BMW's new X1 first to be based on Mini

The new, bigger version of BMW's small X1 SUV will be the first BMW sold in the U.S. that's based on the same architecture as the front-wheel-drive Mini.

The X1, which goes on sale in the fall, will be sold exclusively with all-wheel drive, at least initially.

Mini is a unit of BMW. It shows, however, how the sharing of platforms within automaking companies can migrate up to include the toniest of brands. Sharing components saves money.

Based on the progress BMW made from the first to second generation of its larger X3 SUV, shoppers can expect a major improvement from the current X1 compact. The X1 competes with luxury SUVs like the Audi Q3, Lexus NX 200 and Lincoln MKC.

The base new 2016 X1 will have slightly less power and take 0.1 second longer to reach 60 m.p.h. – 6.3 seconds – than the comparable 2015 X1. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower compared to 240 hp for the base 2015 X1. The engine's torque is nearly unchanged, falling an insignificant 2 pound-feet to 258. A new Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard.

The new X1 features a transversely mounted engine and is built on the same architecture as the front-wheel-drive Mini coupe. It's about 66 pounds lighter than the base AWD version of the 2015 X1.

BMW says the new X1 SUV will have more passenger and

BMW says the new X1 SUV will have more passenger and cargo space than the outgoing model (Photo: UWE@FISCHER)

The 2016 X1 is 1.1 inch shorter, 0.9 inch wider and 1.7 inches taller than the 2015. BMW says passenger and cargo space have both increased.

Despite those commonalities to Mini, the new X1's styling is consistent with BMW's other SUVs. It has a forward leaning stance, and a long roofline