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.
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the iX1 plug-in
The introduction of the all-electric iX1 is the biggest global modification to the X1. But in other areas, BMW also provides a range of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
None of them are expected to be sold in the United States, although the last X1 model lasted seven model years, and BMW anticipates that by 2030, 50% of its worldwide sales will be battery-powered.
For the BMW iX1 xDrive30, impressive efficiency claims include best-in-class efficiency of 17.3 kWh/100 km on the European WLTP test cycle. With 310 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of immediate torque available from two electric motors, it is also the fastest X1 ever. The AWD iX1 accelerates to 62 mph (100 kph) in 5.7 seconds, outpacing the quick X2 M35i.
The iX1’s battery pack has an estimated capacity of between 75 and 80 kWh based on its WLTP cycle range of 257 to 272 miles. However, BMW hasn’t confirmed this. This would equate to between 229 and 243 miles using the somewhat different test cycle used by the EPA. Later on, a second, more affordable, smaller battery pack is anticipated.
Additionally, there are PHEV and diesel X1 models for Europe, including as the plug-in xDrive30e with up to 321 horsepower and 351 pound-feet of torque. BMW isn’t currently expected to import any of these vehicles, although the iX1 would be a strong rival to the Volvo C40 Recharge.
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.
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.
The BMW X1 Plug-In Hybrid will not be sold in the United States.
The brand-new BMW X1 xDrive25e electrified SAV had its formal market launch in the late evening. The new BMW X1 with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain has been available for purchase from the spring of 2020, with the exception of the United States. Our sources indicate that there are no current plans to bring the incredibly efficient X1 PHEV to the American market.
The electrifying crowd will probably be let down. In the end, the X1 has always been one of the most alluring items in the current BMW range, and it gets much more intriguing when you give it an electric motor.
The BMW X1 xDrive25e’s electrified architecture combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine. The internal combustion engine, which has three cylinders and a 1.5 liter displacement, is in charge of powering the front wheel axle. The gasoline engine’s highest output is 92 kW/125 PS (123 horsepower), while its maximum torque is 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).
The electric drivetrain propels the rear wheels with a torque of 165 Nm and a total output of 70 kW/95 PS (94 horsepower).
The two engines work together to give the plug-in hybrid powertrain a maximum combined output of 162 kW / 220 PS (217 horsepower), while the peak torque is 385 Nm (284 lb-ft).
The 6-speed automatic transmission transmits power from the 3-cylinder petrol engine to the front wheels. A single-speed gearbox is used for the output transmission in the case of the rear axle.
The X1 xDrive25e’s all-electric driving range is predicted to be between 54 and 57 kilometers (as per WLTP cycle). The range would probably be less under the stricter EPA regulations, but it would still be adequate for a lot of daily emission-free travel.
Has the BMW X1 a mild hybrid?
Both gasoline and diesel engines will be offered for the BMW X1 in 2023. The 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine has a turbocharger and produces 134 BHP and 230 Nm. There is also a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 201 BHP and 320 Nm. It has a mild hybrid unit that adds 19 horsepower and 55 newton meters.