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BMW is taking the challenges more serious. The new subcompact crossover X1 is getting the PHEV technology and the range of 35 miles. The vehicle is going to be available for Europe, while the USA release date for the 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid is not available yet. Still, the news is big, especially after the appearance of the iX3 all-electric version.
The 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid is appearing as the xDrive25e model. It uses the plug-in hybrid system based on the 1.5-liter inline-three petrol drivetrain. The PHEV model looks like the standard X1 and it will compete with the Mini Cooper Countryman plug-in hybrid.
The 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid had a predecessor and it was a crossover for the Chinese market only. The xDrive25Le could deliver 68 miles of electric range thanks to the large battery. This version is also possible for the rest of the world in the future, after X1 hybrid debuts in Europe and the USA.
2020 BMW X1 Hybrid Specs
So, the petrol displacement is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and sends power to the front wheels. The electric source of power is a 9.6-kWh battery that sends energy to the rear axle. A single-speed case is a power router. The entire system can produce 217 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. Max speed is 120 mph and the 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid can sprint to 60 mph in seven seconds. Just for the example, the standard petrol setup fastest time is 6.5 sec. The main advantage of the PHEV system is an electric range. The X1 xDrive25e can achieve 31 miles, according to BMW.
Standard Setup
For the conventional source of power for the US version of the X1, BMW is using a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. It is producing 230 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. So, we can say the two versions can offer similar outputs. The fuel economy is not so great for the subcompact model, returning 23/32 mpg with FWD, and 22/31 mpg with all-wheel drive. Estimations for the 2020 BMW X1 hybrid will be available when the vehicle arrives in the US and EPA tests the crossover.
Accessories and Features
The 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid is going to be based on the standard model. The crossover is a premium model full of different equipment. Standard features are 8-way power driver bucket and automatic climate control. Then, buyers will surely get power tailgate, automatic wipers with rain sensors, and many other features. Safety is on the higher level with rearview monitor and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system offers a 6.5-inch screen as default, and hybrid could get a larger display. We will see what kind of audio system BMW will choose for this crossover. Be sure than audio controls are up to date and more USB ports will be installed. Optionally, the model will offer navigation, Apple CarPlay, and eCall Emergency Assist.
2020 BMW X1 Hybrid vs Mini Countryman PHEV
For now, the main rival for the 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid is going to be the Mini SE Countryman plug-in hybrid. This vehicle made the German carmaker speed up the development of its own subcompact electric crossover. Both models are using a 1.5-liter petrol drivetrain as the base. Mini has 221 hp, which is 4 ponies more than BMW. On the other hand, X1 offers a better electric range with 31 miles, compared to Countryman which goes only 12 miles. As said, the Chinese version of the X1 already reached 68 miles of range, which would be a class-leading result in Europe or the USA. Well, Bavarian carmaker is using a larger motor. Mini is getting extra power from a 7.6-kWh system, while BMW is exploiting 9.6-kWh battery.
Is 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid Coming to the US?
At this moment we don’t have any confirmation about the US version of the 2020 BMW X1 Hybrid. It is certain that crossover is coming to the United Kingdom. Soon, there will be an edition for the rest of Europe with the same specs. In the United States, we can find Kia Niro PHEV as one of the rare subcompact crossovers with such drivetrain. The X1 Hybrid, with the plug-in option, would be the next one. Well, the situation is not so simple and the vehicle needs to meet all the EPA requirements to appear in the major automotive stage.
Besides the release, we still don’t know the price of the vehicle. In China, buyers are getting a totally different model. The base X1, with a turbo-four engine, costs from $35,000. The subcompact crossover is pretty expensive and its PHEV version will add more than $7,000. The company made this model official in Europe, and it is just a matter of time when will sales start.
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