BMW has taken the wraps off the new X1 and its electric variant called the iX1. In its third generation, the X1 offers a host of powertrain options including ICE PHEV and EV. The 2022 X1 is based on BMW’s FAAR architecture which underpins the 2 Series Active Tourer as well. We expect the new X1 and iX1 to go on sale in India next year.
Design
The new X1 has grown in size with a 22mm longer wheelbase and a 31mm wider track. The 2022 X1 features a lot of ‘L’ shaped elements incorporated all around. The slim LED headlights features two inverted L patterns which act as the DRLs. The chrome grille is now larger and square in shape. The lower half of the front bumper gets L-shaped elements on each side finished in chrome.
The side gets more pronounced wheel arches which accomodates the larger 20-inch wheels. Just like the new 7 series, the door handles are now flush fitting. The rear gets L-shaped LED taillights and the lower half of the bumper gets L-shaped elements on each side to mimic the ones in the front. Being an EV, the iX1 gets a bunch of blue accents all around to differentiate it from its ICE sibling.
Interior
The interiors of the new X1 shares a lot of its parts from the newer BMWs such as the new steering wheel and the funky door handle. It gets BMW’s latest iDrive 8 OS which comes with OTA updates, connected car technology and wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster whereas the centre screen is a 10.7-inch unit. The centre console is of a ‘floating type’ wherein it is raised to offer more convienience.
Just like the new 3-series, the X1 ditches the traditional gear knob in the favour of a toggle switch for the gear. Customers can opt for a 205-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and tweeters integrated into the door trim. The 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrests can be folded down or adjusted to a different angle to expand the boot capacity. The fore-and-aft adjustment of the rear seats available as an option for the ICE models provides even greater versatility. Boot capacity can be increased from 540 to a maximum of 1,600 litres.
Powertrain
Internationally, the new-gen X1 is available with multiple three and four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The 23i four cylinder petrol turbo motor produces 218hp which comes paired to an electric motor. The mild hybrid diesel 23d produces 211hp and can deliver upto 20km/l. Both the variants come with BMW’s Xdrive four-wheel drive system and a 7-speed DCT is available as standard.
BMW will offer more powertrain options as time goes by. The iX1 xDrive30 gets two electric motors that produces a combined 313hp and 493nm of torque. It can achieve 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and can deliver a WLTP claimed range of around 413-438km. The 64.7kWh battery can be charged from 10-80% in just 29 minutes with the help of a 130kW charger.
