All-new 2022 BMW X1 and BMW iX1: All you need to know

The BMW X1 has entered its third generation with a bang. Along with getting more prominent looks, greater digitalisation, more roomy interior, the brand's smallest SUV gets an all-electric driving system for the first time. The latter goes with the iX1 name and joins BMW's new range of EVs, including iX, iX3, i4 and i7. Here we bring all the details of the newly revealed X1 and iX1, have a look.

Exterior

In terms of dimensions, the third-gen X1 is bigger than its predecessor. The revamped model stretches at 4500 mm (+53 mm) long, 1845 mm (+24 mm) wide, and 1642 mm (+44 mm) tall. The wheelbase has also increased to 2692 mm (+22 mm). The cargo capacity measures 540 liters and can be expandable to 1,600 liters with the rear seats folded. In the case of iX1, you get a slightly small area measuring 490 litres (expandable up to 1,495 litres) due to the battery located underneath the SUV's floor.

Design-wise, the luxury SUV looks more sophisticated with a sloping roofline and a normal size kidney grille flanked by one-piece trapezoidal LED headlights instead of the split layout seen on the X7. The restyled front and rear lights are sharper now, offering the SUV a prominent appearance. 

Adding to the aerodynamics, are new flush door handles, aero-optimised side mirror caps and active air flaps in the front grille. As a result, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.27. Also, part of the kit is new alloy wheel designs to be available in three sizes - 18, 19 and 20-inch.  

Unique to the all-new BMW iX1 EV are blue accents on the L-shaped front and rear bumper corners and side sills. It also features a closed-off grille and a flat sealed underbody.

Powertrain

Talking about the petrol and diesel versions first, the 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo four-pot diesel mill has been revised as it now works on a Miller combustion cycle and a new direct and port injection fueling system. The updated engine kicks out a maximum power output of 241 hp (+13 hp) and a 400 Nm (+50 Nm) peak torque. A new 7-speed dual-clutch has also replaced the older 8-speed AT. The revisions enable the SUV to hit the century sprint in 6.2 seconds.

Other ICE engines on option include a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder with 100 kW and 230 Nm, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder with 150 kW and 300 Nm, a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel with 110 kW and 360 Nm and more. Two plug-in hybrids are also available.

Moving to the BMW iX1, the EV is equipped with the brand's fifth generation of eDrive motors, comprising one electric motor at each axle and a 64.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The motors deliver a total system output of 272 PS and a peak torque of 494 Nm. The output level can be pushed to 313 PS under hard acceleration with a temporary boost function. It allows the EV to run from zero to 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 180 kmph. 

The 2022 BMW iX1 WLTP-certified range is 438 km per charge, which takes just 29 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% when using a 130 kW DC fast charger.

Interior

Moving inside, here the new X1 is equipped with the latest twin-screen curved panel, comprising a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 10.7-inch infotainment unit. It runs on the latest iDrive 8 software and comes mated to 'Hey BMW' activated voice assistant, AR satellite navigation, 5G connectivity, OTR updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also parts of the kit are a head-up display, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound systems. Included in the list of five new 'My Modes' are Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive and Relax.

Styling-wise, BMW designers redesigned the central console of the SUV. It features a space-efficient area with a switch-style 'shift-by-wire' gear selector. There is also a storage area below this floating console. 

Both standard and sport front seats are on offer with different trimming options, including cloth, Sensatec synthetic leather, Alcantara or Vernasca genuine leather. The seats also feature electric adjustment, heating, massaging and lumbar support functions.

The specific appointments you can see inside the BMW iX1 are some changes in the cloud-based maps like routing optimised for charging, estimated remaining charge, recommended charging time, etc. The EV also has IconicSounds Electric driving sound system created in association with the popular film composer Hans Zimmer, just like other BMW electric cars.

Safety

Ensuring the safety of passengers sitting inside the new BMW X1 and iX1 is a full suite of advanced safety pack which supports Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems. It comprises adaptive cruise control, lane-following assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, automatic parking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera.

The new BMW X1 and iX1 will soon go on sale in the European market.

Also read: BMW enhances appeal of its entry-level models; introduces ‘Edition ColorVision’ versions