Earlier this week, a set of spy photos surfaced from Germany. The images were allegedly of a BMW X2 electric prototype being tested ahead of its release. Unfortunately, those news were incorrect. According to our sources, BMW has no current plans to offer an electric crossover based on the X2 model.
Instead, we will be getting a plug-in hybrid sometimes within the next year with a similar drivetrain as the one found in the X1 PHEV. The plugin X1 uses a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive specially developed for this model. The petrol engines delivers a peak output of 92 kW/125 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission. The electric motor in the BMW X1 xDrive25e generates an output of 70 kW/95 hp and delivers 165 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.
Together the combustion engine and electric motor produce a system output of 162 kW/220 hp. The maximum system torque of both drive units is 385 Nm. The new X1 PHEV can travel on just electric power for 57 kilometers – thanks to the 9.7 kWh battery pack – and it has an average fuel consumption of 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Its combined power consumption is from 13.5 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Speaking of the X1, same sources confirm the previous reports – the next generation BMW X1 will indeed get an electric version. The new and redesigned X1 is due out in 2022 so it’s likely that soon after we will get the X1 BEV as well.
BMW has moved up the timeline for the electrified model range so we expect to see at least 12 fully electric vehicles by 2023. Next year is all about the BMW iX3 and MINI Cooper SE, while 2021 will see the introduction of the iNEXT and i4.
