Earlier this yr, BMW promised to launch greater than 40 new vehicles by the top of 2027. The iX1 wasn’t particularly talked about, however these spy photographs strongly recommend the compact electrical crossover is a part of that product blitz. It’s an informed guess primarily based on an in depth have a look at this camouflaged prototype.
Immediately, it’s clear the present iX1 “U11” isn’t merely getting the standard mid-cycle facelift. As an alternative, we’re trying on the next-generation mannequin, believed to hold the “NB5” inner codename. The check automobile hides its Neue Klasse-inspired entrance finish, borrowed from the bigger iX3, with swirly camouflage concealing a vertical kidney grille.
Certain, BMW has achieved radical facelifts earlier than, however different particulars level to this being an all-new technology. The prototype options pop-out door handles absent from right this moment’s iX1, indicating the doorways themselves have been redesigned. It’s one thing automakers hardly ever do on facelifted vehicles, as such prices are often reserved for clean-sheet fashions.
Camouflaged Wheels Are A Uncommon Sight
BMW even went so far as masking the alloy wheels with what appears like aluminum foil. The uncovered exterior wheel-speed sensor, probably used for ABS testing, can be one thing sometimes seen on next-gen vehicles, not updates. The brand new form and place of the charging flap additional recommend this isn’t a refreshed iX1.
On the again, the license plate has moved a lot decrease, a telltale signal of a redesigned tailgate. Once more, not one thing seen on facelifts. The prototype’s provisional taillights already present a brand new look in comparison with these on the first-gen iX1. A bulge beneath the rear glass disguises the true size of the lights, which stretch inward and are break up by the BMW roundel, echoing the styling of the iX3.
Some spy pictures even present a peek inside. Zooming in reveals a big central show operating the most recent iDrive. It measures 17.9 inches within the iX3, although it’s unclear whether or not BMW will use the identical dimension within the iX1 or scale it down. In entrance of the infotainment sits one other display screen, probably used to watch knowledge collected by the prototype’s sensors.
The 2028 BMW iX1 Will Be Actually All-New
The subsequent iX1 will likely be a ground-up redesign. Past the recent styling, it’s going to undertake BMW’s sixth-generation motors, signaling the top of front-wheel-drive variations. The Neue Klasse platform helps solely rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts. And sure, that additionally means future electrical MINIs will go RWD. Gen6 batteries with spherical cells will convey a big enhance in vary and charging pace versus the present automobile’s prismatic cells.
Manufacturing of the “NB5” iX1 is allegedly set to start out in November 2027. That might put the world premiere roughly two years away. The combustion-powered X1, nonetheless, might take a special path. Reviews recommend the fuel fashions will go beneath the knife with the autos produced from July 2027.
We imagine the X1 will incorporate Neue Klasse design components and the brand new iDrive whereas staying inside the present technology. If the rumors maintain true, the “U11” will proceed till October 2032, coexisting alongside the “NB5” iX1 for about 5 years.
