The BMW X1 is a line of cars produced by German marque BMW since 2009. It is in the subcompact luxury crossover class, and the first-generation X1 was based on the E90 3 Series and offered rear-wheel drive layout as standard. At its introduction in 2009, it was positioned as the smallest SUV in BMW line-up, below the X3 prior to the launch of the smaller X2. The X1 essentially is aiming a wider range of customers due to its smaller size, increased efficiency, and a lower price tag due to the all-wheel drive layout (xDrive) being optional.
The second-generation X1 marked the switch to a front-wheel-drive-based layout using the UKL2 platform shared with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and the Mini Countryman.[1] Despite its name, it is now only the second smallest SUV produced by BMW since the introduction of the X2.[2]
The U11 X1 was revealed in June 2022, and launched in select markets globally in late 2022, and early 2023.[13] Available powertrains include a turbocharged 3-cylinder, 4-cylinder petrol, inline-three diesel, inline-four diesel mild hybrid, petrol plug-in hybrid, and an electric variant called the iX1.[14]
Base models are front-wheel drive (branded as sDrive), with all-wheel drive (xDrive) available as an option (standard for some higher-end models).[15][16] Like the BMW iX3, the all-electric iX1 will not be available in the United States nor Canada.[17]
The redesigned X1 has an updated interior similar to that of the iX, i4, and 2023 3 Series. It features a 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 10.7 inch center screen running BMW's iDrive 8 infotainment system.
An M Sport package is available that adds adaptive suspension (available for the first time on the X1), a lower ride height, and interior and exterior styling elements. The package also includes sport seats and launch control with paddle shifters on the M-Sport steering wheel.[18]
For the X1 sold in the US, the optional Active Seats with Lumbar Support includes massaging seat function for both front seats. Massaging seat intensity and timer can only be controlled from the touchscreen.
The long-wheelbase model was introduced in China in April 2023 under the model code U12,[19] with available 1.5-litre turbo petrol (20Li) and 2.0-litre turbo petrol (25Li).[20]
