The latest (third generation) BMW X1 compact SUV has landed. It’s more of what we expect from the German brand, but with the very latest technology as part of the package. From launch, the new X1 will be available with one petrol engine and two diesel engine options. A pair of plug-in hybrid models will join the range in short order, as will the new BMW iX1 xDrive30, BMW’s first premium compact model to feature an all-electric drive system.
On The Outside
As mentioned, it’s more of the same with the now traditional SUV look that marks out a BMW, kidney grille included. Even the electric variant retains it. Larger than the outgoing model, the X1 comes as standard with slim LED headlights for low and high beam that extend into the sides of the car. A distinctive graphic splits the headlights into three units for the low beam, high beam and daytime driving lights, the latter including the indicators.
Sculpted surfaces highlight the wheel arches, doors and shoulders of the body while a rising character line connects the front and rear wheel arches. The long roofline flows into a spoiler extending out to the rear which together with the shoulder-line above the flush door openers, extending from the front wheel arches into the rear lights, gives the silhouette a stretched feel. At the rear, horizontal lines, the narrow rear window and flared wheel arches emphasise the body’s width.
Wheel sizes are model-dependent, from 17” to 19” alloys. Large cooling air inlets in the sides of the front bumper and a striking rear apron with diffuser mark out the M Sport model, together with exclusive 19-inch M light-alloy wheels.
On The Inside
Cutting edge seems to be a popular term among car makers these days for their car interiors and BMW haven’t missed the boat. It’s not an idle boast though as the raised seating position, generous amounts of space, and ‘cutting-edge’ functionality do mark out the new BMW X1. Much of the regular version interior is drawn from the BMW iX EV variant.
Features include a slender instrument panel, a stage for the BMW Curved Display, and a ‘floating’ armrest with integral controls. The Curved Display is framed by solid-looking trim which extend out to the doors. Four interior trim variants, including the new open-pore fine eucalyptus wood and Aluminium ‘Hexacube’ for the M Sport model, allow owners to individualise the design, with many options available. In the front section of the centre console is space for two cup holders and an illuminated smartphone tray.
The newly developed seats offer optimised comfort over long distances, say the company, with their prominent bolsters and adjustable seat angle and depth. Electric seat adjustment with memory function is available for the driver seat in the xLine and M Sport Premier models, with driver and passenger electric seats standard in Premier Pro models.
The standard Sport leather steering wheel has high-quality accent trim in chrome with large thumb rests and multifunction buttons. An M leather steering wheel with three-spoke design and shift paddles is standard on M Sport models.
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes a cloud-based navigation system, BMW Maps and a six-speaker audio system with a 100 watt amplifier. The Harman Kardon Sound System included as standard on Pro models raises the number of speakers to 12 and the amplifier output to 205 watts.
The iX1 EV
The all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, each combined with power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The drive units deliver a combined output of 313bhp (including temporary boost) and overall torque of 494Nm which should satisfy keen drivers.
BMW eDrive technology comprises the car’s charging technology and the 64.7kWh high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody. The battery’s high energy density and the drive system’s efficiency achieve combined power consumption of 18.4 – 17.3kWh per 100km and thus a driving range of 257 – 272 miles.
Hybrids
Two plug-in hybrids join the X1 model line-up, their electric drive components again the product of BMW eDrive technology. The X1 xDrive30e and X1 xDrive25e both feature an integrated electric drive unit powering the rear wheels, combined with a three-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via the seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.
On The Road
Gearbox tech is also moving forward: All petrol and diesel engines are mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard. This latest generation automatic transmission features fully electric actuation, widened gear ratio spread and greater internal efficiency, while also cleverly tailoring the shift strategy to the route topography and enabling the coasting function to be used in all ‘My Modes’ except Sport Mode in the transmission position S. The transmission automatically shifts into P when the engine is switched off and, if the car is parked on a slope, the electric parking brake is automatically applied.
xDrive all-wheel-drive features on some models and is worth having because the system intelligently controls the distribution of power to all four wheels to maximise traction, agility and directional stability in all weather and road conditions. The two electric motors acting on the front and rear axles in the iX1 xDrive30 create an electric all-wheel-drive system. Interaction between the two motors enhanced by a unique drive torque control system. The all-wheel drive in the BMW X1 xDrive23i and BMW X1 xDrive23d is linked with the chassis control systems.
Adaptive M suspension is standard for all M Sport models, including the plug-in hybrids and iX1, and is fitted as standard on the BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine. Sport steering is part of the adaptive M suspension specification on all variants, with a more direct rack ratio, along with the Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance included with the standard steering. All this means that drivers can expect typical BMW handling and cornering which we know is of the highest standard. This is yet another reason to contact us here at MHH to find out more on the availability of this vehicle to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other global destinations.
