news

2020 BMW X1 revealed, here in Q4

BMW has revealed its rejigged X1, headlined by subtle design revisions and updated powertrains, including the option of a new plug-in hybrid variant that will launch globally next year.


From the outside, the updated X1 gets new LED daytime-running lights and bumpers that bear stronger resemblance to the company's larger SUV models like the X3 and X5, along with new LED fog-lights and a larger double-kidney grille which are now merged in the centre.

New puddle lights that project an 'X1' motif onto each side of the vehicle are new for the updated model, which is joined by new courtesy lighting for the door handles available as part of an optional package.

Out the rear, there's new LED tail-lights which feature BMW's familiar 'L' signature, while the exhaust pipes have increased in diameter from 70mm to 90mm, which the company says "advertises the power" of the now Euro 6d-compliant engine range – more on those in a bit.

Three new exterior colours will be available – Jucaro Beige metallic, Misano Blue metallic (M Sport only), and the BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic.

Entry-level models get 17-inch wheels as standard, with four new wheel designs measuring 18 and 19 inches also now available as part of the updated range.

Changes have been made to the aforementioned M Sport model as well, with revised high-gloss Shadow Line accents, along with new bumpers front and rear.

You might blink and miss it, but the cabin has received some upgrades too, despite not following the new BMW 1 Series in adopting the company's latest BMW OS7.0 infotainment system and all-digital driver's instruments.

There's new contrast stitching on the instrument panel – which has a black upper section contrasted with the vehicle's chosen upholstery lower down – available for xLine, Sport Line and M Sport variants, matched with coloured edging and contrast stitching for the floor mats.

BMW will offer the updated X1 with three new upholstery variants, too, including cloth/sensatec sports seats in Anthracite with Grey accents for 'Base' specification, while Sport Line models come as standard with Grey accents with Orange available as an option.

M Sport versions come as standard with 'Micro Hexagon' fabric combined with Sensatec in black with M piping.

The X1 comes with a 6.5-inch infotainment system as standard, with larger 8.8-inch and 10.25-inch displays available as an option. However, all options run the older iDrive 6 system rather than the new BMW OS7.0 interface as mentioned before.

Base models get a 2.7-inch TFT driver's display as standard, though a larger 5.7-inch TFT unit is included if a navigation system is optioned.

A new optional full-colour high-res head-up display is available, too, which BMW claims is the only system of its kind to be offered in the segment.

In terms of powertrains, the existing line-up has been updated in line with the latest Euro 6d emissions regulations.

Available engines include the 85kW/250Nm sDrive16d, the 170kW/450Nm xDrive25d, along with the 170kW/350Nm xDrive25i. BMW says up to 16 engine and transmission combinations can be ordered.

The base sDrive16d does the 0-100 benchmark in 11.5 seconds, and uses 4.1-4.4L/100km, whereas the xDrive25d dispatches the same sprint in 6.6 seconds while using 4.9-5.2L/100km.

Finally, the xDrive25i does 0-100 in 6.5 seconds, and uses a claimed 6.3-6.8L/100km.

New to the range (commencing production in March 2020) is the xDrive25e plug-in hybrid. Employing BMW's fourth-generation PHEV technology, the xDrive25e combines a 92kW/220Nm turbo petrol engine with a 70kW/165Nm electric motor.

Performance figures for the PHEV version haven't been confirmed, though BMW does say the xDrive25e will be capable of "more than" 50 kilometres of EV driving from a full charge of its 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery, with various drive modes available to cater to driver's needs.

Further details for the X1 xDrive25e will be announced closer to its launch next year.

Australia

The updated BMW X1 is slated for a fourth quarter launch in Australia, with full pricing and specifications to be revealed closer to that time.

BMW Australia has confirmed our market will retain the current model line-up, comprising of the sDrive18d, sDrive18i, sDrive20i and xDrive25i, with xLine and M Sport packages available.

At this stage the local arm cannot confirm whether we'll see the plug-in hybrid offered, though given the company's history in offering iPerformance PHEV models Down Under, it would be a logical assumption that it will join the range at some point.

Stay tuned for more news in the lead-up to the local launch.

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent