BMW is Working on an X1 Hybrid

2016 BMW X1 (Credit: © BMW)

BMW is steadily increasing its presence in the hybrid market, and it may very well expand its electrified offerings to include the recently unveiled X1. While there is still no official confirmation that it’s coming, officials assured Motoring.com.au that it is, indeed, under consideration.

Given the new X1 will share its UKL platform with the 2 Series Active Tourer, it’s no surprise that a hybrid model is on the table. Only recently, BMW released a preview of its upcoming and surprisingly quick 2 Series Active Tourer Hybrid, and it looks like the X1 eDrive (the assumed name of the X1 Hybrid) will likely piggyback on this platform.

If this remains true, than the X1 eDrive would feature a setup that is similar to the i8’s insane drivetrain, which would include a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The key differences between the setups of the i8 and X1 are that the X1 will have the engine up front and the motor in the rear, and it’ll have only a fraction of the i8’s output.

Speaking of output, the X1 eDrive’s gasoline-fueled engine would likely toss around 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, while its electric motor will inject about 88 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque into the rear axle. Like the 2 Series Active Tourer Hybrid, look for the X1 eDrive to be fairly quick to hit highway speeds – likely under seven seconds to 60 mph – and look for a range of about 24 miles on battery power alone.

If BMW finds that clients actually want an X1 hybrid, look for it to move swiftly and possibly bring it to market in early 2016. Until then, stay tuned for more updates.