BMW will renew its X1 in 2022. In a more mature style, the third generation of the German compact SUV (code U11) will have a modernized platform allowing it to integrate petrol, diesel and also plug-in hybrid and above all 100% electric engines. (iX1).
[Mis à jour le 16/09/2021] Under the hood of the future X1, BMW plans to place a range of various engines ranging from gasoline to plug-in hybrids, including diesel and especially electric (iX1). However, at the top of the range, it could be that the SUV has an offer labeled M. . This model could adopt the name X1 M35i xDrive and above all it should have a block of 360 hp.
***
The second generation X1 already has almost seven years of presence on the market on its counter. Next year, BMW’s compact SUV will be renewed with a version that will be in line with the model we know today. Understand by this that the machine will take its main characteristics (platform, engines, design, etc.) and evolve with subtlety.
The X1 III open to all engines
Among the best-selling premium compact SUVs in Europe in 2020, the X1 is not on the top step of the podium. With 82,854 registrations over the period, it is on the heels of the Audi Q3 (85,038 units) which, however, is not number 1 in the segment either. This place goes to the Volvo XC40 (103,153 units). To display such a performance, the Swedish model can boast of ticking all the mechanical boxes … except that of diesel, abandoned last year: it is thus available in thermal, plug-in hybrid and pure electric. A path that BMW intends to take for its future model which, in addition to the current petrol, diesel and plug-in offer may have a “zero exhaust emission” version which will take the name iX1.
TO READ. Premium SUV buying guide: which compact model to choose?
A BMW still original traction
For this, BMW has upgraded its UKL platform which now bears the name FAAR. Despite this name change, the traction architecture of the current generation is retained. Thereby, whatever the engine chosen, it will supply its energy, as standard, to the front wheels. All-wheel drive will still be on the program on many versions. The main changes concern the possibility of integrating larger battery modules under the floor as well as an electric motor under the front cover. A second can also take place on the rear axle to allow the iX1 to offer four-wheel drive.
A style closer to the BMW X3
The future BMW X1 will visually approach the current X3 (pictured).
On the style side, by removing the camouflage from the prototypes rotating here and there on open roads, our illustrator revealed a model more mature than ever. The X1 is similar to its big brother, the X3, even by certain details of its electric version, the iX3. The nostrils have grown even further, without however falling into the excess of the recent 4 Series coupe. The sides display little contour, thus accentuating the massive side of the car for more presence. The whole thing is embellished with slightly flattened wheel arches at their top. At the rear, do not be fooled by the round lights of the rolling prototypes: the production version will offer a light signature more in line with that of the rest of the BMW range.
The future X1 III should resume an interior presentation close to that of the recent 1 Series.
On board, the presentation will be inspired by that of the recent Series 1, with a succession of horizontal layers. Hopefully the quality does not follow the same path as that of the compact … If the head-up display will always be there, the meters will be able to be based on a digital panel, and the infotainment will pass through a touch screen of certainly generous size, but which should not however reach the 14.9 ” of the recent iX.
The production of the third generation X1 (code U11) will begin in the summer of 2022, which suggests that its presentation will take place a few months before in the spring. It should be accompanied, subsequently, by a second version of the X2, the declination with a more dynamic style.
Video source: CarSpyMedia
