Facelifted BMW X1 adds plug-in hybrid 29 | 05 | 2019

BMW HAS UNVEILED its facelifted version of the X1. In addition to new technology and an updated look, for the first time the German carmaker’s entry-level SUV will a include  plug-in hybrid powertrain. All models — apart from the PHEV — are available to order now from Scottish dealerships, with prices starting at £28,795. First deliveries are scheduled for mid-July. The xDrive25e plug-in hybrid goes on-sale from March 2020. (Related: BMW reveals 2019 3 Series)

The facelifted X1 now benefits from redesigned LED lights, a larger kidney grille, and a new bumper, plus a new a single LED bar across the tailgate. There’s also new two-tone LED puddle lights for the door mirrors; these project an ’X1’ image on to the ground below. The new range also introduces three new exterior colours and four new wheel designs.

Model line-up:

There are four model variants: SE, Sport, xLine and M Sport and each stands apart with its own unique looks and equipment to match. Newly available for the BMW X1 are the exterior colour shades Jucaro metallic. Exclusively for xLine and M Sport models are the new Misano Blue metallic and BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic. (Related: BMW i3 upgraded with more range)

The BMW X1 SE comes as standard with 17in wheels, while the model update adds four new wheel designs to the options list. Sport adds 18in double-spoke light-alloy wheels, xLine has standard-fit 18in bi-colour light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style, while M Sport models come with 18in bi-colour M double-spoke light alloy wheels. The 19in light alloy wheels are optionally available on Sport and xLine models.

For M Sport models, for the first time on the X1, there is an M Sport Plus pack available as an option which includes unique 19in light alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, Sun Protection Glass, M Sport Steering, M Sport Seat Belts and Harman Kardon upgraded speaker system. (Related: Scots dealer is BMW UK No1)

There’s a new look for the M Sport version, which now comes equipped with upgraded M Sport suspension and the M Aerodynamics package. It also features heated front seats, folding exterior mirrors, extended lighting as well as Dakota Leather upholstery as standard. The front apron, side skirts, wheel arch trim, diffuser and cladding on the BMW X1 M Sport come in body colour.

Interior:

Inside, the cabin gets BMW’s latest ConnectedDrive technology plus some new trim. The BMW X1 comes with the automatic tailgate operation as standard, which allows it to be opened and closed electrically. Hands-free tailgate opening and closing is also available, courtesy of the Comfort Access option. This allows shopping bags, for example, to be loaded directly into the 505 – 1550-litre boot without having to open the tailgate using a key or release handle.

The BMW X1 is offered with three new upholstery variants; new for cars with the SE and optional sports seats. New for Sport models is the Cloth/Sensatec combination in Anthracite with Grey accenting or as an option with Orange accenting. The BMW X1 M Sport now comes as standard with Dakota Leather in Black with M piping. M safety belts in customary M design are available as an option in the M Sport Plus pack. The front and rear seats also get M-specific and decidedly sporty seam pattern.

The standard lighting package on xLine and M Sport (optional SE and Sport) includes freely selectable colour tones (Orange, Violet, Green, Bronze, Blue and White). The LED illumination rings the interior through to the rear.

The BMW X1 features an updated Navigation system with either an 8.8-inch or the optional 10.25-inch Touch Control Display. This tiling display gives the driver a quick overview of the most important information of the moment.

This latest model incorporates the sixth generation of BMW’s iDrive that introduces touchscreen control for the Control Display alongside the iDrive Controller and optional intelligent voice control. Modern black-panel technology is included as standard in every BMW X1 for the instrument cluster and it comes with a 5.7-inch TFT Info Display.

A further highlight is the optionally available full-colour Head-up Display, which projects all important driving information and navigation/assistance system readouts onto the windscreen and therefore into the driver’s field of view – in high resolution. The BMW X1 is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a system of this kind.

Engine line-up
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The new X1 is powered by a range of three and four-cylinder Twin-Power Turbo engines offering the perfect combination of driving performance and fuel economy, using either a front-wheel drive configuration or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

There are two petrol and two diesel engines in the range. The petrol range starts with the 140hp 1.5-litre sDrive18i that has a peak torque of 220Nm. It will accelerate from zero to 62mph in 9.7s and then go on to a top speed of 127mph with optional automatic gearbox. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch auto, while CO2 emissions are 125g/km* and combined fuel consumption 37.7- 56.5mpg.

The more powerful 2.0-litre X1 sDrive20i delivers a total power output of 192hp with a maximum torque of 280Nm. The sDrive20i can be specified with a seven-speed Sport dual-clutch automatic, which will enable the car to complete the benchmark zero to 62mph sprint in 7.7s. Top speed is 140mph, while CO2 emissions are 129g/km with a combined fuel consumption of 47.9-52.3 mpg. The X1 xDrive20i improves zero to 62mph time to 7.4s with a top speed of 138mph while CO2 emissions are 143g/km with a combined fuel consumption of 38.7-51.4mpg.

The diesel range utilises a 2.0-litre power-plant and both the sDrive and the all-wheel drive xDrive18d models deliver 150hp and a peak torque of 350Nm. The benchmark zero to 62mph sprint is achieved in 9.3-9.4s while emitting 113-1145g/km of CO2. The X1 sDrive18d is offered with a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed Sport automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption is 36.7-53.3 mpg for the sDrive and 36.7-55.4mpg for the xDrive.

The 190hp all-wheel-drive xDrive 20d is at the top of the X1 range delivering a maximum torque of 400Nm while emitting just 123g/km of CO2 with a combined fuel consumption of 39.8-55.4mpg. Like the 18dxDrive it uses the eight-speed Sport automatic transmission that enables it to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.8s and go on to a top speed of 136mph.

Prices:

The latest PHEV technology:


The debut of the new model next year will see the BMW Group stepping up the electrification of its vehicle line-up once again and, by the end of 2019, it will offer 12 electrified models in its product range.

The new BMW X1 xDrive25e will be one of those models. Due to enter production in March 2020, it will be fitted with the latest, fourth-generation BMW PHEV technology used in the BMW i8. The high-voltage batteries used in these models are developed and produced independently by the BMW Group, using lithium-ion cells based on specifications defined by the company.

The battery in the xDrive25e 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 31 miles on electric power alone. The BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, which generates 125hp and peak torque of 220Nm, will power the front wheels, while the electric drive system with rated output of 95hp and torque of 165Nm 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-wheel-drive technology.

Drivers can select from three drive modes to suit the situation at hand. The default Auto eDrive strikes a balance of electric/non-electric operation, while Max eDrive maximises electric driving and Save Battery conserves the high-voltage battery’s charge for later in the journey. The plug-in hybrid system can be charged easily from a conventional plug socket or more rapidly using a BMW Wallbox. The electric charging flap for the BMW X1 xDrive25e is sited on the side panel.

Related: New Mini dealership for Scotland

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Jim McGill