The release of the 2012 BMW X1 at this week’s New York motor show has given us a look at the updated version of the Bavarian car maker’s compact luxury SUV.

BMW has been slow to release official images and details for the upgraded X1, but they’ve been quick to spread onto the internet.

As makeovers go, this is a subtle one. It’s hard to spot differences from the current model with keen observers picking up the newly restyled front bumper and new headlights.

The side indicators have moved from being on the front guards to being incorporated into the new door mirrors and the rear-end has been tweaked with new taillights and tailgate.

The BMW X1 show car – a 28i model – has some interior changes too including a new steering wheel design, metal trim around the gearlever and gloss-black surrounds for the air vents.

While the badge on the New York show car does say ‘xDrive28i’, BMW would only say that the 180kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo, already seen in current BMW models such as the Z4 and 3-Series, is under consideration.

BMW will be hoping the facelifted X1 can fight off extra competition from the new Audi Q3 and boost sales past 2011’s total of 2266 units (163 more than the X3).

The BMW X1 range in Australia currently consists of the rear-drive sDrive18i and sDrive20d, and all-wheel-drive xDrive20d and xDrive23d, with pricing starting at $43,900.

Expect to see the updated BMW X1 in showrooms towards the end of this year.