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BMW Is Testing a Plug-In Hybrid X1 That Looks Production Ready, Spyshots Reveal

BMW engineers are testing the final prototypes of the X1 plug-in hybrid. As the photos shot by our friends at CarPix reveal, the PHEV version of the second-generation BMW X1 seems to be fitted with production-ready components, and the low level of camouflage reveals the fact that it will not be long until it is showcased.
BMW X1 plug-in hybrid 13 photos
Photo: CarPix
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It is easy to recognize this vehicle as a plug-in hybrid, as it has an extra “fuel flap” on the driver’s side front fender. Furthermore, the rear bumper also mentions what kind of powertrain hides beneath the body.

Since the second-generation X1 is built on the UKL front-wheel-drive platform, on which the 2 Series Active Tourer is also based, it is only natural for the carmaker to share the drive train of the 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe for this variant of the X1.

Therefore, this prototype is probably equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine making 136 HP and 220 Nm (162 lb-Ft), mated to a six-speed Steptronic transmission.

The rear axle has an 88 HP electric motor, and the two units develop a combined power of 224 HP and 385 Nm (284 lb-Ft) of torque.

Just like the 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe, the X1 plug-in hybrid could have an electric range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles). The car is almost as fast and as powerful as the xDrive25i version, while the fuel consumption is significantly lowered. Furthermore, since it will be a full hybrid, the X1 plug-in hybrid’s drivetrain will be able to drive just the front wheels, just the rear wheels, or all four wheels.

The choice of which wheels are driven is made through the driving mode selector, but it also depends on the battery level of the on-board battery pack. Just like on the 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe, the fuel tank of this model might have been shrunk to accommodate the battery pack.

This solution provides almost no detriment in passenger comfort or space, but reduces maximum range because of the smaller fuel tank. The plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X1 is expected to be named X1 xDrive30e, according to BMW’s new naming strategy.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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