Evolution of BMW X1

BMW X1 E84 2009-2012

The idea to create a smaller SUV came during the economic crisis of 2008, when fuel prices were rising more and more. So, this is how the BMW X appeared, based on the platform of the E90 series, but borrowing the exterior design from the X3. The BMW X1 was the first of the X series to be available in the sDrive version, with two-wheel drive.

Inside, the car looks very good, with premium finishes combined with a lot of technology. The X1 was available in optional petrol and diesel engines, with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.

BMW X1 E84 Facelift 2013-2015

In 2013, BMW launched a facelifted model for the first generation X1. The facelift model came with restyled exterior and interior design elements, as well as the integration of BMW EfficientDynamics on all models.

BMW X1 F48 2015-2019

The second generation BMW X1 was launched in 2016 and was built on a new platform and was available with front-wheel drive as a standard model, and all-wheel drive as an option.

In terms of design, the new X1 had a more aggressive appearance, it had a new grille, redesigned headlights, and the lower trapezoidal air intake defines its face very well. At the back, the car comes with a more curved and more inclined roof, the spoiler above the tailgate is larger, and the taillights are LED and have been completely redesigned.

The changes are also visible inside, now the X1 is more spacious and practical. A 6.5-inch and 8.8-inch iDrive system was introduced as an option, dual-zone climate control and an electric tailgate.

Under the hood, the X1 comes with a new range of 3- and 4-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines. The engines also connect to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Steptronic unit, both of which are new developments.

BMW X1 F48 Facelift 2019-2022

In 2019, we get a facelifted version for the X1. This new model comes with exterior and interior design updates, but also changes under the hood. On the outside, the facelift model receives new headlights, with a more aggressive appearance, new larger grills and a new bumper. At the back, the taillights are redesigned, the orange signals being replaced by white ones.

Inside, the infotainment system has been tweaked, with the previously optional 8.8-inch screen now standard.

Under the hood, the X1 Facelift comes equipped with a choice of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged diesel or gasoline engines, as well as a PHEV, a combination of a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor with 220 hp.

BMW X1 U11 2022-Present

The latest X1 generation was announced this year, in 2022, and stands out for its prominent design, more space, more technology and, for the first time, a fully electric propulsion system.

On the outside, the new X1 keeps the specific X1 design, but comes with new elements. So we get slimmer LED headlights, a larger, almost square grille, X-shaped lines radiating to the side and chrome strips at the bottom. Also, the new X1 has a straighter silhouette and this gives it an SUV look.

The interior has been completely redesigned, and has a minimalist look. The most notable changes are the slim instrument panel, the 10.25-inch BMW Curved Display, the “floating” armrest with integrated control panel and the smartphone tray with indirect lighting. At the same time, the seats were completely redesigned, with perforated leather upholstery, with electric adjustment and massage function.

As for the engine, the BMW X1 has a wide range of options. There are two petrol and two diesel engine options, both paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Both petrol and diesel engines have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

At the same time, the X1 has for the first time a fully electric brother, called the iX1. It is equipped with a dual-motor electric motor that produces 308 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Also, BMW says that the iX1 offers an autonomy of 438 km. Moreover, the iX1 is the first compact SUV from BMW to offer the xDrive all-wheel drive system.