BMW has pulled the covers off the all-new third-generation version of its X1 small SUV. Due to go on sale in fourth quarter of 2022, the 2023 BMW X1 has grown in size, added a whole host of technology and for the first time, will be offered in an all-electric iX1 variant (shown in white) that will land locally only a few months after regular X1 models. 

2023 BMW X1

According to BMW, “With its robust appearance and functional versatility, the new BMW X1 embodies an authentic experience of freedom and independence in day-to-day driving and on longer journeys.”

“The interior’s progressive design and sophisticated ambience, and the much broader selection of standard equipment compared to the outgoing model, serve to underline its deeply embedded premium character.” 

2023 BMW X1

Stylistically, the 2023 BMW X1 is bolder and more aggressive than the car it replaces. The angular headlights give an angry look, while the latest interpretation of the traditional BMW ‘kidney grille’ is more aggressive as well. The rounded body, slim tailights and pumped up wheel arches further emphasise the aggressive look, though it’s still very much an X1 with similar shaping to previous generations of the car.

For the first time, Matrix LED headlights are available, as are wheels up to 20-inches in size. 

2023 BMW X1

Inside the 2023 BMW X1 is a big step forward with a more luxurious and heavily tech-filled look that follows other BMW models, such as the iX, 2 Series and 4 Series. Most noticeable inside the cabin is the new curved infotainment and driver’s display, with a 10.25-inch screen for the driver and a 10.7-inch display for the infotainment system. It runs the latest iDrive 8, which is controllable by the click wheel or by touch, with 5G connectivity and “Hey BMW” voice control, while options like a Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic roof, as well as a variety of trim colours and materials, will be available.

The 2023 BMW X1 has grown in size – its 4,500mm length, 1,845mm width, 1,642mm height and 2,692mm long wheelbase make it 53mm longer, 24mm wider, 44mm taller and 22mm longer in wheelbase than the model it replaces. Bootspace is up to 540-litres with the seats in place (up 35L) and 1,600L with the seats folded (+50L). 

2023 BMW X1

Under the bonnet of the 2023 BMW X1 in Australia will be a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines: the 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder front-wheel drive sDrive18i and the 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder all-wheel drive xDrive20i. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The former engine uses 6.5L/100km on a combined cycle and the latter 7.4L/100km. Diesel, plug-in hybrid and even mild-hybrid variants of the X1 sold in Europe won’t be sold locally for the time being. 

Under the bonnet of the all-electric iX1 is 67.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s mated to an all-wheel drive system with a motor on each axle. Producing a combined 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque, the iX1 is capable of a 5.7 0-100km/h sprint. The battery can be charged at speeds up to 130kW, and doing so unlocks a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 29 minutes – those using a slower AC charging port at 22kW will have to wait just under four hours for a full charge. On the WLTP cycle, the iX1 can travel up to 438km on a charge.

2023 BMW X1

Overseas engine options include a 160kW/360Nm xDrive23i, a 110kW/360Nm sDrive18d, a 145kW/400Nm xDrive23d and two plug-in hybrid variants: the 180kW/477Nm xDrive25e or the 240kW/477Nm xDrive30e. Both the latter combine the sDrive18’s three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and 14.2kWh battery packs are capable of driving up to 89km on electric power, though their slow 7.4kW AC charging rate is probably what stopped BMW Australia from importing them just yet.

A full suite of active safety kit is available, including auto emergency braking with cyclist, pedestrian and intersection assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (which is the first time an X1 has featured those), traffic sign recognition, auto parking, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving tech that combines adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist to drive the car on motorways at up to 180km/h. 

2023 BMW X1

BMW Australia is yet to announce local pricing and specifications for the 2023 BMW X1 ahead of its local launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews. 

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