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BMW X1 and iX1 2023: electric small SUV leaked ahead of reveal

 

The new-generation BMW X1 has been leaked online with a dual-motor electric version that boasts 438km of range stealing much of the thunder


The 2023 BMW X1 has leaked online confirming that a fully-electric version – to be known as the iX1 – will debut in what is likely an all-new generation for the small SUV.

Images of launch materials revealing key details for the X1 range were shared by Instagram user Leaktveak overnight, ahead of tomorrow’s official reveal.

Images of what is believed to be the new-generation BMW X1 have been leaked online

Both the conventionally powered X1 and fully-electric iX1 are expected to land in Australia either later this year or early in 2023, when they will face off against the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 which similarly offer a flexible choice of powertrain options.

The timing of the reveal suggests that this won’t be another facelift for the ‘F48’ generation that launched globally in 2015, but rather an all-new third-generation vehicle (thought to be codenamed the U11) with exact details to be confirmed shortly.

The likely new-gen X1 will be the latest to adopt BMW’s ‘power of choice’ philosophy following the X3 and 4 Series Gran Coupe which both offer a range of powertrains from petrol through fully-electric.

iX1’s 438km range, fast charging confirmed

The images primarily focus on the iX1 which shows off a more striking design complete with blue accents around the body to emphasize its electric underpinnings.

Details such as a 438km range capacity, tested according to the more conservative WLTP protocol are shown, with power drawn from a 64.7kWh battery.

The press materials focus primarily on the electric iX1

Claimed DC charging speeds of up to 130kW are said to provide the ability to top up the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes, or a 22kW AC home wall charger can be used and will likely take around four hours.

A pair of electric motors, making up to 230kW of power, are also mentioned, though it’s not clear if these will be placed on a single axle or if the iX1 will offer all-wheel drive. 

Curved display and iDrive 8

The interior of the X1 has been heavily redesigned to suit the curved-display focus introduced by the i4 electric sedan but has been downsized to suit the more compact cabin.

Images show a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sitting alongside a 10.7-inch touchscreen, with the pair running off BMW’s latest-generation iDrive 8 software.

A dual-screen display features prominently in the interior

A leather-bound M Sport steering wheel borrowed from the iX electric-only SUV  is seen inside the new X1, alongside a newly-designed door-pull.

Additionally, the X1 will feature a larger boot capacity of 540-litres – up from 505-litres in the current generation – which expands to 1600-litres when the second-row seats are folded flat. 

Technology such as a wireless phone charger, a head-up display and matrix LED headlights are also on offer, though the official Australia specification is yet to be released.