Alongside the BMW iX1, there is now the updated 2023 BMW X1 which has a couple of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options which have been given a significant bump in all-electric range from the previous X1 PHEV models. The pure electric range is now up to 56 miles according to the WTLP standard, so around 40 miles in the real world on average. Importantly, they can also tow up to 1,800 kg.
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BMW X1 PHEV Key Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 1,800 kg
- Availability – Mid-2023
- Price – Starting £43,300 (xDrive25e X Line) > £48,250 (xDrive30e M Sport)
- Official EV Range – Up to 56 miles
- Real-World EV Range – 40 miles (70% of Official)
- Maximum Charge Rate/Time – 7kW/2.5 Hours
BMW X1 PHEV HP & Torque
- XDrive25e Models: Combined output of 245 HP and 352 lb-ft of torque
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine: 136 HP
- Electric Motor: 109 HP
- XDrive30e Models: Combined output of 326 HP and 352 lb-ft of torque
- 2L Turbo Petrol Engine: 150 HP
- Electric Motor: 177 HP
BMW X1 PHEV Towing Capabilities
First off, there are a lot of PHEV variants/trim levels of the latest BMW X1. There is the X Line, Sport and M Sport. Each of those trim levels is available with either the XDrive25e or XDrive30e PHEV powertrain.
As far as I can tell, every version of this latest BMX X1 PHEV gets the same 1,800 kg towing capacity. That’s a significant improvement over the previous generation X1 PHEVs which only had a 750 kg towing capacity.
Then there is the EV range of these latest BMX X1 PHEVs, with an official WLTP range of up to 56 miles. Depending on the trim levels though, this figure does drop slightly on Sport/M Sport versions.
However, that means in the real world, a typical EV range of 40 miles is viable, with a longer range possible on calm/mild days travelling at low speeds on flat ground etc.
While the pure electric BMW iX1 does appear to have a starting price comparable to a top-of-the-range X1 PHEV, the xDrive30e M Sport, when it comes to towing these PHEV models are more capable.
Whereas these BMW X1 PHEV models can tow up to 1,800 kg, the pure electric iX1 is limited to 1,200 kg. Furthermore, the range of the iX1 is going to make towing a challenge.
BMW X1 Review
While I’ve included a video review of the BMW X1 by Matt at CarWoW, unfortunately, in that video, he is not test-driving the PHEV versions.
As yet, I’ve been unable to find any reviews specifically of the X1 PHEV versions. When they are available, I’ll reference them here.
My Thoughts On The BMX X1 PHEVs…
First off, the significant upgrades in the pure EV range and the towing capacity from the previous generation of BMX X1 PHEVs is good to see.
I’m sure, like me, you’re curious about what the battery capacity is to achieve the official 56-mile EV range. Oddly, after trowling the BMW website/spec sheets, I’m yet to find a KWh figure.
In terms of competition, I suppose some would point to the latest Mercedes GLC PHEVs with their longer EV range (up to 80 miles officially) and higher towing capacity (2,000 kg).
However, the Mercedes GLC is not really direct competition for the BMX X1. The GLC is much bigger and much more expensive.
On price/towing capacity, the new BMW X1 PHEVs compare more directly to the Mercedes c300e. Then again, one is a compact SUV, and the other is a saloon/estate.