The model update for the BMW X1 has imbued an already deeply handsome exterior with even greater aesthetic allure.
The latest PHEV technology
The BMW X1 xDrive25e - due to enter production in March 2020 - will be fitted with the latest, fourth-generation BMW PHEV technology which initially proved its mettle in the BMW i8. This provides an excellent illustration of the transfer of technology between BMW i models and other BMW vehicles.
The high-voltage batteries used in these models are developed and produced independently by the BMW Group, its lithium-ion cells produced exclusively based on specifications defined by the company. The fourth-generation battery has a gross energy content of 9.7 kWh, and its benefits include a longer operating range. The BMW X1 xDrive25e will be able to cover more than 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone. The BMW TwinPower Turbo engine - which generates output of 92 kW (125 hp) and peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) - will power the front wheels, while the electric drive system with rated output of 70 kW (95 hp) and torque of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) will channel its power to the rear wheels. The interplay of the two power sources produces an intelligent, part-electric version of BMW xDrive all-wheeldrive technology.
Drivers can select from three drive modes to suit the situation at hand. The default AUTO eDRIVE strikes an effective balance of electric/non-electric operation, while MAX eDRIVE maximises electric driving and SAVE BATTERY conserves the high-voltage battery's charge for later on in the journey. The plug-in hybrid system can be charged easily from a conventional plug socket or extremely handily and rapidly using a BMW Wallbox. The electric charging flap for the BMW X1 xDrive25e is sited on the side panel.
The design of the new BMW X1 strengthens its case as every inch the authentic, powerful and dynamic Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The front end, in particular, has a more muscular, dominant and imposing presence, as evidenced by the new, larger BMW grille - whose kidneys now merge in the middle - and the sharper light iconography of the new LED headlights. Added to which, the front bumper now displays an even more dynamic use of forms. It boasts integral LED foglamps and all model variants feature larger air intakes, underscoring the sporting genes of the BMW X1.
Exterior mirrors with an X projection
Another highlight (in the true sense of the word) can be found at the driver's side exterior mirror, which projects a two-tone LED "X1" image when the car is unlocked. But this "welcome show", which also includes illumination of the door handle recess, is far from just a visual trick; it also makes getting into and out of the BMW X1 that much simpler by making it easier to spot obstacles such as bumps or puddles. This function is part of the optional lighting package.
Stylistic changes have also been carried out to the rear of the BMW X1, with the rear apron making a particularly vivid impression. The redesigned inlays here are a standard feature and adopt the body colour of the BMW X1, which gives the rear end as a whole an even greater feeling of class and coherence. On Sport Line cars, the rear apron's underbody protection is now finished in High-gloss Black.
Eye-catching LED rear lights and tailpipes
The optional LED rear lights of the BMW X1 likewise have a new design, a single LED bar drawing the familiar L signature from side to side. The horizontal design of the LED rear lights also underscores the width of the rear end and the muscular stance of the BMW X1 on the road.
Another head-turning feature of the BMW X1 is the new exhaust tailpipes. Their diameter has increased from 70 mm to 90 mm, advertising the power of the three- and four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engines and hinting at the driving pleasure they conjure up. The four-cylinder variants get twin tailpipes.
Three new exterior colours, four new wheel designs
Also newly available for the BMW X1 are the exterior colour shades Jucaro Beige metallic, Misano Blue metallic (for the M Sport model) and the ultraexclusive BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic.
The BMW X1 comes as standard with 17-inch wheels, while the model update adds four new wheel designs to the options list: 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Style 578 with black rims and Style 579 (for the xLine model), new Style 580 19-inch light-alloy wheels and - exclusively for the M Sport model - Style 816M 19-inch light-alloy items. This wheel design can also be specified as an option with M Sport brakes, which showcase the motor racing pedigree of BMW M GmbH and provide top-drawer braking performance. The M Sport brakes have fixed callipers at the front axle, larger discs than the standard items and coloured callipers. This high-performance braking system ensures excellent stopping ability in all conditions, as well as increased thermal stability and resistance to fade
New look for the M Sport model
The design of the BMW X1 M Sport already exudes a familiar athleticism, thanks to M Sport suspension (which brings a ten-millimetre drop in ride height), BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim with extended features (est. available from November 2019) and the M Aerodynamics package. The front apron, side skirts, wheel arch trim, diffuser and cladding on the BMW X1 M Sport come in body colour.
The newly designed front end adds an extra dose of fuel to the car's dynamic aesthetic. Particularly eye-catching here are features such as air intakes for the newly designed bumper (with Air Curtain technology) that are even larger than on the other model variants, plus the striking BMW kidney grille. These combine with the standard-fitted 18-inch light-alloy wheels or optional 19-inch items to create an undeniably dynamic appearance for the BMW X1 M Sport that embodies the M genes to near-flawless effect.
Driving dynamics
The BMW X1 demonstrates its qualities most prominently while on the move. The heartbeat of the new model is supplied by a spread of three- and four-cylinder engines. Efficient and sporty in equal measure, their power is translated - via BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive or a cutting-edge frontwheel-drive configuration, depending on the model variant - into dynamic performance on the road and supreme driving pleasure over rough terrain.
All engines with EU6d / EU6d-temp approval
The model update brings all of the petrol and diesel engines offered for the BMW X1 into line with the EU6d-temp exhaust emissions standard (the BMW X1 sDrive16d and BMW X1 xDrive25d already fulfil the EU6d norm). The SAV is therefore future-proofed from the word go, ahead of the introduction of the new standards. The EU6d norm doesn't come into force for new diesel cars in the EU, for example, until 2021.
Leading the way in the efficiency stakes is the BMW X1 sDrive16d, which will be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Combined fuel consumption with the manual option is just 4.4 - 4.1 l/100 km (64.2 - 68.9 mpg imp) and combined CO2 emissions come in at 116 - 107 g/km. If the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is specified, the figures are 4.4 - 4.2 l/100 km (64.2 - 67.3 mpg imp) and 116 - 109 g CO2/km. The entry-level sDrive16d uses its 85 kW (116 hp) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds. A key factor here is its remarkable torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), on tap as early as 1,750 rpm.
And yet the entry-level sDrive16d also uses its 85 kW (116 hp) to deliver eye catching performance. The sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) is dispatched in only 11.5 seconds. A key factor here is its impressive torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), on tap across a wide engine speed range from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm.
Majoring on sports performance is the BMW X1 xDrive25d, which develops maximum output of 170 kW (231 hp) and torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) - available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. Whatever the situation, the xDrive25d radiates BMW's signature driving pleasure. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a rapid 6.6 seconds.