BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance updated version to arrive soon

KUALA LUMPUR: The German auto manufacturer BMW is all set to launch an updated variant of its X1 xDrive25Le at the upcoming Auto Shanghai event. This event is scheduled to take place on April 16th at the National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai and will continue till 25th of the same month. The updated PHEV will come with 83% more range and 77 kmpl of mileage.

The X1 xDrive25Le is a plug-in hybrid vehicle manufactured at BMW Brilliance Automotive’s Tiexi plant in Shenyang, China. It was unveiled back in 2016 at the Chengdu Motor Show. The vehicle is also the first plug-in hybrid model in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The updated X1 xDrive25Le will carry the same powertrain as the original model. It includes a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which is combined with an electric motor. The mill churns out a maximum power of 231 PS along with a peak torque of 382 Nm. The petrol engine sends the drive to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic gearbox, while the electric motor works for the rear wheels. The car can reach from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.4 seconds.

What’s not the same in the upcoming X1 updated version is the optimised lithium-ion battery that helps to reduce the power consumption by a decent amount and assists the vehicle in becoming 72% more efficient.

As per the company, the revamped battery unit uses nickel, cobalt, and manganese in 8:1:1 ratio for the anode material. The increment in nickel's composition is claimed to increase energy density. The standard X1 xDrive25Le is equipped with a 10.7 kWh battery, which indicates that the new model might come with more capacity.