By Otsile Kadiege

BMW’s recently unveiled premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has officially arrived in Mzansi! The baby X is entering its third-generation with a robust, sporty exterior design and modern and spacious interior. It also features an expanded selection of driver assistance systems as well as numerous powertrains including an all-electric model dubbed iX1 which is currently not available in SA yet.

Unmistakable X design and styling

With its significantly sharper exterior design, the new BMW X1 underlines its status as a member of the BMW X model family. Key ingredients here include a clean and reduced surface design and X-typical black borders at the lower edge of the body which accentuate the vehicle’s rugged character. Plus, the upright front end increases the visual presence of the new X1.

Staying upfront, the new model features a larger, almost square Black high-gloss kidney grille (Pearl-effect Chrome for the x-Line grade) with contouring highlighted by the three-dimensional chrome surround. The kidney grille is flanked by slim LED headlights which extend well into the sides of the SAV. Adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam, pulsating turn indicators and variable light distribution are available as an option.

Expressively sculpted surfaces and a long roofline are the distinguishing features of the new model’s dynamically stretched silhouette. All model variants come as standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels as fitted on xLine and M Sport cars, although these models are also available with 19-inch and – in a first for the BMW X1 – 20-inch wheels. When viewed from the rear, the slim tailgate window, horizontal lines, striking LED lights and flared wheel arches produce the typical SAV look.

Customers can choose from two solid and ten metallic shades for the exterior paint finish – including a Frozen paint option from BMW Individual for the first time.

Progressive ambiance and versatile interior space

Moving on inside, the newcomer’s interior has a modern, spacious interior with cutting-edge technologies. The new X1 is fitted with newly developed seats designed for comfort. Optionally available are sport seats, which also stand out with their prominent bolsters and shoulder areas, and their adjustability of seat angle and depth. The two seat variants are also available with lumbar support in the backrest including massage function. Alternatives to the standard anthracite-coloured cloth upholstery are the Sensatec perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting. Customers can choose from the colours Black, Mocha and Oyster for each variant.

As standard, the new X1 features BMW’s Curved Display formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The pair are running on BMW’s Operating System 8 with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The centre console has a floating-like design borrowed from the BMW iX. It houses a shift-by-wire type transmission, a start button and ‘My Modes’ personalised driving experience to list a few.

Other highlights include USB type-c ports, a 12 V power socket, wireless charging, 40 : 20 : 40 split rear seat backrests, an optional panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, two-zone automatic climate control, optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System and a luggage capacity of 540 litres which can be expanded to as much as 1 600 litres.

Driver assistance systems

Standard features include Cruise Control with brake function and the front-collision warning system. The Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant also forms part of the standard equipment roster. The list of optional features, meanwhile, includes the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, exit warning function and BMW Head-Up Display, as well as the Surround View, Remote 3D View, BMW Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder functions.

Powertrains

Initially, the new BMW X1 will be available in a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine, namely the X1 sDrive18i and sDrive18d. These models will be followed in early 2023 by the all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30e. The 18i powered by a 115 kW three-cylinder engine, and the 18d is powered by a four-cylinder diesel unit generating 110 kW. Both are linked to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard, and their drive power channelled to the road via the front wheels.

Pricing