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The updated 2020 BMW X1 range has been revealed complete with a new plug-in hybrid variant.

 

Let's start with the exterior, there’s a larger grille that has the kidneys merging in the centre, new adaptive LED headlights, new LED daytime running lights, new LED fog-lights and tweaked bumpers that tap into the family DNA.

 

Down the back, the LED tail-lights have been redesigned and the exhaust pipes have been beefed up from 70mm to 90mm in diameter.

 

The puddle light on the driver side exterior mirror now projects a two-tone LED “X1” image when the car is unlocked. It’s all about the little things right?

 

Buyers can choose from three new exterior colours – Jucaro Beige metallic, Misano Blue metallic (exclusively for the M Sport model) and BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic. There are also four new alloy wheel designs ranging in size from 17- to 19-inches.

 

Changes to the cabin are subtle, there’s new contrast stitching on the instrument panel which is available on xLine, Sport Line and M Sport variants. Coloured edging and contrast stitching are also featured on the floor mats.

 

The updated X1 also gains three new upholstery options, the Base equipment level gets the option of cloth/Sensatec sports seats in Anthracite with Grey accenting, while Sport Line cars get Grey accents as standard with the option of switching to Orange.

 

X1 M Sport models now come standard with Micro Hexagon fabric/Sensatec upholstery in Black with M piping. This brings the colour and material combinations across the range to 13.

 

Remarkably, the X1 misses out on BMW’s new Operating System 7.0, instead, it continues with the previous generation iDrive 6. A 6.5-inch infotainment screen is standard, with the larger 8.8-inch and 10.25-inch screens able to be optioned.

 

BMW has upgraded the X1’s powertrains, bringing them into line with the latest Euro 6d emission standards.

 

European buyers can choose up to 16 engine and transmission combinations, locally, BMW will continue to offer the sDrive18d, sDrive18i, sDrive20i and xDrive25i.

 

The new xDrive25e plug-in hybrid variant is set to enter production in March 2020, BMW claims the car will utilise fourth-generation PHEV technology. Power comes from a 92kW/220Nm turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 70kW/165Nm electric motor.

 

With the 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery fully charged, BMW says the xDrive25e can deliver an electric driving range of "more than" 50 kilometres. Additional performance details are yet to be released, expect an announcement closer to the launch next year. It should be noted, BMW Australia is yet to confirm the X1 PHEV will be sold locally, though we are confident.

 

The updated BMW X1 is expected to reach Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2019, full specifications and pricing will be confirmed in the lead up to the local launch. Stay tuned.