First drive: 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i

What is it?

The 2016 BMW X1 is Munich's smallest crossover -- sports activity vehicle as BMW(with an Android Car Gps) and literally no one else likes to call it --  back for a second generation and all-new inside and out. The first-generation X1 debuted in Europe a distant six years ago, offering a reasonably fun driving experience (it was based on ye olde 3-Series, after all) and a somewhat anonymous wagon-like exterior. And at first glance, it may not seem like a whole lot has changed.

But BMW has not only completely reworked the original formula, but it has managed to improve and correct just about everything that was slightly off about the first-generation ... crossover.

The engine menu is more straightforward this time around; the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four connected to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is the only powetrain combo, and xDrive all-wheel drive is the only way to spin your wheels. That's a departure from the outgoing model, which offered a 3.0-liter inline-six along with a four-cylinder and could be had with rear-wheel drive. We're not sure if anyone is going to miss that setup here, as more traction is always a plus in the crossover segment.

So, the sole model offered for 2016 -- the X1 xDrive28i -- churns out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, enough for 0 to 60 mph sprints of 6.3 seconds. Like the model it is replacing, the xDrive28i returns 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, though the power figures themselves are down slightly, with the second-gen model losing 12 hp and a grand total of 2 lb-ft of torque compared to the first-gen model. We dare you to detect the difference in a blind test. There is a Car DVD Player that you can enjoy on the road.

The new X1 is 0.9 inch wider, though its track gains 2.5 inches in width compared to the first-gen model. The 2016 X1 is also 2 inches taller, but less than an inch shorter in overall length, with BMW also adding a not-insignificant 1.5 inches to the height of the seats. BMW has also played with the wheelbase a bit, extending it and cutting the length of the overhangs to improve the handling. Through all these subtle revisions, the automaker has managed to squeeze out more cargo room and more legroom for the passengers, with the rear-seat passengers gaining even more legroom thanks to the optional sliding rear seats. Front-seat passengers, meanwhile, gain 1.5 inches of legroom. The gain in cargo space is a little more substantial on paper (and in person), with the new X1 gaining 3.0 cubic feet for a total of 21.7 with the rear seats in their upright and locked positions. Once the driver has turned off the seatbelt sign and the passengers can move about the cabin, they can fold down the seats to enjoy 58.7 cubic feet of cargo space, as well as make use of the storage bins.

BMW has done more than shift the chairs around -- the X1 has gained ambient lighting on the dash and on the doors, in addition to offering five different leather colors. The dash has also been thoroughly redesigned, and houses the 6.5-inch iDrive screen. If installing a Car DVD, you can search EONON.