BMW South Africa has launched the updated X1 on the local market. The firm hopes that the revised model line-up, with interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements and the availability of targeted trim lines, will build on the success of the outgoing model, which sold more than 4 800 units locally.

Exterior changes to the updated X1 include revised head- and foglamps, more painted surfaces in lieu of lower-body plastic cladding, a more prominent rear underguard and a number of new paint and alloy wheel options.

The interior changes are more sweeping and include a new centre console angled more towards the driver and higher-grade trim materials and the option of a leather-bound sports steering wheel.

The facelift also ushers in a range of BMW trim lines in keeping with those already applied to the latest 1- and 3 Series models. These include:

– xLine: includes more prominent underguards for the side skirts and front and rear underguards, titanium finishes for the grille louvres, 18-inch alloy wheels in a Y-design, multifunction sports steering wheel, adjustable ambient cabin lighting and interior copper trim accents.
– Sport Line: includes gloss black finishes for the air intakes, grille louvres, front/rear underguards, black chrome exhaust tips, model-specific 17-inch (18-inchers on some variants) alloy wheels with twin-tone finish, sports steering wheel, high-gloss black trim inserts, adjustable ambient cabin lighting and red trim accents.

These options stand alongside the existing standard and M Sport packages.

Seven engines have been earmarked for the local market:

– BMW X1 xDrive28i: 1,8-litre turbopetrol developing 180 kW and 350 N.m. All-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 xDrive20i: 2,0-litre turbopetrol developing135 kW and 270 N.m. All-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 sDrive20i: 2,0-litre turbopetrol developing 135 kW and 270 N.m. Rear-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 sDrive18i: 1,8-litre petrol engine developing 110 kW and 200 N.m. Rear-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 xDrive25d: 2,0-litre turbodiesel developing 160 kW and 450 N.m. All-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 xDrive20d: 2,0-litre turbodiesel developing 135 kW and 380 N.m. All-wheel drive.

– BMW X1 sDrive20d: 2,0-litre turbodiesel developing 135 kW and 380 N.m. All-wheel drive.

All of the engines are offered with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions, except the sDrive 18i which is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmissions and the xDrive25d which is eight-speed auto only. All of the engines feature start/stop technology and brake energy recuperation, while eight-speed automatic variants feature BMW’s Eco Pro drivetrain preset system.

Among the standard features are climate control, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, foglamps, on-board computer and an audio system with CD player, AUX-IN connection and five speakers. Optional features include BMW ConnectedDrive: High-Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, rear-view camera, Cruise Control with braking function, Internet use, extended smartphone and music player integration as well as BMW apps for receiving web radio and use of Facebook and Twitter.

Pricing:

BMW X1 xDrive28i: R458 000 (MT), R476 600 (AT)

BMW X1 xDrive20i: R411 600 (MT), R429 600 (AT)

BMW X1 sDrive20i: R365 700 (MT), R383 700 (AT)

BMW X1 sDrive18i: R342 400 (MT), R359 000 (AT)

BMW X1 xDrive25d: R468 600

BMW X1 xDrive20d: R427 200 (MT), R445 200 (AT)

BMW X1 sDrive20d: R381 300, R399 300 (AT)