SUVs are very popular, and a surprising number of purchasers are drawn to the luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles in particular. One such vehicle is the BMW X1 xDrive25e, which is likely to appeal to badge enthusiasts, company-car drivers, and anyone searching for a hybrid who values a vehicle with precise handling. That’s because the X1, which shares a lot of components with the MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4, is a little more entertaining to drive than the Volvo XC40 Recharge T4, Mercedes GLA 250 e, or Jaguar E-Pace P300e.
A 1.5-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack are all included with the X1 xDrive25e. This configuration can offer lower emissions and better fuel efficiency, with the potential of zero-emission driving for short excursions, once it has been charged at home or at a public charger. It is the same layout as the less practical, lower-slung X2 xDrive25e sister model, which is more expensive to purchase.
A 123 horsepower gasoline engine and a 94 horsepower electric motor combine to provide 220 horsepower in the X1 plug-in hybrid. In comparison to SUVs fueled by gasoline or diesel, the SUV seems much more nimble thanks to the engine. In terms of handling, the X1 is more entertaining to drive than the XC40 and feels steady through turns.
Although there has been some weight gain as a result of the 10kWh battery and the motor, BMW has done a fantastic job of keeping everything under control. Additionally, the X1 xDrive25e can go up to 30 to 32 miles entirely on electricity while in “MAX eDrive” mode. When we tried it, we noticed a figure closer to 25 miles, but that’s still respectable.
The interior of the X1 is mostly unaltered from the petrol and diesel variants, despite some cargo room being taken up by the batteries (around 55 liters). Adult passengers have plenty of room to spread out both up front and in back, with the latter enjoying class-leading head and legroom.
Although the X1’s dashboard has one of the greatest infotainment systems on the market, you must choose from among some of BMW’s four-figure option packs to receive all of the standard features you might need, including active safety features like adaptive cruise control.
The X1 isn’t the cheapest small SUV available, either; the M Sport model’s starting price is over PS40,000. Prices for the xDrive25e plug-in hybrid are about PS2,000 more than for the corresponding petrol variant. Private purchasers may find that difficult to accept, but company-car users will like the X1’s 12% Benefit-in-Kind company-car tax rate in its plug-in hybrid configuration. As a point of comparison, the entry-level diesel X1 is within the 31% range.
The X1 could, however, ultimately save you money on fuel costs if you’re a private buyer and the most of your trips are short ones. In this crowded market for electrified vehicles, the X1 continues to be the option that is more entertaining to drive.
Later in 2022, this X1 will be replaced by a completely new model. In the upcoming generation, there will be a fully electric iX1 for the first time, which should result in even lower operating costs. If you want to switch between gasoline and electric power, the latter having a far stronger output, there will also be not one, but two plug-in hybrid variants.
To learn more about the BMW X1 xDrive25e and how it stacks up against its closest competitors, read the remainder of our review.
In This Article...
What is a BMW plug-in hybrid car’s electric range?
The size of the battery, together with the weight, aerodynamics, and tire type of a plug-in hybrid car, all affect its electric range. The EPA-rated electric ranges for 2020-2021 BMW plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are:
- Sports Activity Vehicle(r) BMW X5 xDrive45e: 30 kilometers
- 30 kilometers, BMW X5 xDrive45e SAV
- 22/20 miles for the BMW 330e/330e xDrive Sedan.
- 20/18 miles for the BMW 530e/530e xDrive sedan.
- 16 miles for the BMW 745e xDrive Sedan
When using both the electric motor and the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, the combined driving range is much larger and can be tailored based on driving and charging habits.
Transmit this tale
The new X1s will be produced by the German manufacturer in Regensburg, where a single assembly line will be used to create versions of the car that are powered by gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and all-electric powertrains. To better distinguish the entry-level compacts from the rest of the X series, BMW is referring to the updated X1 models as compact SAVs, or “Sports Activity Vehicles.” The updated X1’s design has a wider, more angular grille, more svelte LED headlamps, flat door handles, narrower rear windows, and an angular, squared-off rear.
The all-electric iX1 xDrive30 has a dual-motor drivetrain as standard, which can produce 230kW combined (up to 313 horsepower) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.7 seconds. It has a 64.7kWh (usable) battery pack that enables it to go between 257 and 272 miles (according to European WLTP) between charges. It has a quick charging capacity of up to 130kW, which according to BMW adds up to 75 miles in 10 minutes.
BMW’s new Operating System 8 with enhanced voice assistant functions will be available on all new X1 vehicles. A new 10.25-inch instrument screen that curves continuously into a 10.7-inch infotainment screen is available. Along with BMW’s navigation system, built-in 5G connection, and of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. A car’s settings and themes can be changed by the new system to meet various modes, such as “Expressive” or “Relaxed.” In terms of driver assistance features, the X1 offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance, and can automatically handle stop-and-go traffic.
The all-electric iX1 and the plug-in hybrid X1 XDrive25e are scheduled to be on sale in November. The new BMW X1 range is scheduled to go on sale for the combustion variants in October of this year. There is only one trim option available to Americans who enjoy the look and size of the X1: the X1 xDrive28i combustion model.
The automaker’s all-electric options have been meager since since BMW discontinued the quirky i3 EV from its portfolio last year, but the iX1 demonstrates that the company is getting back on track with electrification with this new entry-level EV. BMW has you covered with the i4 or the more opulent i7, meanwhile, if electrified sedans are more your style. Additionally, the iX and the sportier iX M60 are options if you’re looking for something that is more akin to Tesla’s Model X.
A new BMW X1’s driving and engines
There will be a variety of gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines available for the 2017 BMW X1. Additionally, an all-electric iX1 is coming.
The base engine in the range is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 136 horsepower, but you can also get the same engine with light hybrid assistance and 170 horsepower. These two vehicles have front-wheel drives. Then there is a mild hybrid 2.0-liter petrol vehicle with 204 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
Two diesels are available. They both have 2.0-liter engines, one with 150 horsepower and the other with 211 horsepower and all-wheel drive thanks to mild hybrid technology.
The two plug-in hybrid models, the 25e and the 30e, are the last two. Both vehicles have a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the front wheels while the back wheels are propelled by an electric motor.
The 30e makes 326 hp, compared to the 25e’s combined 245 hp. Both of these vehicles, according to BMW, will achieve up to 353 mpg.
Every X1 model now comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; manual transmissions are no longer an option.
BMW X1 is it a mild hybrid?
The new BMW X1 comes with two 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine at launch. The two largest engines use 48v mild-hybrid technology with a 19PS electric motor, with all engines having received hardware and software enhancements compared to the previous models.
The sDrive18d, which initially has the lowest price point, has a 0-62 mph time of 8.9 seconds and produces 150PS and 360Nm of torque. The combined fuel economy is up to 57.7 mpg.
The four-wheel drive xDrive23d, a higher-powered diesel with 211 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, has a 0-62 mph time of 7.4 seconds and amazingly even better fuel efficiency at up to 58.9 mpg combined.
The xDrive23i is the only original gasoline model, and its 218PS and 360Nm of torque enable it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds. The combined fuel efficiency can reach 43.5 mpg. In due course, expect to see less powerful versions, such as a three-cylinder turbo petrol at the bottom of the range.
There are two plug-in hybrids; the xDrive25e uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels while a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine powers the front wheels. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and achieve a combined fuel efficiency of up to 353 mpg with a combined output of 245 PS and 477 Nm.
The more potent xDrive30e has the same configuration of a three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor, but has a power increase of 326PS for a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The quoted economy is identical. Both PHEVs employ a 14.2 kWh usable battery and have 7.4 kW charging capabilities, allowing them to charge from full to empty in 2.5 hours. On the WLTP cycle, the electric range is between 48 and 55 miles.
All engines are coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a coasting feature and gearshift paddles on some versions.
The all-electric BMW iX1 is the last vehicle on the list. It has two electric motors placed across both axles, and it produces a combined power of 313PS (including a brief boost mode) and 494Nm of torque. That’s enough for a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.
The 64.7kWh battery under the floor of the iX1 is said to have a range of 257–272 miles. While 22kW charging is optional and 11kW three-phase AC charging is the standard, DC quick charging of up to 130kW provides a 10-80% top-up in 29 minutes.
The iX1 also features a drive sound “experience” created by composer Hanz Zimmer, as well as regenerative braking that can provide up to 120kW of charge. Retail purchasers of the BMW iX1 in the UK and Europe receive 12 months of free Ionity network charging.
BMW asserts that both axle designs have been created from scratch and have been improved for steering accuracy, body roll control, and ride comfort. Adaptive M suspension with a 15mm ride height drop is standard on M Sport versions, plug-in hybrids, and the iX1.
It is asserted that the addition of new chassis control systems, the use of lightweight materials, and enhanced aerodynamics will improve both the driving experience and efficiency. Additionally, BMW has lessened the carbon footprint of its electrified vehicles by using recycled and renewable materials in their production.
Does the BMW X1 have a hybrid version?
powered range. The 2018 BMW X1’s Plug-in Hybrid variant is expected to have an all-electric driving range of up to 55 miles*. This enables you to go almost silently and without any local emissions when using an electric vehicle.
Is the X1 a true BMW?
We’ve long been fans of BMW’s entry-level SUV, the X1, thanks to its responsive handling, enthusiastic personality, and useful design. The 2023 model has undergone a complete redesign that appears to be a significant improvement over the model from the previous year, with upgrades to its interior, powertrain, and chassis. Under the hood is a brand-new 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a seven-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. The X1 is still a two-row SUV, unlike its major competition, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class, but BMW claims that its slightly larger outward proportions have translated to more interior capacity. Speaking of the interior, it has been redesigned with a more contemporary look and the newest technological advancements, such as the company’s iDrive 8 infotainment system. By the end of 2022, the 2023 X1 should arrive at dealers, and we want to test drive it before it goes on sale.