Next-generation BMW X1 debuts with aggressive new design 

BMW recently released the latest version of the X1, its entry-level model in the X series of crossovers. This comes seven years after the second-generation X1, and the fresh model features an entirely new exterior, as well as plenty of interior and mechanical improvements.  

The all-new BMW X1

Let’s check it out in detail. 

Exterior 

On the outside, the all-new X1 now comes with a bolder-looking front end. It now gets a larger version of the BMW kidney grille, and the LED headlamps are now more prominent-looking thanks to their L-shaped design elements. The lower bumper gets more angular features as well. 

Do you dig the larger kidney grilles on the new X1?

From the side, the latest BMW X1’s profile is enhanced thanks to a set of protrusive wheel arches, as well as sharp-cornered side skirts.  

The rear then exhibits a more vertical orientation much like other crossovers in the market. This provides a more squarish, SUV-like look. Flanking the rear are a pair of sleek-looking LED taillights, and down below is an angular lower rear bumper. 

For size, the third-generation X1 is now 4,500mm long. That’s 43mm more compared to the old model. It is also much wider by 22mm, bringing up its total width to 1,844mm. It also has a height of 1,640mm. 

A view of the new X1 from the rear

Standard wheels for the new X1 are an 18-inch set. A larger 19-inch or 20-inch set however, is also available. Also present as an option is an M Sport Package which adds larger air inlets, blacked out trims, a sportier-looking rear diffuser, etc.  

Interior 

As with the previous version, the new X1 can still seat up to five. However, BMW claims that it now offers more elbow room and legroom for all occupants.  

Storage space was also improved especially on the front cabin thanks to the presence of a smartphone tray on the center console. Adjacent to this is a new pair of cupholders.  

The BMW X1's rear cabin with the seats folded down

The seats of the X1 themselves are also new, wrapped in Sensatec and Vernasca leather, designed to provide better ergonomics. If one prefers, the seats can be replaced with sports seats that provide more bolstering as well as electronic adjustment with memory and massage functions.  

Towards the rear, the X1’s boot room can then fit up to 1,600 liters with all the seats folded down. The rear seats also have plenty of adjustability; specifically, these can be split in a 40:20:40 ratio.  

Other features found inside the all-new X1 is a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a sport leather steering wheel, four USB-C ports, two 12-volt power outlets, a panoramic glass sunroof, and ambient lighting, among others. 

Tech and Safety 

Part of the highlights of the new X1’s interior are of course its 10.25-inch digital information display and the 10.7-inch central infotainment system. These are curved displays, and they now run on BMW Operating System 8.  

Partnered with the said screens is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant which allows for better control of the vehicle’s features, as well as the seamless organization of all the vehicle information one needs.  

The all-new X1's cockpit

Also present are the new BMW Maps navigation system and Augmented View function, as well as the ability to use 5G wifi. The X1 gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system. 

For safety, the X1 gets what you’d expect from a contemporary luxury vehicle such as airbags and anti-lock brakes. Added on to those is adaptive cruise control, lane control assist, steering assist, a surround view monitor, BMW drive recorder, BMW Parking Assistant, BMW Reversing assistant, front-collision warning, traffic and pedestrian detection, among others. 

Engine and Performance 

As of the third-generation version, the X1 gets a variety of engine options. These consist of both diesel and gasoline hybrids, and combustion-only diesel and gasoline engines. 

For diesel-powered hybrid X1 XDrive23d, its engine has a combined output of 211 horsepower. The non-hybrid X1 SDrive18d meanwhile can produce up to 150 horsepower.  

The gasoline sipping X1 XDrive23i hybrid meanwhile, can generate 218 horsepower combined. Meanwhile, the X1 SDrive18i stands out as it uses a three-cylinder mill that can make up to 136 horsepower. Of note, the SDrive global variants use a front-wheel-drive layout. 

A transparent view of the X1 PHEV hybrid revealing its mechanical bits

The version launched in the United States meanwhile, gets a 2.0-liter twin-turbo inline-4 that can produce up to 241 horsepower and 400 Nm. It then uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and power is sent to all of its wheels via the BMW XDrive AWD system. 

Price-wise, the 2023 BMW X1 will come with a starting price of Php 2,025,342 ($39,595) at current exchange rates. That’s before taxes and other fees by the way, and the said price is for the entry-level sDrive28i. 

The all-new X1 goes on sale in the US market sometime in the fourth-quarter of this year. For the Philippine market, BMW Philippines has yet to announce as to when this new crossover will arrive. If we had to guess though, we can expect it by 2023 the soonest. 

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