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2013 BMW X1 range launches with new engines and styling tweaks

The BMW X1 compact crossover, launched in Australia in 2010, has been given a mid-life update, which includes new engines, an optional eight-speed transmission and minor tweaks and upgrades to both the exterior and interior.


Three new powertrains will join the latest BMW X1 range, leaving the current X1 xDrive20d variant, as the only familiar model in the refreshed X1 line-up, albeit with more power and efficiency (up 5kW/30Nm) than the previous iteration. Going from 0-100km/h will now take 8.1 seconds (down from 8.4), while fuel-consumption has fallen from 5.8L/100km down to 5.5L/100km.

There are two new petrol models, the X1 sDrive20i and X1 xDrive28i, both of which are powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and BMW’s Valvetronic and Double-Vanos camshaft-control systems.

Peak output for the X1 sDrive20i is 135kW/270Nm and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.4 seconds. That’s an increase of 25kW/70Nm over the outgoing X1 sDrive18i model’s 110kW/200Nm output, which needed 9.7 seconds to go from 0-100km/h.

For the range-topping X1 xDrive28i, peak output climbs to 180kW/350Nm of torque, needing just 6.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h-sprint.

The new entry-level model for the new BMW X1 range is the X1 sDrive18d, which shares the same basic engine architecture as the more powerful X1 xDrive20d. The X1 sDrive18d generates 105kW/320Nm and can complete the 0-100km/h-dash in a claimed 9.6 seconds.

The new powertrains are also more efficient, too, with all X1 model variants featuring brake energy regeneration. The new BMW sDrive20i manages a combined fuel-consumption of 6.7L/100km for the automatic, bettering the previous, less-powerful X1 sDrive18i’s 8.2L/100km for the manual.

The new X1 sDrive18d claims 4.9L100/km, while the X1 xDrive28i consumes just 7.3L/100km.

All model variants in the new BMW X1 range get a six-speed manual transmission as standard fitment, but according to BMW Australia, more than 80 per cent of buyers are expected to choose the optional eight-speed automatic transmission at a cost of $2693.

Likewise, all manual X1 models get an optimum shift indicator and an auto start-stop function – the later also a feature with the eight-speed automatic.

Another fuel-saving feature on the new X1 line-up is Eco-Pro: a push-button-activated driving mode that optimises economy by adjusting throttle mapping and the shift points of the automatic transmission.

The system also regulates in-car functions such as climate control, exterior mirror and seat heating for more efficient energy usage. The extra range realised through these measures is displayed via a special screen.

On the outside the changes to the new BMW X1 amount to subtle styling tweaks only although, there’s more painted surface in body colour, replacing plastic panelling on its predecessor.

There’s a new headlight design adding a chrome-coated accent strip across the top of the headlamps, as well as a new tripartite air intake shared by all BMW X models.

The taillights are now LEDs and there’s a new three-piece rear section including separate bumper, apron and satin-look underguard.

Wheel designs are new, too, with 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheels for sDrive models and 18-inch light-alloys for the xDrive variants.

Inside the BMW X1 is where the upgrades are a touch more obvious.

Higher-grade materials are used throughout the dash and centre-console including high-gloss black, which has replaced the matte-black material on the centre-stack and air vent surrounds.

Standard equipment across the refreshed X1 range includes cruise control with braking system, rear parking sensors, climate control, heated side mirrors, leather-lined steering wheel, automatic headlights and wipers and Bluetooth phone with USB interface.

There’s a vast array of optional extras including the choice of either Business (with 6.5-inch screen) or navigation package Professional (8.8-inch monitor) for $2231 and $3463 respectively.

Other optional highlights include a Harman Kardon sound system, comfort access, panorama glass roof and auto dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, xenon headlights with cornering function and high-beam assist and Internet functionality.

For the first time in the BMW X1 range is the availability of BMW Lines: xLine and Sport Line.

BMW xLine is a part luxury, part styling package priced from $2461 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium- satinated roof rails, ambience lighting (from while to orange), door sill covers, silver matt trims, sports leather steering wheel and Nevada leather upholstery with contrast piping.

The BMW sport line is priced from $1769 and while it includes some of the features found in the xLine package such as the doorsill finishers and ambience lighting, also adds 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss black exterior trims and sports seats upholstered in man-made leather.

2013 BMW X1 pricing (before on-road costs)
• X1 sDrive18d - $44,900
• X1 sDrive20i - $46,900
• X1 xDrive20d - $54,900
• X1 xDrive28i - $58,200

BMW Australia previously released prices for the new X1 range back in September 2012, but these have increased by a total of $400 due to the inclusion of standard floor mats across the entire range.

The new BMW X1 is currently available in Australian showrooms.

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