Meet the brand-new 2023 BMW X1. It has changed considerably and is confirmed for an SA market introduction before the end of 2022.

The BMW X1 is the entry-point into the Bavarian brand’s range of SUVs, but this all-new model can no longer be considered compact.

The 2023 BMW X1 is 43 mm longer, 22.9 mm wider and 43 mm taller. The wheelbase has grown by 22.9 mm and the track width increased by 20.3 mm. This means that while the vehicle has grown in size, cabin space has increased too.

Visually, it’s not as bold-looking as some of the other recent BMW products, but that’s understandable as the X1/X3/X5 are part of BMW’s more traditional and conservative client base. There are some new bold colours on offer, like the Utah Orange you see here and customers can spec wheels up to 20-inch in size. Standard units are 18-inch.

Inside, the futuristic-looking curved digital dashboard is fitted and it comes with the new iDrive Operating System 8 which sees many physical buttons fall away. There are 4x USB-C ports, Hey BMW digital assistant, augmented reality navigation, Over-the-Air updates, and a digital ckey to name but a few. Keen-eyed readers will notice the traditional gear knob has been replaced by a gear selector.

There is an array of engines to choose from, ranging from petrol and diesel, to electrified hybrids as well as a pure electric iX1 model for the global market. The SA market is likely to get the X1 sDrive18i with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering 115 kW and 230 Nm, as well as the sDrive18d, which is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel producing 110 kW and 360 Nm.

Want to purchase a new or used BMW? Browse units for sale here.

2023 BMW X1 Coming to South Africa?

The all-new BMW X1 and iX1 will be available in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, respectively. We’ll have pricing and specification details then.

Further Reading

BMW 2 Series coupe review

BMW X2 (2022) Specs and price