BMW updates X1 xDrive25Le with 83% more range

ABU DHABI: Back in 2009, the BMW X1 was officially launched, and since then it has been one of the company’s most successful models. China is one of the biggest markets for automakers, and BMW is no exception. There is a special long-wheelbase version of the X1 available in China, and back in 2017, BMW launched the xDrive25Le iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant.

That model had a range of up to 60 km from its 10.7 kWh battery. Now in 2019, BMW is all set to update the xDrive25Le with more range and improved efficiency. Firstly, the iPerformance naming has been dropped. The hybrid system now has a range of up to 110 km with the batteries weighing 2.5 kg more, while occupying the same space as before. The battery cells have also been reworked with nickel, cobalt, and manganese being used for the anode material (in 8:1:1 ratio). All this means that the fuel consumption has reduced to 76.9 kmpl, a 72% reduction.

The electric motor (drives the rear wheels) works in conjunction with a 1.5-litre turbo-charged 3-cylinder petrol engine (driving the front wheels). The combined power output comes in at 231 bhp and 382 Nm with a 0-100 kmph time of 7.4 seconds. All this power is delivered via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system along with a 6-speed Steptronic gearbox.

Complete details will be available at this year’s Auto Shanghai. BMW will manufacture the X1 xDriv25Le for the Chinese market at their Brilliance Automotive plant of Tiexi. With BMW being a market leader in the premium electric vehicle category, the xDrive25Le is a major player for the company.