. What's important here is that BMW is seemingly looking to set UKL models apart from its rear-wheel-drive vehicles by means of interior styling as well, and the X1 is among the first to showcase this new strategy.

Secondly, the fact that BMW isn't planning a major overhaul is far from surprising. The X1 is hugely popular in the compact crossover segment and it wouldn't make sense to significantly alter a vehicle that's already a sales success.

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