BMW X1 minor change

2013 BMW X1

Three years ago, we've examined the baby Beamer crossover known as the BMW X1 and we think that the baby of the BMW suvs is actually the clever one when it comes to its looks and its behavior. Now, however, there is a new version which is a bit different.

For its minor change in the 2013 Model Year, the new BMW X1 seems to be a bit almost the same as the pre-facelifted model we examined three years ago. For the first time ever, the facelifted BMW X1 is going to be available in North America and for the Chinese market; the facelifted model will be built at the newly opened plant at Tiexi in Shenyang Province. Sounds convincing but how convincing is the new model?

On the outside though, it looks pretty much the same as the old one except that know, you can expect some new bumpers, new sides, refined lamps, and a refined kidney grille to keep it intact. It can be typical for a BMW X model but this styling really keep the BMW X1 looking fresh and rejuvenated like it was..."bagong gising" perhaps. For the first time, we can expect the Sport Line and the XLine on the new X1 for an added personalization that matches your style and motion in your everyday life. The Sport Line is perfect for those who have the urban lifestyle while the XLine is made for the adventurous type. Which line you chose is based on your judgment.

On the typical BMW interior for the X1 though, there are some subtle changes we might expect. The side of the centre console is now shallower, panel for the sound and climate system controls now has a high-gloss black surface to match the air vent surround, a storage compartment in the centre of the instrument panel, and that's about it.

Meet the selection of X1 variants to choose from, either petrol or diesel, choices are based on your judgment;

BMW X1 sDrive18i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,9-7,7 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 185-180 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,1-6,7 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 165-157 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive20i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,7-7,1 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 179-167 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive28i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,8-7,2 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 182-168 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive16d
Combined fuel consumption: 4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 128 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive18d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,0-4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 132-128 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive18d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,5-5,4 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 144-143 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,0-4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 132-129 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition
Combined fuel consumption: 4,5 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 119 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive20d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,5-5,4 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 145-143 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive25d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,9-5,5 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 154-145 g/km

Depending on these variants, I could expect the ECO PRO mode on the new X1. Yes, I've seen that on the new 1 Series last year but how does the ECO PRO mode work on the new BMW X1? It can be activated with a push of a button and supports a relaxed and economy-optimised driving style through targeted adjustments to the accelerator mapping and the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission.

XDrive variants of the X1 comes with the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch allows the system to transfer power variably to the front and rear wheels, thereby guaranteeing maximum traction, the highest possible safety, outstanding handling and optimal power development regardless of weather or road conditions. Sounds simple but it wasn't.

Most variants of the X1 are also featuring the an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Auto Start-Stop function, and the Brake Energy Regeneration.

Available colors for the new X1 are Saphirschwarz metallic, Kaschmirsilber metallic, Tiefseeblau metallic, Glaciersilber metallic, Mineralweiß metallic, Sparkling Bronze metallic, Marrakeschbraun metallic, Midnight Blue metallic, Mineralgrau metallic, Valencia Orange metallic, Alpinweiß uni, Schwarz uni, and Le Mans Blau metallic (exclusive on the M Sport Pack).

My comment:

Hmmm...instead of calling it a minor change or a facelift, let's call it an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) because BMW uses the term LCI for a model's minor change but anyway, the X1 LCI though, it may now have the Sport Line and the XLine that caters the exclusivity for owners with different causes, comes with the 8-speed automatic that sounds too many, ECO PRO mode that compromises the performance for the sake of economy, host of petrol and diesel engines which are EURO 5 compliant, and more that I can ask about it. I have to be honest that this minor change er....um....X1 LCI is getting a bit freshened from the ground up and seems that it's ready to take on the Fast Food Nation.

Photo: BMW A.G.