New BMW X1 brings a fresh flavour to the pot
March 13, 2023
If you’ve never been a fan of the BMW X1 you might be by the time you finish reading this. BMW South Africa recently introduced the new X1, which currently is in its finest shape yet. It’s as though the Bavarian designers had an epiphany right before they put pen to pad for the final sketch. Let’s get into all the ingredients that make this X1 shine.
The design boffins at beamer pulled out a blank canvas for this project and started anew. Everything is different in this design. At the front BMW has given the X1 a large, squarer kidney grille. Unlike certain models from the brand, this upscale in the kidney grille has been executed tastefully, leaving no room for criticism. The rest of its face has been remodelled and sculptured, along with its rear. New headlamps, taillights and bumpers have been fitted, resulting in a stunning vehicle with contemporary looks and a futuristic touch. They had to make it larger than the vehicle it replaces, and it is. It also comes with a set of 18-inch wheels as standard, but should you be more inclined towards the beefier, more athletic appearance, 19 and 20-inch options are available. It's the first time that an X1 has been offered with the latter size. Another first for the model is integrated door handles.
Interior layout
Its cabin has been re-arranged and new furniture has been put in place. Newly developed seats are now standard, and sports versions with electronic adjustment, lumbar support and a massage function are available as an option. When the brand was developing this interior, it did so with a minimalist approach in mind, resulting in the omission of iDrive controls and a conventional gear selector in exchange for an electronic switch. Manual air conditioner and radio controls have also been removed and digitised into the infotainment screen. Speaking of the display, BMW has opted for a curved screen that spans into the driver's side becoming a digital instrument cluster. Another new feature in the BMW X1 is the large floating armrest between the driver and passenger.
Moving to the rear, there’s a 40:20:40 split in the seat backrest, and it can be adjusted backwards and forwards in combustion-engined variants (there will be an electric version). Boot space is reasonable at 540l and can increase to 1600l when the seats are folded. While the brand is now offering pre-packaged features in different variants, you can still tick off a few options like ambient lighting a panoramic glass sunroof, or the Harman Kardon Sound System.
Engine specs & variants
Currently, the 2023 BMW X1 is available in two engine specifications, an 18i and 18d. The X1 18i has a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with 115kW and 230Nm, while the 18d is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit boasting 110kW and 360Nm. Having driven both, the diesel is the sweet spot in this catalogue. On the road, the new X1 is such a pleasant vehicle to drive, it brings a smile to your face while you swiftly glide through the urban jungle. It does this through a level of refinement that still allows the driver to feel part of the driving experience. You must experience it to fully comprehend what the Germans have done here.
BMW South Africa has confirmed that a fully electric version of its X1 will be made available in Q2 of 2023.
BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine R753,045.40
BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport package R793,045.40
BMW X1 sDrive18d R790,616.60
BMW X1 sDrive18d R830,616.60
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