This is the new BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance, the plug-in hybrid version of the China-only LWB model that borrows the powertrain from the 225xe Active Tourer.
The ridiculously long name does little justice though to the tech hiding underneath the familiar crossover skin as the powertrain combines a combustion engine that powers the front axle with an electric motor that moves the rear, making the plug-in hybrid X1 L essentially an AWD vehicle.
Up front, there’s the three-cylinder, turbocharged 134hp 1.5-litre petrol unit while the electric motor produces up to 94hp into the mix. BMW says that both power systems provide up to 283lb-ft (385Nm) of peak torque, allowing the plug-in hybrid X1 L to accelerate from stationary to 62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.4 seconds.
Fuel economy is rated at 1.8lt/100km (156mpg UK) with the all-electric range set at 37 miles (60km), thanks to a 10.7 kWh high-voltage lithium battery pack. The combined cruising range is 391 miles (630km) and the fuel tank has a capacity of 35lt (9.2 gallons).
When in Auto eDrive mode, the car can be powered by electric juice alone, providing there is enough charge in the battery and at speeds of 50mph (80km/h) or below. There is also a Max eDrive mode which lets you accelerate up to 74mph (120km/h) using electric power alone.
BMW says that the battery pack can be fully charged in 3.7 hours, reaching an 80% charge in 2.9 hours, with a 220V / 16A charging wall-box. The vehicle’s air-conditioning system now uses an electrically-driven compressor with the rest of the electrical systems also powered from the energy stored in the battery.
BMW says that the X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance will only be available in China but that doesn’t mean anything, as Europe and other markets might get the shorter-wheelbase version in the near future.
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