See all Motoring NewsThe entry point to the BMW SUV line-up has been around since 2009, but late 2022 sees the arrival of the new third-generation BMW X1. While it looks similar to the second iteration, this is an all-new model.
It's based on BMW's ‘UKL2’ platform, which is an evolution of the previous version’s and means there will be front-wheel-drive (known as sDrive) or four-wheel-drive (xDrive) options available. Power comes from 1.5-litre three-cylinder or 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, a petrol plug-in hybrid or the all-electric iX1.
The iX1 xDrive30 is a new arrival that is claimed to have a range of up to 438 kilometres on a single charge, while it's possible to take the 65kWh battery from 10-80 per cent charge in as little as half an hour from a DC rapid charger. Twin electric motors mean the iX1 is four-wheel drive, while a total power output of 313hp is good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
As a stop-gap between the electric iX1 and the petrol and diesel models, the X1 will be available with plug-in hybrid drive, too. There will be two models - the xDrive25e and xDrive30e - which both emit just 14g/km. In terms of power, the 25e makes up to 245hp, while the 30e weighs in with 326hp, while both use the same set-up of 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery. The set-up means both cars can travel up to 89km on electric power alone.
Petrol models include the entry-level sDrive18i, which has a 136hp 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds while using 6.3 litres/100km. The xDrive23i has four-wheel drive and a 218hp 2.0-litre engine that's backed up by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This boosts fuel consumption to a best of 6.5 litres/100km.
The diesel options are badged sDrive18d and xDrive23d, both with 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplants. These have 150hp and 197hp respectively for 0-100km/h in 8.9 and 7.4 seconds. The 18d uses 4.9 litres/100km, while again 48-volt mild-hybrid tech boosts the 23d so it's actually a little more economical than the front-wheel-drive model, at 4.8 litres/100km.
The exterior look is an evolution of the Mk2 X1's, while inside there's improved tech and more space. The X1 uses BMW's latest OS 8 software and curved dashboard design and, since the entire range is automatic (there are no manual gearbox options), the centre console has been raised to bring it closer to the driver for improved ergonomics.
Prices for the new X1 line-up start at €49,075 for the diesel models, though pricing for the electric and hybrid versions has yet to be released.