BMW X1 hybrid 2020: prices, specification and on-sale date

The BMW X1 plug-in hybrid SUV is available to order now, priced from £38,200. It goes into competition with other compact premium plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as the Volvo XC40 T5 and DS 7 Crossback E-Tense, and joins the X3, X5, 225xe, 330e, 530e and 745e in BMW's plug-in hybrid line-up. The X1 shares much with the forthcoming X2 xDrive25e too. 

The X1 xDrive25e can manage a claimed 35 miles of electric, zero-emissions running thanks to its 9.7kWh battery. Recharging takes around five hours from a normal domestic socket, dropping to just over three-and-a-half hours from a BMW i home wallbox.

All-wheel drive features, with a 123bhp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine powering the front wheels and a 94bhp electric motor driving the rears, with a total combined output of 217bhp. That translates to a 0-62mph time of seven seconds a maximum speed of 119mph. Top speed in electric mode is 84mph.

‘Auto eDrive’, ‘Max eDrive’ and ‘Save Battery’ modes are available, allowing drivers to decide when to run on electric power and when to let the car work out the most efficient mix. CO2 emissions of 43-48g/km will grant X1 PHEV drivers free access to the London Congestion Charge zone until stricter regulations are introduced in October 2021, while official fuel economy ranges from 135 to 149mpg.

Boot space of 450 litres is available the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,470 litres with them down. The rear seats also split and fold in a 40:20:40 configuration as standard. In addition, a towing hitch is offered as an optional extra, with the car rated to pull a 750kg trailer or caravan.

The introduction of the xDrive25e drivetrain coincides with a mid-life facelift for the X1 range as a whole. The front of the car sports a larger kidney grille and new bumper in addition to reworked LED lights. Meanwhile, the mirror on the driver’s side houses a two-tone ‘puddle light’ which projects the X1 name onto the ground below and makes it easier to see obstacles when getting in and out at night.

19

Inside, three new upholstery options boost the total number available to 13, while the latest version of BMW’s ConnectedDrive system is included, too. This provides real-time traffic information as well as a ‘Concierge Service’ that allows drivers to book and pay for things on the go.

As standard on all trim levels, the X1 plug-in hybrid gets 17-inch light alloy wheels, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, sports seats and LED headlights. The interior can be pre-conditioned remotely using the BMW Connected app on a smartphone.

Trim levels for the UK market are Sport Line, xLine and M Sport, while BMW says that virtually all options available on the conventionally powered X1 are available for the plug-in hybrid.