The second-generation BMW X1 has been with us ever
since 2015, which means the nameplate is about ready to receive the LCI
treatment from its manufacturer, as rivals from Audi and Mercedes stand by. This is in fact the second time
that we have seen an updated BMW X1 prototype, the first time being at the
beginning of July. That prototype however could only offer us glimpses of the
crossover’s slightly altered exterior design.
The all-new Audi Q3 raised the bar in the
sub-compact premium crossover segment, and with Mercedes currently working on a
brand new generation of the GLA, BMW desperately needed to make the X1 more
tech-savvy.
You need not look too close in order to spot the
massive infotainment display, spanning the entire width of the center console.
On the current X1, the screen is considerably smaller. Another thing we notice
is that the steering wheel hasn’t changed. We were hoping BMW would install the
same wheel as in the latest X3, but unless they plan to do so later on, it
looks as though this one is it. Last but not least is the shifter design which is thankfully more
modern on this prototype than on the current production model. It’s also
identical to the one from the 2018 2-Series Active Tourer.
The camouflage on this prototype isn’t in any way
more revealing than on the last pre-production X1 our spy photographers came
across. Still, there are new bumpers front and rear, new headlights, new
taillight graphics and a new front grille with seven vertical bars instead of
eight.
As for its engine range, we expect better fuel
economy and reduced CO2 emissions on both diesels as well as petrol models,
while a plug-in hybrid version (likely called xDrive25e) could arrive sometime
after the regular models break cover, meaning 2019. The updated BMW X1 is expected to
be unveiled before the end of this year.
