New BMW X1 xDrive 25e: all-wheel drive and Zero Emissions label for the BMW plug-in hybrid

The new BMW X1 xDrive 25e arrives on the market as the latest member of the German brand’s electrified family and offers an electric range of 57 kilometres.

BMW continues to push hard with its electrification strategy by introducing a new plug-in hybrid in one of the segments that currently sells best. This is the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e, the PHEV version of the brand’s compact SUV.

The little brother of the BMW X3 xDrive 30e and the BMW X5 xDrive 45e has therefore arrived, helping the Munich company reach its target of having sold 1 million electrified cars in 2021.

The powertrain of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two turbochargers, producing a modest 125 hp that drives the front axle. However, this is supported by an electric motor driving the rear axle, capable of delivering 70 kW, or 95 hp, and a torque of 165 Nm.

The new BMW X1 xDrive 25e plug-in hybrid SUV therefore features all-wheel drive. The electric motor has been developed to deliver peak torque instantly from standstill, so the car’s responses and recoveries are extremely quick. In addition, thanks to the placement of the electric motor on the rear axle, a very well-balanced weight distribution is achieved.

Both motors of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e deliver 220 hp

When both motors work together, the BMW X1 xDrive 25e produces a total output of 220 hp, with 385 Nm of torque. As a result, it reaches 100 km/h in 7 seconds and has a top speed of 192 km/h.

Thanks to its battery pack, the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e has enough energy reserve to complete most daily journeys using only its electric motor. The lithium-ion batteries have an energy capacity of 9.7 kWh, so the BMW X1 xDrive 25e has an electric range of 57 kilometres. Thanks to this, it qualifies for the DGT Zero Emissions label, reserved for vehicles with an electric range of more than 40 kilometres.

The battery can be charged from a domestic socket (Schuko), so charging time will be around 5 hours. However, the brand offers the BMW iWallbox charging point as an option, which reduces charging time to 3.6 hours.

In addition, these batteries are placed under the rear seats, so the BMW X1 xDrive 25e has a very low centre of gravity. This placement also means it does not lose much interior space compared with the conventional-engine versions. In this respect, the boot capacity is the most affected, as the 550 litres of the combustion versions drop to 450 litres in the plug-in hybrid variant.

Different modes for managing battery energy

The driver can adjust the powertrain management using the Auto eDrive button located on the centre console. The plug-in hybrid system can also use the navigation system to increase the efficiency of the whole system.

Within the Auto eDrive functions, we find features such as Max eDrive, which activates only the electric motor and allows driving at speeds of up to 135 km/h. There is also a Save Battery mode, which disconnects the electric motor to preserve its battery, and the battery can even be recharged using the energy recovery mode.

These can be activated independently of the car’s own driving programmes, and we will still have the Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro modes to vary the driving and suspension settings.

When driving in fully electric mode, the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e comes equipped as standard with acoustic pedestrian protection, so at speeds of up to 30 km/h it emits a sound to alert pedestrians that a car is approaching.

As for the standard equipment of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e, it includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and auxiliary air conditioning. Its optional equipment is practically the same as that offered in the conventional-engine range. In addition, the Sport Line, xLine and M Sport trims will also be available.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW X18 versions · from 46,850 €