BMW has introduced the new plug-in-hybrid X1 xDrive30e to its local catalogue, adding a fourth powertrain option to the crossover line-up.
Previously, the X1 was only available as a petrol, diesel, or fully-electric model, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) bridging the gap between the fuel-burning engines and electron-eating motors by offering the best of both worlds.
The xDrive30e is listed at a starting price of R1,050,000 and can be had in both xLine and M Sport trim levels, thus making it the most affordable PHEV on sale in the country.
xDrive30e specs
The most notable aspect setting the new X1 PHEV apart from its siblings is its semi-electric powertrain.
The system marries a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol engine generating 110kW and 230Nm with an electric motor capable of producing 130kW and 247Nm, resulting in a combined power output of 240kW and 477Nm.
The impressive output for such a compact crossover sees the BMW sprint to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a maximum velocity of 205km/h.
Apart from the electric iX1, the xDrive30e is also the only X1 that provides four-wheel drive, and it delivers power to the axles through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Courtesy of its 16.3kWh battery pack, the BMW then supplies up to 89km of pure-electric driving at a top speed of 140km/h, and it scores a low combined fuel consumption of 0.8-1.1l/100km.
When the battery module is completely flat, a 7.4kW AC charger sees 100% attained again in two and a half hours.
All versions of the new X1 are equipped with the automaker’s latest iDrive 8 operating system seeing a 10.25-inch digital driver’s cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment display housed under one curved panel on the dash.
The system brings BMW Maps, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice control, as well as the ability to pair your smartphone with the vehicle in order to use it as a key.
Additionally fitted to each new X1 are cruise control with front-collision warnings, automatic LED headlight activation, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers, a Sport leather steering wheel, and the Parking Assistant package with a reverse camera and reversing assistant.
For the PHEV specifically, other niceties take the shape of Alcantara/Sensatec seat wrappings, Aluminium Hexacube interior finishes, and 20-inch, Bicolour Black Grey Matte wheels in a model-specific design.
Buyers also have a raft of optional extras to choose from, including Sports seats with electric, heated, and massaging features, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, a Harman Kardon stereo, steering and lane control assistant, active cruise control, exit warning functions, a heads-up display, remote 3D view, the BMW drive recorder, and the remote theft recorder.
Price
The South African pricing and revised model line-up for the BMW X1 are as follows:
- BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine – R788,045
- BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine – R815,617
- BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport – R828,045
- BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport – R855,617
- BMW X1 xDrive30e xLine – R1,050,000 (new)
- BMW X1 xDrive30e M Sport – R1,090,000 (new)
- BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine – R1,205,000
- BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport – R1,245,000
Each purchase carries a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km BMW Motorplan.
BMW X1 xDrive30e
Keyword: BMW X1 xDrive30e now on sale – Most affordable plug-in hybrid in South Africa