The third generation of the BMW X1 consists of the U11 (short wheelbase) and the U12 (long wheelbase) subcompact luxury crossover SUVs. Continuing in the way of the previous generation, the U11 X1 is based on the modular UKL2 platform, which categorises compact, front-wheel drive based vehicles such as the 2 Series Active Tourer hatchback and the Mini Countryman crossover. The U11 offers a range of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric models. Specific petrol and diesel models utilize a mild hybrid powertrain.

Undifferentiated from the previous generation, front-wheel drive models are marketed sDrive, whereas all-wheel drive models are marketed as xDrive. The vehicle measures 4,500 mm (177.2 in), which is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer than its predecessor. Long wheelbase models are marketed exclusively in the Chinese market, and is currently 4,616 mm (181.7 in), which is 51 mm (2.0 in) longer than the previous LWB model.

Overview

The third-generation X1 was revealed on 1 June 2022, and launched on October 2022 for select markets. Officially longer than the F48 and E84, the U11 is roughly 70mm shorter than the Mk1 X3. BMW predicts 41 per cent of the X1s will be petrol models, while 31 per cent will be battery electric, leaving the remainder to be the plug-in hybrid and diesel.

An M Sport package is available that adds adaptive suspension (available for the first time on the X1), a lower ride height, and interior and exterior styling elements. The package also includes sport seats and launch control with paddle shifters on the M-Sport steering wheel.

In June 2023, the M35i xDrive was announced. The M35i xDrive uses 2.0-litre I4 turbocharged engine which generates 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) / 400 N⋅m (40.8 kg⋅m; 295 lb⋅ft) of power and torque respectively. For selected countries and the United States, it generates an additional 17 hp (13 kW; 17 PS). It accelerates from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds and its top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Deliveries for the United States begin in October 2023 while deliveries for the rest of the world begin in November 2023.

Features

Heated front seats are available on the sDrive18i, as well as a heated steering wheel which is available via a subscription on the BMW ConnectedDrive store. For the X1 sold in the US, the optional Active Seats with Lumbar Support includes massaging seat function for both front seats. Massaging seat intensity and timer can only be controlled from the touchscreen. Models in the US receive dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and a power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof is part of the Convenience package.

BMW has introduced the new, dual-screen "Curved Display" onto the X1, which combines a 10.25-inch digital dial display, and a high-definition 10.7-inch infotainment screen which run the eighth generation BMW iDrive infotainment system. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Sirius XM satellite radio is standard for all models. Wireless charging is standard on the Convenience package. For the Premium package, the X1 receives Harman Kardon audio system, 360° camera, and a head-up display.

Safety systems consist of: the Driving Assistant Professional which maintains speed, lane, and distance, Parking Assistant Plus, which conveniences parking in tighter spots, and the Reversing Assistant, which remembers steering movements for the previous 50 metres and can automatically return the vehicle precisely to the previously travelled path.

Wheel sizes in the US range from 19- to 20-inch, however in Australia, sizes range from 18- to 19-inch.

Markets

Europe

The X1 arrived in Europe in late 2022 which includes all models except the sDrive16i.

Australia

The X1 had arrived in Australia in the final quarter of 2022 with sDrive18i and xDrive20i models. Packages consist of the Enhancement Package, available on the sDrive18i and xDrive20i, and the M Sport Package, available only on the xDrive20i.

North America

The X1 had arrived in the US in the final quarter of 2022. Models at launch in 2023 consisted only of the xDrive28i, but in 2024, the M35i had joined the lineup. All models use an all-wheel drive layout. Packages include the Premium and Convenience.

China

The X1 in China is sold exclusively as the long wheelbase U12 model. The models include the sDrive18Li, sDrive20Li, and xDrive20Li, as well as the battery electric xDrive30L. The front-wheel-drive iX1, the 'eDrive25L', is scheduled for March 2024.

India

The X1 was launched in India on 28 January 2023, and is locally manufactured at BMW’s Chennai factory. Both petrol and diesel engines are available.

Powertrain

Models for specific Asian and African countries start at the sDrive16i model which uses a front-wheel drive layout, and has an output of output of 122 hp (91 kW) and 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft). For most countries, models start at the sDrive18i, which has an output of 136 hp (101 kW) and 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft), and the sDrive20i which has an output of 170 hp (130 kW) and 240 N⋅m (180 lbf⋅ft). Both models use a 1,499 cc (1.5 L) B38 inline-three turbocharged engine. The xDrive23i uses a B48 inline-four turbocharged mild hybrid powertrain, and uses an all-wheel drive layout. It has an output of 218 hp (163 kW) and 320 N⋅m (240 lbf⋅ft). Exclusive to North American markets is the xDrive28i, which utilizes a variant of the B48 that makes 241 hp (180 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque and is only available in AWD.

Diesel models consist of the sDrive18d, which has an output of 150 hp (112 kW) and 360 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft), the xDrive20d, which has an output of 163 hp (122 kW) and 360 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft), and the xDrive23d which has an output of 211 hp (157 kW) and 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft). All diesel models use a B47 twin turbo inline-four engine. PHEV models consist of the xDrive25e which has an output of 245 hp (183 kW) and 230 N⋅m (170 lbf⋅ft), and the xDrive30e with an output of 326 hp (243 kW) and 494 N⋅m (364 lbf⋅ft) which both use a B38 engine inline-three turbocharged engine, combined with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor.

Mild hybrid models utilize a 48-volt mild hybrid which includes an electric motor/power-booster rated at 19 hp (14 kW) and 55 N⋅m (41 lbf⋅ft). The mild hybrid system also features a 20 Ah battery in the luggage compartment, which was added to increase efficiency and power delivery.

For plug-in hybrid models, charging via an AC charger (using a Type 2 connector) can handle a capacity of 7.4 kilowatts will take a total of 2.5 hours, down from 3.2 hours. Because of the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology, PHEV models receive more fully-electric range compared to the previous generation. 25e PHEV model, the WLTP-rated range extends from 71–83 km (44–52 mi). For the 30e PHEV, the WLTP-rated range extends from 70–82 km (43–51 mi).

All models except the iX1 use a 7-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

* 233 kW (312 hp) for selected countries such as the US

BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 is a battery electric version of the X1 U11. The iX1 was released on 11 November 2022 as the xDrive30. It features a 64.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, and dual motors placed at each axle for an all-wheel drive layout. Its power and torque output is rated at 313 hp (233 kW; 317 PS) and 494 N⋅m (50.4 kg⋅m; 364 lb⋅ft) respectively.

In September 2023, a front-wheel drive model, known as the "eDrive20" was introduced. It features one motor, and has an output of 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) and 247 N⋅m (25.2 kg⋅m; 182 lb⋅ft). Its battery remains a 64.7 kWh lithium-ion. All iX1 models feature an optional cyan exterior trim, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. Top speed for the eDrive20 is 170 km/h (106 mph), however for the xDrive30, its top speed is 180 km/h (112 mph). Charging for the xDrive30 using an AC charger (0-100%) takes 6.5 hours with a charging capacity of 11 kW. Using a DC fast-charger, charging for the xDrive30 (0-80%) takes 29 minutes with a capacity of 130 kW.

References