A Completely New Second Generation

The smallest model in BMW's X lineup, which BMW calls a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the "X1," underwent a full model change in its home market in June this year.underwent a full model change, evolving into the second generation. It now features a front-wheel-drive based platform, shared with the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer,Active Tourer and Gran Tourerand this new X1, built on this platform, is finally being introduced to Japan.

The new X1's body is 30mm shorter in length but 35mm taller, measuring 4,455mm in length, 1,820mm in width, and 1,610mm in height. BMW explains that by making it shorter and taller, they have achieved a more powerful, SUV-like proportion. The front is equipped with LED headlights mimicking four round lights as standard on all models. The rear features L-shaped combination lights with LED light bars adding an accent.

Interior space has also been enhanced. With the optional rear sliding seats, the seats can be adjusted forward and backward by up to 130mm in a 60:40 split. In this configuration, rear legroom is expanded by 66mm compared to the previous generation. The luggage compartment offers 505 liters when carrying five people, an increase of 85 liters from before, and can be expanded to a maximum of 1,550 liters by folding down the rear seats. An additional 100 liters of space is available beneath the luggage floor.

The rear seats are split 40:20:40 and can be easily folded down using a single button on the side of the luggage compartment.

Three Gasoline Engines

The X1 being introduced to Japan comes in three powertrain variations. The entry-level model, "sDrive18i," features a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine producing a maximum output of 100kW (136ps) and a maximum torque of 220Nm (22.4kgm), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine in the "xDrive20i" delivers a maximum output of 141kW (192ps) and a maximum torque of 280Nm (28.6kgm). This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and, as the model name suggests, uses xDrive for all-wheel drive. The "xDrive25i" also features the same 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, but with an increased output of 170kW (231ps) and 350Nm (35.6kgm).

The JC08 mode fuel economy for the xDrive20i is 14.6 km/l, and for the xDrive25i, it is 14.3 km/l. Both models meet the "FY2015 Fuel Economy Standards +10%" and "75% Reduction Level of 2005 Emissions Standards (★★★★ Low-Emission Vehicle)," making them eligible for eco-car tax reductions. Specifically, they qualify for a 40% reduction in acquisition tax and a 25% reduction in weight tax, as well as a 50% reduction in the following year's automobile tax. For the sDrive18i, fuel economy and tax reduction details are pending submission to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The xDrive system used in the two all-wheel-drive models is a newly developed on-demand system. During normal driving with low load, it operates as a front-wheel drive, but when it detects signs of oversteer or understeer, it distributes optimal torque to the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch integrated into the final drive.

Abundant Standard Equipment

Although the X1 is the smallest model in the X series, it comes standard with many safety and convenience features. The "Driving Assistant" includes "Forward Collision Warning" which alerts the driver if they get too close to the vehicle ahead, "Collision Warning with City Braking" which automatically applies the brakes if the risk of collision increases, and "Lane Departure Warning" which alerts the driver if they deviate from their lane.

Also standard are a rearview camera, "Park Distance Control" that provides audible warnings for obstacles behind the vehicle, "Servotronic" which varies power steering assist based on vehicle speed, an 8.8-inch high-resolution wide control display, HDD navigation with ITS Spot compatibility and built-in ETC, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

All X1 models for the Japanese market are right-hand drive only. Prices start at 3.85 million yen for the standard model of the X1 sDrive18i, 4.13 million yen for the xLine with its robust SUV-like exterior and interior, and 4.31 million yen for the sporty M Sport. The X1 xDrive20i is priced at 4.73 million yen for the standard model, 4.92 million yen for the xLine, and 5.11 million yen for the M Sport. The X1 xDrive25i does not have a standard model, with the xLine priced at 5.69 million yen and the M Sport at 5.91 million yen. The introduction of the diesel engine model, available in its home market, is under positive consideration.

Campaign in Collaboration with G-SHOCK

To commemorate the launch of the new X1, a campaign is being held in collaboration with G-SHOCK, symbolizing strength and toughness. BMW is sponsoring the extreme sports event "REAL TOUGHNESS" hosted by G-SHOCK at Roppongi Hills Arena on Saturday, October 17th, where the vehicle will be specially exhibited.

Additionally, a limited edition model, the "G-SHOCK BMW NEW X1 LIMITED EDITION," has been created. Based on the Heathered Color Series (GA-110HT-8AJF) with a sweatshirt pattern, the band features "BMW" and "X1" lettering, along with tire tread marks.

This special model is a non-sale item limited to 111 units and can be obtained by applying through the campaign website (http://www.bmw.co.jp/newX1).

OPENERS also features an impression of the new X1 from a test drive conducted overseas by Yoshihiro Kawamura.Yoshihiro Kawamura's impression from his overseas test drivewhich we encourage you to read as well.

BMW X1 xDrive25i | BMW X1 xDrive25i
Body Dimensions |
(xLine) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,610 mm
(M Sport) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,600 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,565/1,565 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,660 kg
Engine | 1,998 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo
Compression Ratio | 10.2
Max Output | 170 kW (231 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,250 - 4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Trunk Space | 505 - 1,550 Liters
Suspension Front | Single-joint spring strut
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated discs / Discs
Tires Front/Rear | 225/50R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.3 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 m
Ground Clearance | (xLine) 175 mm, (M Sport) 175 mm
Steering Position | Right
Price | (xLine) 5.69 million yen, (M Sport) 5.91 million yen

BMW X1 xDrive20i | BMW X1 xDrive20i
Body Dimensions |
(Standard, xLine) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,610 mm
(M Sport) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,600 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Tread Front/Rear | (Standard) 1,560/1,560 mm, (xLine, M Sport) 1,565/1,565 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,660 kg
Engine | 1,998 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo
Compression Ratio | 11.2
Max Output | 141 kW (192 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 280 Nm (28.6 kgm) / 1,250 - 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Trunk Space | 505 - 1,550 Liters
Suspension Front | Single-joint spring strut
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated discs / Discs
Tires Front/Rear | (Standard) 225/55R17, (xLine, M Sport) 225/50R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.6 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 m
Ground Clearance | (Standard, xLine) 175 mm, (M Sport) 175 mm
Steering Position | Right
Price | (Standard) 4.73 million yen, (xLine) 4.92 million yen, (M Sport) 5.11 million yen

BMW X1 xDrive18i | BMW X1 xDrive18i
Body Dimensions |
(Standard, xLine) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,610 mm
(M Sport) Length 4,455 x Width 1,820 x Height 1,600 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Tread Front/Rear | (Standard) 1,560/1,560 mm, (xLine, M Sport) 1,565/1,565 mm
Engine | 1,498 cc Inline 3-cylinder Turbo
Compression Ratio | 11.0
Max Output | 100 kW (136 ps)
Max Torque | 220 Nm (22.4 kgm)
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FF
Trunk Space | 505 - 1,550 Liters
Suspension Front | Single-joint spring strut
Suspension Rear | Multi-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated discs / Discs
Tires Front/Rear | (Standard) 225/55R17, (xLine, M Sport) 225/50R18
Ground Clearance | (Standard, xLine) 175 mm, (M Sport) 175 mm
Steering Position | Right
Price | (Standard) 3.85 million yen, (xLine) 4.13 million yen, (M Sport) 4.31 million yen