BMW’s next-generation small SUV range has been leaked ahead of its reveal, including the brand’s new entry-level electric vehicle.
The 2023 BMW X1 and iX1 have broken cover ahead of an expected June 1 unveiling, with what appear to be official press kit images shared on the Instagram account leaktveak.
One of these images reveals technical specifications for the iX1, which uses the fifth-generation of BMW’s eDrive technology and a 64.7kWh battery.
It produces 200kW of power, with an extra 30kW of boost, and has a claimed 438km of range under the WLTP test cycle.
It can support AC charging at up to 11kW as standard, with 22kW charging capability optional.
It can also support DC charging at up to 130kW, with 10 minutes of charging adding 120km and a charge from 10 to 80 per cent taking 29 minutes.
The iX1 has a drag coefficient of 0.26, though there don’t appear to be any wild changes between it and its combustion engine-powered X1 counterpart visually.
The iX1 still features a traditional-looking grille with vertical chrome bars, though it appears to be closed-off. There are also the blue highlights expected of an i-branded BMW.
Overall, the styling is an evolution from the current X1. Its flanks have less heavy creasing than the current car, though the overall shape of the car and the rise of its beltline is similar.
The standard LED headlights are more angular and slimmer in appearance, while the tail lights are somewhat slimmer too albeit with chunkier lighting elements.
Matrix LED headlights are optional.
The X1 depicted in the images appears to have the M Sport package.
The redesigned 2 Series Active Tourer proved to be a reliable preview of what to expect from the X1 and iX1’s cabin.
Like the small MPV, the new crossovers feature BMW’s new Curved Display with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system within the same housing.
The infotainment system runs the latest BMW Operating System 8.
There’s also an upright wireless charging tray, though the iDrive controller appears to be gone as BMW moves away from this trademark feature in its smaller vehicles.
Options include a head-up display and sports seats with a massaging function.
The rear seats fold 40:20:40 and BMW quotes total boot capacity of 540-1600L.
In addition to the new iX1, the new X1 is expected to be offered globally with a range of diesel, 48V mild-hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The 2 Series Active Tourer features a similarly broad range.
Petrol engines in the small people mover include a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder with either 100kW/230Nm or 125kW/280Nm, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 160kW and 360Nm.
There’s also a 110kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. All of these engines are mated with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid models are coming.
The Bavarian brand has confirmed the X1 will be launched first, later this year, with the iX1 following thereafter.
Zinoro 1E
More specific local launch timing has yet to be confirmed, though the iX1 appears on BMW Australia’s website.
This will be the first time an electric BMW X1 will be sold in global markets.
The Chinese BMW Brilliance joint venture introduced an electric version of the first-generation X1 in 2013 called the Zinoro 1E, though it was only available for lease.
This featured a 125kW/250Nm electric motor, a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, and electric range of up to 150km.
MORE: Everything BMW X1
