Facelifted 2019 BMW X1 To Offer Better Fuel Economy, More Tech

BMW is updating the popular X1 SUV in order to get it ready to fight with newer rivals, like the all-new Audi Q3 and the upcoming Mercedes GLA.

We’ve spotted several camouflaged test cars over the past months and the latest one has the least amount of camo tape on its body, giving us a better idea of what to expect from BMW’s best-seller.

The mid-life update of the BMW X1 will bring some subtle design changes -as is the norm for the Bavarian car maker the past few years-, and will include refreshed lighting units all around, along with new bumpers and other smaller differences on the outside.

Things like the optional laser headlights featured on the test car you see in the pictures or the new kidney grille, which remains active but now gets the same aesthetic treatment with models like the new 3-Series are among these differences.

The biggest difference inside will be found on the infotainment department, where BMW is going to add the latest version of its system along with a bigger touchscreen display. New trim options and colors are also on the table. The rest of the cabin will remain untouched, as it’s already one of the most spacious and practical environments in its class, offering plenty of room for passengers and their luggage.

The engine range will finally gain a plug-in hybrid version, which will be a first for customers outside China. We still don’t know if the plug-in hybrid powertrain is going to be the same combo of a 1.5-liter three-pot petrol engine with an electric motor as in the China-spec model but chances are it is, albeit in an updated version. BMW already offers the 225xe Active Tourer with the same powertrain.

The rest of the petrol and diesel engine options will also receive some updates in order to offer better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

The facelifted BMW X1 is expected to be revealed sometime early next year, with some reports suggesting a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.