It’s been roughly a year since BMW gave its second-generation X1 crossover a few updates, and the compact family hauler is still going strong. The first-generation E84 X1 enjoyed a six-year lifespan, from 2009 up until 2015, when the F48 went into production, making the switch to a front-wheel-drive platform. Now, a brand new model is on its way and our spy photographers have captured it on camera for the very first time.

Like the current X1, this all-new one will likely be related to its 2-Series Active Tourer counterpart, which has already been spied both inside and out, pointing to yet another shift in the German carmaker’s design language.


Despite the full-body camouflage, we can tell that the all-new X1’s taillights feature a similar, if not identical design to those of the all-new 2-Series Active Tourer. This design pushes the light clusters outwards, showing their seemingly rectangular shape. Compared to those of the current X1, these new taillights could be smaller in size. As for other differences we can ascertain, the roof seems to be more sloped, to the point where one might call the rear end of the 2023 X1 somewhat Audi Sportback-ish.

Also no, we didn’t forget about the front end, which seems more pointy (or frowny), somewhat. The headlights are slimmer and the grille appears to be reasonably-sized, at least by the modern BMW standards. Last but not least, the interior. If it is to mirror that of the upcoming 2-Series Active Tourer, and it probably will, then expect a curved, driver-oriented dual display setup, with a redesigned dashboard panel, center console, and steering wheel.

The 2023 BMW X1 will likely be available with a series of gasoline and diesel-powered units, as well as a plug-in hybrid option, which could still be dubbed the xDrive25e.