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The X1 has proved to be a huge success and this latest version builds on that with bold styling, exceptional handling and the introduction of an all-new plug-in hybrid model.
Since it was launched in 2015 the current-generation model has gone from strength to strength. In 2018, not only the highest-selling BMW X model worldwide, it also led the way in its segment as a whole over the same time period.
The new BMW X1 will underscore its leading position in the market with three- and four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, standout driving characteristics, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, extensive infotainment options and an updated range of BMW ConnectedDrive Services.
There is more to come, however. Next year the petrol and diesel models will be joined for the first time by the xDrive25e plug-in hybrid model.
Exterior design
The design of the new BMW X1 strikes a more imposing chord when compared with the outgoing model as evidenced by the new, larger BMW kidney grille – where the two intakes now merge in the middle – and the sharper light iconography of the new standard LED headlights. The front bumper now boasts integral LED foglights and all model variants feature larger air intakes.
Image: Newspress
Another highlight can be found at the driver’s-side exterior mirror, which projects a two- tone LED ‘X1’ image when the car is unlocked. This also includes illumination of the door handle recess in order to make getting into and out of the BMW X1 that much simpler by making it easier to spot obstacles such as bumps or puddles. This function is standard on xLine and M Sport models and optional on SE and Sport models.
At the rear, redesigned inlays on the apron are a standard feature and adopt the body colour of the BMW X1, while on Sport models the rear apron’s underbody protection is now finished in High-gloss Black.
Eye-catching LED rear lights and tailpipes
The LED rear lights of the BMW X1 have also been redesigned with a single LED bar drawing the familiar L signature from side to side. Another head-turning feature of the BMW X1 is the new exhaust tailpipes. Their diameter has increased from 70mm to 90mm. The four-cylinder variants get twin tailpipes.
Three new exterior colours, four new wheel designs
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.
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The BMW X1 SE comes as standard with 17-inch wheels, while the model update adds four new wheel designs to the options list. Sport adds 18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, xLine has standard-fit 18-inch bi-colour light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style, while M Sport models come with 18-inch bi-colour M double-spoke light alloy wheels. 19- inch 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 19-inch light alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, Sun Protection Glass, M Sport Steering, M Sport Seat Belts and Harman Kardon upgraded speaker system.
Engine line-up
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.
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Optimum balance of dynamics and comfort
The new X1 continues to offer excellent handling across the range. Together with the car’s low centre of gravity, wide track, short overhangs and high level of body and chassis rigidity, the suspension of the X1 provides optimum agility and driving pleasure. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, notably, is linked with BMW’s DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) to keep oversteer or understeer in check, while the M Sport models add M Sport suspension for sportier driving.
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.
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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.
Focusing on functionality and comfort
The BMW X1 offers comfort as well as a feeling of spaciousness. The driver and front passenger enjoy freedom of movement, but so too do those in the rear seats. These can be folded down in three sections (40:20:40) as standard, enabling considerable scope for variability. The rear seats can be adjusted fore and aft, the two sections of the 60:40 split seat surface sliding forward independently by up to 13cm, with the Sliding Rear Seat Bench option. The backrest angle of the rear seats can also be varied through six stages.
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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 – 1,550-litre boot without having to open the tailgate using a key or release handle.
Interior
The updated interior details include contrast stitching on the instrument panel, which is black on its upper section and adopts the car’s individual upholstery colour lower down. This contrast stitching is available for xLine, Sport and M Sport variants of the X1, which also feature coloured edging for the floor mats, plus contrast stitching for the edging.
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 and add a particularly classy detail to the mix. The front and rear seats also stand out with their 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.
New Control Display with voice control and touchscreen operation
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.
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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.
Intelligent connectivity with BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW Connected App creates a digital bridge between the user’s smartphone and their car. It represents the next stage of in-car personalisation and enables the transfer of smartphone content onto the Control Display in the BMW X1, resulting in easier display and operation when inside the car. Coupled with the standard Remote Services, drivers can remotely lock/unlock their vehicle, check the status and locate the last known location through the convenience of their smartphone.
In addition, the BMW Connected app makes it possible to send destinations directly from a smartphone to the X1’s navigation system. Once route guidance has been activated, the standard Real Time Traffic Information shows the traffic situation in real time and helps the driver to react to possible obstructions.
The new BMW X1 goes on sale from 29 May 2019 with Customer deliveries from mid- July 2019 in Europe.
