BMW’s most popular global SUV, the X1, has been given a mid-life makeover, bringing tweaked looks and – for the first time outside of China – a plug-in hybrid version.
Given that BMW shifted nearly 2,87,000 examples of the X1 last year, leading the segment, it’s no surprise that visual updates aren’t the most extensive.
The kidney grille is now larger, in line with its newer siblings, while reshaped lights and bumpers, front and rear, aim to freshen the X1’s look. Larger diameter exhaust tailpipes, growing from 70mm to 90mm, complete the redesign.
The M Sport variants also have added styling changes to differentiate them more than before, including a 10mm drop in ride height, larger air intakes and body-coloured styling additions.
Features such as larger brake discs for the M-Sport variants are also added, alongside new colour and wheel choices for the rest of the range.
Interior revisions are limited to new materials and upholstery, targeted at boosting perceived quality. New contrast stitching is available for the higher-end trim variants, while three new upholstery options feature.
An optional lighting package brings gives the cabin an ambient glow with six colour choices. The 6.5-inch, 8.8-inch and 10.25-inch (depending on spec) infotainment screens are unchanged.
The big story under the bonnet is the introduction of the xDrive25e plug-in variant. It uses a 124.7hp/219.6Nm three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 95.3hp/151.8Nm electric motor powering the rear wheels for four-wheel drive.
A 9.7kWh battery pack gives a claimed 49.8km electric-only range. Fuel economy and emissions data is yet to be confirmed.
Alongside that, BMW has added a top-flight 231.1hp xDrive25i X1 variant, which is capable of doing 0-100kph in 6.5sec.
BMW India has the pre-facelift X1 on sale in with two engine options - a 192hp, 2.0-litre petrol and a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel - priced from Rs 35.20 lakh to Rs 45.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India). There is no word on when the X1 facelift, and its hybrid engine option, will come to India, where it will rival the Mercedesz gLA, Volvo XC40 and Mini Countryman.
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