What's the news?
It's midlife model facelift time for the second-generation BMW X1, which launched in 2015 and is therefore due for a refresh that includes tweaked looks, better equipment levels and a plug-in hybrid model for the first time in Europe.
Exterior
Like many a modern BMW, the X1 life-cycle impulse (LCI - it's what BMW calls its facelifts) has a larger kidney-grille arrangement, with the separate items now merging in the middle. Adaptive LED headlights with the hexagonal light iconography are drafted in, while the front bumper features integrated LED foglamps and larger air intakes. Around the back, a body-coloured lower section of the bumper is introduced, and the driver's-side exterior mirror beams a two-tone LED 'X1' image on the floor when the car is unlocked. New exterior colours for the X1 include Jucaro Beige and Misano Blue metallics, with BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic also part of the options package. Four new designs of alloy wheel are available, too.
Interior
Not a huge amount updated inside the X1, although the infotainment comes on a 6.5-inch screen as standard, with 8.8- and 10.25-inch upgrades possible. Contrast stitching can now be found on the instrument panel, there are three new upholstery finishes, options will include a powered tailgate and comfort access, and the ConnectedDrive digital services are also enhanced.
Mechanicals
Pretty much the same turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel choices can be found in the updated BMW X1 range, all of which now meet the EU6d-temp exhaust emissions standard. Front- or all-wheel 'xDrive' traction is offered, with six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch or eight-speed automatic transmissions available; the last two of these both go under the Steptronic branding.
Two of the models, in the form of the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive16d (116hp) and the X1 xDrive25d (231hp), meet EU6d-normal emissions regs, with the 16d said to be capable of up to 68.9mpg (4.1 litres/100km) with as little as 107g/km of CO2. The same figures for the 25d are 57.7mpg (4.9 litres/100km) and 128g/km. Other engine options in the 16-strong line-up of engine/gearbox combinations include the 231hp xDrive25i and the xDrive25e, due to enter production in March 2020. The latter is a plug-in hybrid model of the X1 that has been on sale in China but nowhere else since 2016, but with a 9.7kWh battery giving a 50km-plus electric range, as well as the PHEV delivering up to 141.2mpg (2.0 litres/100km) with CO2 as low as 43g/km, it should prove a popular choice in the X1 line-up here in Europe.
Anything else?
The BMW X1 LCI will go on sale shortly and the first cars should reach customers before the year is out.