New BMW X1 designed to embrace the future

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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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.

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.