BMW has completed winter testing of the third-generation X1 crossover and shared photos from the Swedish testing ground. Although in fact, these pictures are a little more informative than those that the spies made back in 2020: in the summer the lenses caught the base BMW X1 with an internal combustion engine, and in the fall – the electric BMW iX1. Now the cars have not only the mottled camouflage film, but also the camouflage covers on the body.
As in the case with the new Seven, modifications with different powertrains will be almost identical from the exterior. With the change of the generation, the BMW X1 will keep the general proportions of the body and the traditional configuration of the headlights: a new face with double-deck optics is expected only for the largest and most expensive BMW models. However, the nostrils will become bigger and the door handles now have recessed keys.
The normal BMW X1 will keep its UKL platform with transverse engine location; the range will include petrol, diesel and hybrid versions. And the electric BMW iX1 will be equipped with eDrive of the fifth generation – from the same series as iX or i4 models, but more modestly. It is already stated that the two-motor all-wheel-drive crossover will be able to drive 413-438 km on a single charge (according to the WLTP cycle). For example, a similar-sized Mercedes-Benz EQB with all-wheel drive has a nameplate range of 395-423 km.
The new family is scheduled to debut this fall. Production of all variants will be launched at the same plant in Regensburg, Germany, where they are now making the second-generation X1. And at the end of 2024, the BMW iX1 will become the first model on the assembly line of the new iFactory plant near Debrecen in northern Hungary. Construction of the plant will begin on June 1 of this year.
