2019 BMW X1 SUV facelift unveiled internationally
BMW has unveiled the facelifted BMW X1 for the international market. The current third-generation BMW X1 SUV has been on sale for slightly less than three years now, so the time was ripe for a mid-cycle refresh.
As we saw in some spy pictures earlier, the most notable change to the X1 is in its new front fascia. The grille, following BMW's latest design trend, is now much larger and heavily chromed. The headlamps get more detailing, are larger and a bit more swept back. Rounding off this more aggressive look is the new bumper, with its quite complex dark inserts replacing the round fog lamps with slim horizontal ones.
The side profile remains largely unchanged while the rear gets wider tail lamps with a 3D effect, much like on the larger X5 and X7. The bumpers also get a minor tweak.
On the inside, the biggest change will be the new, larger iDrive infotainment screen. This should get the latest iteration of the software. There is also a new electronic gear selector switch. Other than this, only minor material and colour changes have been made.
A plug-in hybrid version called the X1 xDrive 25e will join the line-up in 2020, pairing an electric motor to the BMW 1.5-litre petrol. The engine options will also carry on as they are. So in India, expect the petrol in the sDrive20i to remain the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 192PS and generates 280Nm of torque. The diesel cars will continue with the 2.0-litre unit with 190PS and 400Nm. There should be minor improvements in outputs and efficiency.
The facelifted X1 should be available internationally in the next few months, followed by an India launch. The Volvo XC40 has moved the game forward considerably in this segment. There is also a new Audi Q3 internationally and the Mercedes' GLB is also ready for launch. This means the X1 couldn't come with an update any sooner.