Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW reveals plug-in hybrid X1 for China

Catchily-named BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance features plug-in hybrid powertrain but is for China only

BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance

BMW has unveiled a plug-in hybrid X1 SUV for China based on the long wheelbase crossover. Called the X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance it has been revealed at the Chengdu Motor Show and is the first crossover in its class to be offered with plug-in hybrid powertrain. There is no official word yet as to when the technology will be made available in the UK. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance is powered by a 134bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo, which is paired with a rear axle-mounted 94bhp electric motor. Together total output is 385Nm of torque – enabling the X1 to hit 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. BMW also claims fuel economy of 156mpg. 

Best SUVs and 4x4s

In fully electric mode the X1 is claimed to be able to cover up to 37 miles at up to speeds of 75mph. From a 220V charging wall-box the lithium-ion battery can be fully replenished in less than four hours. To maximize fuel efficiency various in-car electrical systems are powered by the lithium-ion battery.

The battery is located beneath the floor in the middle of chassis but does impact on interior space slightly. Boot capacity falls from 505 litres to 445 litres.

Visually, only the additional filler cap and i badging beneath the A-pillar mark out the X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance. Based on the long wheelbase X1 – only sold in China – the new plug-in hybrid model is 79mm longer than the standard wheelbase SUV sold in the UK.

Would you like to see a plug-in X1 in Europe? Leave us a comment below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best low emission green cars in the UK
Best low emissions green cars - header image

Best low emission green cars in the UK

Low emissions and good fuel economy go hand-in-hand, and these cars deliver the best of both
Best cars & vans
22 Aug 2024
Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024
Best hybrid SUVs - header image

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024

Plenty of SUVs now come with hybrid power, and we’ve picked out the very best buys on today’s market
Best cars & vans
13 May 2024

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts