• New BMW X1 features more prominent exterior styling package, redesigned interior and
  advanced digitalisation elements
• Model range to also include a fully electric variant for the first time – the iX1
• Third generation model includes new control/operation system with BMW Operation System 8 and BMW Curved Display
• Remodelled interior integrates new design, layout, materials and cutting-edge functionality
• Wider array of automated driving and parking systems on offer
• Increased cargo carrying capacity further improves X1 practicality
• Driving dynamics enhanced by wider tracks and targeted upgrades to front and rear axles
• BMW New Zealand to launch with X1 sDrive18i in Q4
• iX1 xDrive30 to follow in Q1, 2023
• Introduction of iX1 next year to expand BMW Group New Zealand’s electrified product portfolio to 12 models
• Sustainability measures implemented in the development of all new X1 models
• Pricing and detailed specification for New Zealand to be announced ahead of launch

BMW New Zealand will introduce the all-new, third generation BMW X1 to the local market in Q4 this year – bringing a host of compelling new features to the premium compact crossover segment – before following up in Q1 next year with the fully electric variant, the first-ever iX1.   

The new X1 combines a new and more prominent exterior styling package, a redesigned interior that seamlessly integrates BMW Operation System 8 and high-definition BMW Curved Display, a greater level of spaciousness and an expanded array of driver assistance systems.

At launch in Q4 this year, BMW will offer the X1 sDrive18i which is powered by responsive BMW TwinPower Turbo engines with seven-speed Steptronic transmission and double clutch as standard.

Debut of the iX1, the new fully electric model, will bring advanced BMW electromobility to a new audience and a rapidly expanding segment. It will feature the latest BMW eDrive technology, delivering high levels of emissions free driving pleasure.

Addition of the iX1 xDrive30 in 2023 will expand BMW Group New Zealand’s electrified model portfolio to 12 models, which is among the most of any manufacturer represented in the country.

Sustainability measures have been implemented in the development of the new X1, with extensive use of green energy both in production and across the supply chain, as well as use of greater quantities of secondary raw and natural materials.

Design: modern surface treatment, increased visual presence and robust looks in unmistakable BMW X model style

The surface treatment, lines and exterior design details of the BMW X1 display its Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) identity more clearly than ever in its third model generation. Distinctive design features include powerful proportions, almost square wheel arch contours and signature BMW X model styling for both the front and rear.

The upright front end of the new BMW X1 gives it a much greater sense of presence, with slim LED headlights, a large, almost square BMW kidney grille, X-shaped lines radiating out to the sides and chrome strips in the lower air intake.

Adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam, pulsating turn indicators and variable light distribution complement the new styling touches.

Expressively sculpted surfaces and a long roofline are the distinguishing features of the new model’s dynamically stretched silhouette. When viewed from the rear, the slim tailgate window, horizontal lines, striking LED lights and flared wheel arches produce a contemporary and commanding appearance.

The robust aura of the new BMW X1 can be intensified to great effect with the specific design elements of the xLine model, which include stylistic underride protection. The M Sport model, also offered as an alternative to the base specification, places the focus firmly on dynamic driving pleasure with features such as large cooling air inlets.

A range of alloy wheels in 18, 19 and 20‑inch sizes – the latter a first for the BMW X1 – will be available, while customers will be able to choose from an array of exterior paints, including newly available finishes. 

Enhanced equipment offering combines with new interior to take cabin ambience to next level  

A sport leather steering wheel, intelligent two-zone automatic climate control and a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation all come as standard in the new generation BMW X1, as do four USB-C ports, two 12V power sockets and a far greater number of driver assistance systems compared with the predecessor model.

Restructured equipment packages enable targeted individualisation of the X1. The premium character can be turned up another notch by optional features such as the Lights Package, ambient lighting, panoramic glass sunroof and the high output Harman Kardon Sound System.

The remodelled interior of the new BMW X1, with its new materials, layout, generous amounts of space and cutting-edge functionality bring an entirely new experience for the driver and occupants.

The design focuses squarely on assured driving pleasure and versatility, while its geometry and details take their cues from the interior concept of the BMW iX flagship that launched in New Zealand last year.

An increase to the cargo carrying capacity also enhances the practicality of the new BMW X1. Boot space has grown from 505 litres (with second row seats upright) of the predecessor model to 540 litres of the new model, and from 1550 litres to 1600 litres with the second row folded down.

Responsive TwinPower Turbo engine designed to engage

The new BMW X1 will launch in New Zealand later this year in a petrol variant, delivering high levels of response and optimum efficiency.

The BMW X1 sDrive18i features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with 115kW and 230Nm and provides impressive acceleration while consuming just 6.5 litres per 100km^* on the combined cycle.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission and double clutch set-up, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels.

BMW iX1: a new era of driving pleasure set to begin

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is the first all-wheel-drive electric offering introduced by the brand in the premium compact crossover segment.

Two highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles deliver a combined output of 230kW – taking the temporary boost effect into account – and post an overall torque figure of 494Nm.

The electric all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction and directional stability in all situations. The BMW iX1 xDrive30 completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology additionally comprises the car’s highly efficient charging capability, including the improved charging software also found in the BMW i7, and a high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody. The high energy density of the battery endows the iX1 a range of 413 – 438 kilometres (Note: figures relating to output, performance, energy consumption and range for the BMW iX1 xDrive30 are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development).

Chassis tuned for optimum blend of agility and ride comfort

All new BMW X1 models offer well-resolved handling characteristics in any situation and deliver the driving experience for which BMW is renowned.

The compact all-rounder’s sophisticated chassis technology produces a harmonious balance between agile handling on the one hand and long-distance comfort on the other.

The platform for driving pleasure is delivered via a body construction that reduces weight while increasing rigidity, a long wheelbase, wider tracks than the predecessor model, and targeted upgrades to the single-joint spring strut axle at the front and the three-link rear axle.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation is fitted as standard in the new BMW X1, enhancing both traction and directional stability. Other new features include the integrated braking system and the extra, lift-related damping at the front axle.

The optional adaptive M suspension features frequency-selective damping, sport steering and a 15-millimetre drop in ride height.

Wide variety of systems for automated driving and parking

The technological advances made in the new BMW X1 compared with the outgoing model are also evident in the far greater variety of automated driving and parking systems.

Features include Cruise Control with brake function, the front-collision warning system and Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant.

Other available assistance systems include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Active Navigation, exit warning function and BMW Head-Up Display, as well as the Surround View, Remote 3D View and BMW Drive Recorder.

Existing functions can be upgraded by means of the Remote Software Upgrades facility, which also makes it possible to add new functions via the BMW New Zealand Connected Drive store.

BMW Operating System 8 and BMW Curved Display further raise technology offering

The new BMW X1 treats its occupants to the latest-generation BMW iDrive multi-sensory vehicle experience in the form of the standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Plus.

Based on BMW Operating System 8, it comprises the BMW Curved Display with its state-of-the-art graphics and menu structure along with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that has gained additional skills.

The fully digital screen grouping is formed by the 10.25-inch information display and the control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The new BMW iDrive is geared purposefully to providing intuitive touch and voice control, while the broad-based digitalisation of the interior enables the number of physical buttons, controls and switches required for operation to be significantly reduced.

The new My Modes combine individually selectable vehicle settings with matching experience worlds for the interior.

In addition, a smartphone tray with indirect illumination on both sides takes centre stage in the front section of the centre console. Phones can be secured by a movable clasp and positioned upright in a portrait position to be visible to both driver and passenger while being charged wirelessly.

In addition to this, BMW Digital Key Plus, the BMW ID functionality and smartphone integration using both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expand the X1’s range of abilities and complement multiple lifestyles and preferences.

Further information on specific equipment and specification with pricing detail of the new BMW X1 models will be announced later this year.  

…ends/

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce of 118,909 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

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Munich. Digitisation is delivering an integrated user experience characterised by individuality and emotionalisation in the interior of current BMW models. The My Modes allow the driver to tailor the atmosphere in the interior entirely to their personal mood and the driving experience they want. With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink being presented on the occasion of CES 2022, the Munich-based premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver's prompting.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "Digital experiences won't just be limited to displays in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life."

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration. Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for."

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle's appearance in line with the driver's aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink demonstrates this potential to impressive effect. Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver's personality. The choice of exterior paints available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance. New variants are added each year that reflect the characteristics of the model in question and that allow the brand to keep setting trends in the area of exterior design.

New technologies will provide a whole new level of decision-making freedom in the future. "This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car," says Stella Clarke, Head of Project for the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. "Similar to fashion or the status ads on social media channels, the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life."

How a variable exterior colour can increase efficiency.

A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle's air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle's fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules in a custom wrap.

Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders. The surface coating of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Achieving this effect on a vehicle body involves the application of many precisely fitted ePaper segments. Generative design processes are implemented to ensure the segments reflect the characteristic contours of the vehicle and the resulting variations in light and shadow. The generative design algorithms enable the necessary formability and flexibility required to tailor the ePaper exactly to the design lines of the vehicle.

Laser cutting technologies guarantee high precision in generating each segment. After the segments are applied and the power supply for stimulating the electrical field is connected, the entire body is warmed and sealed to guarantee optimum and uniform colour reproduction during every colour change.