All-new 2023 BMW X1 Breaks Cover With Electric iX1 SUV In Tow

• Both SUVs get the latest iDrive 8 system and curved dual displays. 

• The iX1 has dual motor AWD with 313PS combined output. 

• BMW X1 will get ICE, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions overseas. 

• Global launch in October 2022, India arrival likely in early 2023.

BMW has globally unveiled the third-generation X1 SUV, and for the first time, it’ll get an all-electric version, named the iX1. The SUV has an all-new bodywork, revised interior with curved display and ICE, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

It’ll be launched in select markets in October 2022, and is expected to arrive in India in early 2023. The new BMW X1 will rival the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, while the iX1 will face off against the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Kia EV6. 

What’s new in the 2023 BMW X1?

On the outside, the new BMW X1 has a more upright silhouette than its predecessor. There are subtle changes to the body lines, and the front fascia features new LED headlights and a larger grille. Lower down, the air dam is larger, too, flanked by L-shaped chrome elements with a wide lip spoiler underneath.

At the rear, it gets sleek LED taillights and a tighter overall aesthetic. The bumper has a silver faux skid plate at the bottom, and gets similar L-shaped trim elements like the front bumper.

Inside, the new BMW X1 has a more premium-looking cabin with a floating curved display on the dashboard. It combines the driver’s instrumentation and infotainment screens into one panoramic panel, and gets BMW’s latest iDrive 8 operating system.

The air vents have metallic surrounds, and similar silver or metallic trim bits are placed around the cabin. There is even a floating armrest with controls for the gear selector, driving modes, parking brake, audio volume and engine start/stop.

Under the bonnet, the BMW X1 will come with 218PS mild-hybrid petrol and 136PS petrol powertrains, as well as 211PS diesel mild-hybrid and 150PS diesel powertrains. It remains to be seen which among these powertrains will be offered in India. The existing BMW X1 is offered with 192PS petrol and 190PS diesel engines.

BMW iX1 xDrive30

The new X1 gets an all-electric version called the iX1. It’ll be available in just one xDrive30 variant at launch, with a claimed range of around 413-438km. It’s powered by a dual motor, all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of 313PS and 494Nm and a 0-100kmph time of 5.7 seconds.

The iX1 looks largely similar to its ICE sibling on the outside, but features such as its covered front grille and blue trim elements on the front and rear bumpers and side sills set the electric SUV apart.

Also read: 

• BMW iX1 Electric SUV In Final Phase Of Winter Testing; WLTP-claimed Range Figures Revealed

• All-electric BMW i4 Luxury Sedan Launched In India At Rs 69.9 Lakh

We expect the BMW X1 to arrive in India sometime in early 2023. Given that the iX and i4 electric vehicles already exist in our country, BMW might choose to bring the all-electric iX1 here as well. 

The ICE or mild-hybrid BMW X1 variants are likely to be priced a premium over the previous-gen X1 which retails from Rs 41.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The electric iX1 would likely be much more expensive, with an expected price of Rs 60 lakh onward.