The BMW X3’s smaller brother, the X1, is getting ready for its first facelift after having been in the market for a little over two years. However, don’t expect to see it in showrooms before 2013.
The fully camouflaged prototype suggests that the styling changes will be concentrated up front with the X1 likely to gain new headlamps along with tweaked kidney grilles and a re-sculptured bumper.
A revised rear bumper and exterior mirror housings together with new alloy wheel designs and colors should round out the changes on the outside, while we also expect some very minor updates inside.
Under the hood, BMW recently expanded the engine range of the X1 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel producing 163HP and a peak torque of 330Nm (243.4 lb-ft) and a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol rated at 184HP and 270Nm (201 lb-ft), so we don’t anticipate any changes on the regular variants.
However, with the introduction of the M Performance sub-brand, there’s a strong possibility that BMW may present the first M variant of the X1 in the likes of the new X5 M50d and X6 M50d, with either a petrol or diesel engine, perhaps even both.
BMW originally planned to offer the X1 in North America last year but has since postponed the launch date to at least the end of 2012. Given the upcoming facelift, it’s more likely that it will arrive in 2013.
PHOTO GALLERY
