BMW Completely Reworks its X1 for 2023

BMW has finally lifted the veil on the third generation of its pocket SUV, the X1. The 2023 model year of the urban crossover will be all-new to better compete in a segment as competitive as the pocket SUV. Unsurprisingly, the Canadian wing will stick to a single livery for the Canadian market, unlike Europe, which will benefit from a few engines and even a purely electric livery called the iX1.

In fact, this first electric version of the subcompact crossover will be an integral part of the European strategy, but not in North America, where BMW has been marketing the iX for a few months now, a crossover that’s considerably more expensive than the iX1. We’ll see if the manufacturer’s senior management changes its mind in a few months about this new iX1, which will have a possible range of 438 km on a single charge. The SUV will also be equipped with a 313-horsepower engine and 364 lb-ft of torque, by the way.

But then again, the 2023 X1 for the Canadian market will be equipped with a gasoline engine. Under the hood of the new model is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, all via a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. And as the name implies, xDrive is standard equipment on the 2023 X1.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a second mechanical option added in the next year or two, but for now, that’s strictly speculation.

In terms of design, the new 2023 BMW X1 is not unlike the brand’s most recent models, with the 2023 X1 getting a squarer and more imposing grille than ever with pinched headlights on either side of the wraparound hood. From the side, the window line climbs slightly towards the rear, which fits better with the angle of the rear window, which is topped by a spoiler of course. Finally, the rear end doesn’t revolutionize the visual signature of BMW products, but the design of the parking lights is more assertive. Let’s also mention that the urban SUV can be equipped with 20-inch wheels (18- or 19-inch wheels are also available), a first for the SUV.

The X1 is also a few millimetres longer in all directions (length, wheelbase, height, width), which should be beneficial for passengers.

Inside, the new model also gets the brand’s famous curved screen, although the shape of the screen differs somewhat from those found in larger, wider vehicles in the lineup. The ventilation nozzles also have an exclusive shape, while the raised center console also incorporates that little lever (already seen on the iX, for example) for controlling the gearbox with some common controls housed not far from it.

The first examples of the new model are expected before the end of the year in this country.