In the wake of the 2 Series Active Tourer, from which it takes many elements, the BMW X1 changes generation. By the way, it gains all the modern attributes to remain competitive against its many competitors and draws a 100% electric version called iX1. Discovery.
Almost two million BMW X1s have been produced since 2009. Over its two generations, the Compact SUV has earned a solid place on the sales podium of the Munich brand. This shows the importance of its renewal with this third generation which responds to the code name U11.
A bigger BMW X1
The X1 gains 5 cm in passing and now extends over 4.50 m. In the range, it is thus 22 cm shorter than the X3 and 10 cm longer than the Series 2 Active Tourer, from which it takes up the platform called UKL. The fighter also gains 2 cm in width and 4 cm in height, to reach 1.64 m. An assertive SUV size that gives it a strong presence in the landscape against its many competitors: Mercedes GLB and Audi Q3 in the lead, not to mention the Volvo XC40, Range Rover Evoque, Lexus UX and other Jaguar E-Pace.
The dimensions of the new BMW X1 III vs BMW X1 II
| BMW X1 (2022) | BMW X1 (2015) | |
| Length (m) | 4.50 | 4.45 |
| Width (m) | 1.84 | 1.82 |
| Height (m) | 1.64 | 1.60 |
Visually, he rather chooses change in continuity, betting on the loyalty of buyers of the previous generation BMW X1. Its look with classic proportions and window line will not offend anyone. The front face can feature two styles depending on the finish: xLine (as in our photos) with a kindly adventurer type or M Sport, more aggressive. Of course, the X1 is entitled to the very large grille of the latest models of the Bavarian brand. But here it is not shocking. Perhaps because it fits better in a slightly more massive model like this one… or simply a matter of habit.
Still, the X1 version 2022 looks rather proud with its bonnet with very marked relief, its swollen wheel arches and a fairly minimalist surface treatment, even “ monolithic according to the designer who presented the car to us, with fewer lines than before. This impression of purity is underlined by certain details, such as the integrated door handles or the absence of a visible exhaust.
Recipes already seen on the Series 2 Active Tourer. Roof rails and rims of at least 17 inches are included in the standard equipment. The rear part is the most striking finally, with its large spoiler in extension of the slightly drooping roof line, its prominent lights and its cantilevered rear window.
Minivan-style cabin
If the evolution of the exterior design is very smooth, inside it is a leap into the future compared to the previous generation. The pooling with the Series 2 Active Tourer has enabled the almost complete recovery of its interior furniture. Thus the X1 inherits from the very practical floating center console located between the front seats. Containing various storage compartments, it accommodates the automatic transmission controls (present on all versions), as well as other vehicle settings. The dashboard also incorporates a small additional central console which has an induction charging plate. Cleverly positioned, it allows you to clearly see the screen of your smartphone and offers visual animations as it charges.
Apart from the demisting buttons and the knobs guiding the air vents, no button is visible on the dashboard. The settings all go through the magnificent double curved screen of 10.25 and 10.7 inches, which inevitably reminds us of the equipment of the small models signed Mercedes with the MBUX. The latest generation operating system (OS 8) is here close to that inaugurated with the BMW iX. There are very beautiful graphics, configurable widgets like on a smartphone and… small slow reactions that we hope to see corrected in the production versions. Here too an iPhone can open and start the car, and it is possible to virtually share five keys.
The pretty three-spoke steering wheel, the solid sculpted door handles and the structure of the metallic Harman Kardon tweeter speaker covers are all very elaborate details that deliver a good impression of quality at this level of the range. The light beige of the leather and part of the furniture, the solid materials and the studied lighting atmosphere complete the picture.
Sharp modularity
In the rear seats, the space available and the headroom are comfortable. In some versions, it is even possible to play with a bench seat sliding over 13 cm (except electrified versions) to favor passenger comfort or boot volume according to a 60/40 modularity instead of the 40/20/40 partition. Finally, the backrests are adjustable in inclination. The boot volume reaches a comfortable value of 540 l (+ 35 l) and 1,600 l once the bench seat has been folded down (+ 50 l). Slightly lower capacities for the electrified versions (490 l and 1495 l respectively).
Engines: the choice of weapons
Four thermal engines will be available at launch in October, in gasoline and diesel. The manufacturer announces powers ranging from 136 to 218 hp, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, all-wheel drive and 48 V light hybridization technology for the two most powerful versions. In France, the brand estimates the share of diesels at 40%, at least at the time of launch. The range could also expand in the future with 20i versions of 170 hp, 20d of 190 hp, or even M35i of 300 hp.
If it is only speculation for the latter, the electrified models are however well confirmed by the brand. And they will arrive at the beginning of 2023 at the latest. These are two plug-in hybrid versions of 245 and 326 hp with xDrive all-wheel drive (thanks to the rear electric motor) which will offer 89 km of range with their solid 14.2 kWh battery. , which is almost double the current version ! Better, with 17 g/km of CO2 minimum, the X1 could be one of the few plug-in hybrid cars to benefit from the ecological bonus granted to electric vehicles, if it is still current when it comes out. Indeed, a tax niche allows PHEV models rejecting 20 g/km of CO2 or less to benefit from a more advantageous financial boost.
This new generation is also an opportunity to to offer a 100% electric iX1 version for the first time, with a 62.5 kWh net battery which has a range of 438 km WLTP. Accepting a DC fast charge of 130 kW, the car can go from 10 to 80% capacity in 29 minutes or regain 120 km of driving in 10 minutes. The on-board AC charger is 11 kW, or 22 kW as an option. This version will develop a total power of 313 hp with its two engines providing all-wheel drive. Enough to deliver good performance despite a mass exceeding 2 tons.
Price of the new BMW X1 (June 2022)
With a price starting at €42,750, the X1 goes up a big step of €10,000 in its access price (€32,800 today). Fortunately, its standard equipment is also on the rise, including LED lights, electric tailgate, high-definition dual screen with navigation, dual-zone air conditioning and Park Assist. Orders are already open, for an arrival in concessions expected at the start of the school year for the thermal versions (end of September, beginning of October). The complete range of electrified engines will be available at the end of the year. As for the prices of the BMW iX1, they will be revealed in the fall. Production of the all-electric SUV is due to begin in November.
| Price in euros | sDrive18i (136 hp) |
xDrive23i (218 hp) |
sDrive18d (150 hp) |
xDrive23d (211 hp) |
| First Edition | 42,750 | – | 45,050 | – |
| Business Design* | 43,400 | – | 45,050 | – |
| xLine First Edition | 45,200 | – | 47,500 | – |
| xLine First Edition Plus | 47,860 | 55,460 | 50 160 | 56,860 |
| M Sport First Edition Plus | 49,310 | 56,910 | 51,610 | 58,310 |
| xLine First Edition Exclusive | 50,720 | 58,320 | 53,020 | 59,720 |
| M Sport First Edition Exclusive | 52,170 | 59,770 | 54,470 | 61,170 |
Conclusion: the BMW X1 is getting gentrified!
With a perfectly up-to-date presentation, equipment and infotainment system, the X1 is relaunching its career to seduce customers in a hotly contested segment. Better still, it accompanies its new generation with a wide range of engines, up to 100% electric, in order to cover all needs. Enough to follow a demand called to evolve towards electrification, under a modern but fairly wise silhouette. As for those who would prefer a derivative of the BMW X2 with a more dynamic line, they can be reassured: it is also in the plans of the propeller brand.
