Jaco Van Der Merwe

By Jaco Van Der Merwe

Head of Motoring


New BMW X1 designed to embrace the future

Third generation of popular SUV features two digital screens that merge into a single unit.


BMW recently showcased a new version of the X1, one of the German premium carmaker’s most popular local products.

The all-new BMW X1 compact SUV, now in its third generation, has been extensively overhauled with a strong focus on future mobility.

A very upright front end features a large square kidney grille which closes at higher speeds to reduce drag, slim LED headlights and X-shaped lines fanning out the sides. The rear features three-dimensional LED taillights and slim rear window.

A highlight of the futuristic and simplistic cabin is the BMW Curved Display. This consists of a 10.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system which merge into a single high-resolution unit.

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BMW X1 cabin
The BMW Curved Display gives the all-new X1’s cabin a futuristic look. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe

Packaged right

The BMW X1 comes standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional Plus, based on BMW operating system 8 and works via menu structure along with an upgraded BMW intelligent personal assistant.

Automated driving functions include route and junction assistant, steering, lane-keep, trailer and parking assist with active park distance control.

Functions like augmented view, head-up display, panoramic roof and wireless charging tray are available as single options or part of various packages. BMW is eliminating the usual plethora of optional extras through what the carmaker calls a customer orientated offer structure through xLine, Sport Line and M Sport packages.

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Three powertrains

The two BMW X1 internal combustion engine offerings are a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which outputs 115kW/230Nm and a 110kW/360Nm four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill. Both are mated to seven-speed double clutch Steptronic transmission that sends the twist to the front wheels

The all-electric 200 kW/494 Nm iX1 xDrive30, which boasts a range of up to 400km, will be introduced later this year.

BMW X1 exterior rear
The new BMW X1 has adopted a rear slim window. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe

The drive in both available engine variants felt solid and perfectly suited to what the car is built for; an urban compact SUV.

The interior creates the impression that the all-new BMW X1 was designed as an electric vehicle first with the option of building it with internal combustion engines for the time being.

BMW X1 pricing

X1 sDrive18i xLine – R753 045

X1 sDrive18i M Sport – R793 045

X1 sDrive18d xLine – R790 616

X1 sDrive18d M Sport – R830 616

iX1 xDrive 30 xLine – R1 140 000

iX1 xDrive 30 M Sport – R1 180 000

BMW X1 pricing includes five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and two-year/unlimited kilometer warranty.

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