BMW prices next-gen X1 for Oz

BMW Australia will introduce its third generation X1 to the local market in Q4 this year, bringing what it says are a host of compelling new features to the premium crossover segment.

With more prominent styling, a redesigned interior and new driver and parking assistance systems, the X1 will be offered locally in two variants: the sDrive18i priced from $53,900 – up $6000 over the existing starting point to the range – and the xDrive20i from $65,900 plus on-road costs.

Both petrol-powered models will arrive ahead of the fully electric iX1 xDrive30 which is due to appear locally in the first quarter of 2023.

Further, BMW says sustainability measures including the extensive use of green energy both in production and across the supply chain, as well as the use of greater quantities of secondary raw and natural materials, have been implemented across the development of the new X1.

Measuring 4500mm in length, 1845mm in width and 1642mm in height, the new X1 is 533mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also grown 22mm, taking the distance between the front and rear axle to 2692mm. As a result, cargo space grows to 540 litres (+35 litres) in five-seat mode.

BMW says it will meet what it calls “increasing demands” for automated driving technologies with the “most comprehensive and advanced suite of driver and parking assistance systems currently available in the segment.”

Even on base level variants, available driving assistance features include Adaptive LED headlights, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Head-Up Display, Navigation system with augmented reality view and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control that integrates Stop&Go functionality.

The X1 xDrive20i additionally offers the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Parking assistant features standard across the new X1 line-up comprise Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View cameras, Remote 3D view, Reversing Assistant, Drive Recorder, Mirror Package with anti-dazzle function and auto-dipping function and Reversing Camera.

A sport leather steering wheel, two-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, four USB C and two 12V power outlets are all standard.

The interior is further enhanced by equipment items including BMW’s 10.7-inch Curved Display and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, rocker-style gear selector, more comfortable seating with new upholstery options, a floating-style armrest, wireless device charging platform, redesigned sports steering wheel and a touchscreen climate control interface.

Under the bonnet, the X1 sDrive18i offers a three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit displacing 1.5 litres and driving the front wheels via seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Output is rated at 115kW/230Nm with a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds. Provisional combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 6.5 litres per 100km.

For the xDrive20i, we find a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill producing 150kW/300Nm and with a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.4 seconds. The variant also utilises a seven-speed DCT but drives all four wheels. The provisional combined cycle fuel consumption figure for the X1 xDrive20i is listed at 7.4L/100km.

BMW Australia says it will offer Features on Demand allowing customers to download features for their vehicle on a subscription basis, saying the program offers buyers “more comfort and flexibility after purchasing a vehicle according to their individual needs.”

The program covers items including heated seats and a heated steering wheel with pricing for the service to be announced closer to the models’ local launch.

Fixed options include metallic paint, a panoramic glass roof, sliding rear seats, electric front-seat adjustment and a harman/kardon premium audio system. Various M Sport features are also offered optionally, including adaptive suspension and M Sport alloy wheels.

The BMW X1 range is offered in Alpine White paint as standard with eight cost-option hues: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Phytonic Blue, M Portimao Blue, San Remo Green, Cape York Green, Utah Orange, and BMW Individual Storm Bay.

2023 BMW X1 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.