Just months after its release earlier this year, the 2019 BMW X1 is already getting an upgrade and there will soon be the first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version in Australia.

This surprise makeover of BMW’s top-selling SUV includes a facelift, with a reworked front bumper, larger air intakes, new adaptive LED headlights, and two bigger Kidney Grilles. Then there’s the most-hyped plug-in hybrid capability, which is the first-ever version of the vehicle outside China.

Other minor improvements consist of a bigger-bore exhaust pipe, upgraded rear bumper, updated BMW ConnectedDrive Services, and three new paint colours:

  • Jucaro Beige metallic
  • BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic
  • Misano Blue metallic.

Four new wheel variants will also be available as consumer options, and so are three new upholstery designs.

BMW Australia advised that the upgraded X-1 will arrive in the country during the last quarter of 2019. The company will announce the local specs and pricing before the release date.

Models and Features

Despite the upgrades, however, the model line-up will remain as it is. That means you can expect the BMW X1 sDrive18i, X1 sDrive18d, X1 sDrive20i, and the top-of-the-line X1 xDrive25i. All models have a Forward-Wheel Drive (FWD) suspension, except for X1 xDrive25i, which is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The earlier version of the base 2019 BMW X1 sDrive18i is equipped with a 1.5L petrol engine with 100kW/220Nm output and 7-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the X1 xDrive25i has a 2.0L petrol engine, producing 170kW/350Nm and 6.5 seconds of 0-100km acceleration. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission.

We will soon discover if these specifications shall remain with the upgraded versions. But we can guarantee that all models will remain to be offered in xLine and M Sport trim packages. All upgraded BMW X1 builds will also keep many of the January 2019 version’s features. These include Apple CarPlay, Navigation System Plus, a head-up display, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display.

The standard 17-inch wheels will also be retained, but new 18-inch alloys will be available for xLine trims and 19-inch wheels for M Sport models.

BMW X1 Plug-in Hybrid

As for the PHEV version, the all-new X1 xDrive25e plug-in hybrid has no confirmed Australian release yet but it should follow the March 2020 sales in Europe. This model will have a petrol engine with 92kW/220Nm output and an electric motor producing 70kW/165Nm. The X1 PHEV is also expected to be equipped with the fourth-generation 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

Aside from the X1 xDrive25e plug-in hybrid, BMW will also be offering 12 more electric vehicles that include BMW i3 and i8, X3 xDrive30e, X5 xDrive45e, 530e, 740e, and the Mini Cooper SE Countryman All4.

BMW X1 in Australia

The BMW X1 is the top-selling SUV of the German car brand for 2018. It is also the most in-demand vehicle in the segment, particularly in Europe, where 40% of the total units were sold.

In Australia, the popularity of X1 is more modest with 3096 units sold last year. It beat many of its competitors, including Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Jaguar E-PACE, and Volvo XC40. Within BMW Australia itself, X1 also proved to be more popular than other brand models like the X5 and 3-Series.

Get a Pre-approved Loan for Your Upgraded BMW X1

With these facelift upgrades on the 2019 BMW X1, we expect the SUV to gain more popularity among Aussies with its release later this year and the arrival of the X1 plug-in hybrid in 2020.

If you plan to buy a BMW X1 before 2019 ends, then make sure to get pre-approved car finance first with Aussie Car Loans. We can help find the best car loan deal for you with the lowest interest rate available.

Contact Us

Call Aussie Car Loans today on 1300 889 669 or fill out our online application form and talk to our finance expert about your upcoming 2019 BMW X1 purchase.