The third-generation BMW X1 will arrive in Australia before Christmas, with more space, more tech and, eventually, the choice of petrol and all-electric power.
The 2023 BMW X1 small SUV has been revealed, ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December) – with the electric iX1 to follow next year.
Replacing the current ‘F48’ model on sale since 2015, the new ‘U11’ X1 small SUV introduces BMW’s latest design language, interior tech and powertrains to its small-car range – and previews the next X2 and 1 Series hatch, due closer to the middle of the decade.
It’s the first X1 to offer an electric option in global markets, badged (unsurprisingly) iX1. With production set to begin in November, Australian deliveries of the EV are due to commence in the first quarter of next year, a few months after the petrol range.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed for Australia, though expect to pay more than the current car, which is priced from $47,900 plus on-road costs for a base sDrive18i, to $56,900 for an sDrive20i (following the axing of the $66,990 xDrive25i last year).
The Australian range at launch will consist of sDrive18i and xDrive20i petrol variants – the former tuned uniquely for Australia, and the latter not offered at all in Europe – with the iX1 xDrive30 to follow later on. Diesel power will no longer be available.
On the styling front, the new BMW X1 draws cues from the brand’s latest models – including its twin under the skin, Europe’s 2 Series Active Tourer hatch – with chiselled shoulder lines, flush door handles, and an almost-rectangular pair of kidney grilles even larger than those of its predecessor.
Styling details vary depending on the model chosen; standard models receive chrome highlights and black body cladding, M Sport cars get sportier bumpers and body-coloured arches, and the electric iX1 gains blue accents, i badging and a unique rear bumper.
Alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in diameter will be available in Australia, as will be matrix LED headlights (similar to the updated 3 Series sedan), LED tail-lights, a selection of metallic and satin colours, and optional black accents on M Sport cars.
Inside, the new X1 benefits from BMW’s latest twin-screen dashboard for its compact cars, with a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen integrated into a curved panel.
Running the latest iDrive 8 software, the centre screen incorporates augmented-reality satellite navigation, a ‘Hey BMW’ activated voice assistant, 5G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The current X1’s traditional gear lever and centre tunnel designs have been dropped in favour of a space-efficient floating console, home to a switch-style ‘shift-by-wire’ gear selector – but no rotary iDrive controller, for only the second time in a BMW since iDrive was introduced in 2001.
Other interior highlights include a storage area below said floating console, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a choice of six-speaker unbranded or 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound systems.
Drivers can choose between five new ‘My Modes’, spanning Personal, Sport and Efficient modes as standard, with Expressive and Relax Modes available from the options list.
Standard and sport front seats available in Europe, trimmed in cloth, Sensatec synthetic leather, Alcantara (suede-like trim) or Vernasca genuine leather, and available with heating, electric adjustment, massaging and lumbar support.
In the rear, BMW claims “noticeably greater seat comfort than that offered by the [old model]”, with 40:20:40 or 60:40 adjustment available for the seat bench, and sliding (up to 13cm of movement) and reclining functionality.
The new BMW X1 measures 4500mm long, 1845mm wide and 1642mm tall, riding on a 2692mm wheelbase – 53mm longer overall, 24mm wide, 44mm taller and 22mm longer in wheelbase. Track widths are up 31mm for more confident handling.
Boot space is up to 540 litres in petrol models (up 35 litres), increasing to 1600 litres with the seats folded (up 50L). Electric and plug-in hybrid models offer slightly less, at 490L with the seats up, or 1495L with them down.
Under the bonnet, four models will be available in Europe at launch – two petrols and two diesels – with more combustion-engined options to follow in the months after, plus the electric iX1 and two e-badged plug-in hybrids.
In Australia, two petrol versions will be available at launch: the front-wheel-drive sDrive18i, and the all-wheel-drive xDrive20i.
The sDrive18i is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – but whereas European models develop 100kW and 230Nm, Australian models will offer 115kW and 230Nm.
Australia’s xDrive20i model isn’t offered in Europe, using a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder with 150kW and 300Nm – sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Instead of the xDrive20i, Europe gets a more potent xDrive23i, with a 150kW/320Nm version of the 2.0-litre engine, seven-speed auto and all-wheel-drive layout, augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which can boost outputs to 160kW/360Nm for a 7.1-second 0-100km/h time.
Diesel buyers in Europe can select two versions of a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch auto: 110kW/360Nm front-wheel-drive sDrive18d, or a 145kW/400Nm all-wheel-drive xDrive23d with mild-hybrid tech (155kW with petrol and electric combined).
Headlining the electrified range will be the iX1, launching in a sole xDrive30 variant with dual electric motors developing 200kW and 494Nm in standard driving, with a further 30kW available in ‘boost’ power mode (for 230kW total).
It’s the quickest X1 money can buy – until the inevitable M35i performance model arrives this time next year – with a 5.7-second 0-100km/h time, and a 180km/h limited top speed.
A 64.7kWh battery laid flat in the floor delivers a claimed 413km to 438km of driving range (depending on options) according to European WLTP testing – on par or exceeding its Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus rivals in Australia. Regenerative braking is on offer.
DC fast charging at up to 130kW is available, good for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 29 minutes, or 120km of on-paper claimed range after 10 minutes of charging.
AC charging at 11kW or 22kW is available, for empty to full home charges in as little as six hours and 30 minutes with the former, or three hours and 45 minutes with the latter.
European buyers can also choose from two plug-in hybrids – the 180kW/477Nm xDrive25e and 240kW/477Nm xDrive30e – both with 1.5-litre three-cylinder engines, all-wheel drive, seven-speed dual-clutch autos, and 14.2kWh battery packs.
These variants – which have not been confirmed for Australia – are capable of up to 89km of electric driving range, and 0-100km/h sprint times as low as 5.7 seconds with a full battery. However, maximum charging power peaks at 7.4kW AC.
Under the skin, adaptive suspension with a 15mm-lower ride height is available, along with variable electric steering, overhauled suspension geometry, and trick “near-actuator wheel slip limitation” stability control said to intervene 10 times faster than traditional systems.
A full suite of advanced safety technology is available, led by a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-following assist to accelerate, brake and centre the car within its lane at up to 180km/h.
Other assistance features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection and intersection support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking, and a 360-degree camera.
The 2023 BMW X1 is due in Australian showrooms with petrol power in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December), ahead of the iX1’s arrival in the first quarter of 2023 (January to March).
Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
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