BMW Unveils Facelifted X1, Debuts Hybrid Powertrain

• Offered in 4 variants: Base, X Line, Sport Line and M Sport.
• Cosmetic changes include redesigned grille, headlights, taillights, tailpipes and more.
• New hybrid variant to start production by March 2020.
• Unlikely to make it to India anytime soon.

BMW has finally unveiled its long-awaited 2020 X1. This launch follows the very recent unveil of the all-new 1 Series hatchback. The 2020 X1 sports a host of cosmetic enhancements along with new colour schemes and interior updates.

Outside, the new X1 gets subtle cosmetic enhancements. As with other modern BMWs, its trademark kidney grille is now larger and connected at the centre. The new X1 also sports an updated headlight design, with Adaptive LED headlights and fog lamps available as options. Its air intakes also get a slight redesign. At the rear, it receives redesigned L-shaped tail lights along with bigger diameter tailpipes (70mm to 90mm).

An interesting new tidbit for the X1 is the addition of a two-tone LED projector lamp on the driver’s side exterior mirror that projects the SUV’s name when the car is unlocked. The new X1 also gets 4 new wheel designs with 17, 18 and 19-inch wheels on offer.  The X1 gets three new colours: Storm Bay Metallic, Jucaro Beige and Misano Blue Metallic.

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The Sport and M Sport variants continue to maintain their individuality. This is due to their lowered suspension and the athletic-looking aero package consisting of side skirts, a diffuser and a more aggressive front bumper. 

Inside, the new X1 stays fairly familiar and gets subtle cosmetic changes only. These changes include contrast-stitched floor mats and three new upholstery variants. The 6.5-inch touchscreen control display continues to be offered as standard, though BMW now offers a larger 8.8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display as options on the new X1. The centre display consists of digital features like the BMW Connected Drive along with a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Under the hood, BMW has future-proofed the X1. It will retain the same petrol and diesel engines from the outgoing X1, which already meet the EU6d norms that will kick in around 2021.  The first diesel option offered in the X1 is the BMW X1 sDrive16d which is powered by a 117PS/270Nm 1.5-litre twin-turbo engine. It is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. The more powerful diesel option is the BMW X1 xDrive25d, which gets a 234PS/450Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine. This is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The petrol BMW X1 xDrive25i is powered by a 234PS/350Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Alongside its petrol and diesel variants, the X1 range will debut a new hybrid variant called the BMW X1 xDrive25e. The hybrid will use BMW’s PHEV technology which made its debut on the i8 sportscar. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 126PS/220Nm twin-turbo petrol engine paired with a 96PS/165Nm electric motor. A 9.7 kWh battery has enough juice to propel the new X1 xDrive25e on pure electric power for about 50km, claims BMW. The hybrid variant is set to be offered in most international markets beginning March 2020.

The pre-facelift BMW X1 in India is currently priced from Rs 35.20 lakh to Rs 45.70 lakh and is available with both petrol and diesel engines. Word is awaited from the company on when the new X1 will be launched here and if they will consider launching the hybrid variant considering the implementation of stricter BSVI norms in 2020. Stay tuned to ZigWheels for up to date news on the BMW X1 facelift.

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