BMW X1 gets a bit of a facelift – and there’s an xDrive25e plug-in hybrid too

The BMW X1 – BMW’s Compact SUV – gets a bit of a facelift for 2019 and, for the first time outside China, a plug-in hybrid xDrive25e.

The BMW X1 is a decent looking compact SUV – and a big seller for BMW – so it’s no big surprise that this 2019 facelift is, cosmetically, not much more than a few visual tweaks.

That means a slightly bigger kidney grille for the new BMW ‘family’ look, titivated bumpers front and back, tweaks to the lights and bigger tail pipes.

X1 M Sport models also get a small suspension drop, bigger air intakes and bigger discs, and there are new colour and wheel choices across the range.

Inside changes little, with some new materials aimed at improving perceived quality, contrast stitching on higher-end models, ambient lighting (optional), and if the standard 6.5″ infotainment isn’t big enough you can option an 8.8″ or 10.25″ screen instead.

But the headline act for the 2019 X1 facelift is the arrival of the first plug-in hybrid variant of the X1 (outside China, at least), with the new xDrive25e using a 123bhp three-cylinder ICE mated to a 94bhp electric motor. BMW say its 9.7kWh battery pack is good for a 31-mile EV range.

Elsewhere it’s the usual engine and trim suspects, ranging from the sDrive18i at £28,795 to the xDrive20d at £34,595.

The new BMW X1 goes on sale in the UK today (29 May 2019) with first customer cars due in July. But you’ll have to wait a year before you can buy the new X1 xDrive25e plug-in.