Our spy photographers have captured on camera what looks to be a plug-in hybrid version of the second-generation BMW X1. The SUV sports minimal camouflage, which suggests that it’s almost ready for a market introduction. It should be called the BMW X1 xDrive25e – based on the brand’s new naming strategy.
It’s not hard to identify that this is indeed a hybrid model thanks to the “hybrid test vehicle” sticker on the side and rear bumper. Of more interest would have to be the additional fuel cap that’s located at the driver’s side front fender.
As the X1 sits on the same UKL front-wheel drive platform as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe, it’s likely that it shares the same 134 hp/220 Nm B38 1.5 litre BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine mated to a six-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Said engine is the same unit that powers the BMW i8.
It’s expected to be mated to an 87 hp electric motor at the rear axle with a two-speed transmission. The setup produces a combined output of 221 hp and 385 Nm in the 225xe. Meanwhile, this SUV should also have an EV mode, though its all-electric range is expected to be lower than the 41 km that’s claimed for the plug-in hybrid 2AT.
Another thing of note is BMW’s eDrive technology, which allows for three driving modes: MAX eDrive, AUTO eDrive and Save Battery. Depending on the mode selected, the vehicle will be able to run in either front- (petrol engine only), rear- (electric motor only) or all-wheel drive (both) to suit the driving condition.
GALLERY: F48 BMW X1 sDrive20i
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When the world is moving towards hybrids, EEV and Plug In Hybrids, we are still stuck about 20 years backward in car technology. Proton is so backward, it is trying so hard to catch up.
And yet some pipu dun see that toyota using dinosar car & engine for 10 years and will still in use until 4040.