BMW electrified the X1 in Europe back in September 2019 with the unveiling of the xDrive25e version and now the mechanically related X2 is getting the same plug-in hybrid treatment. Save for the extra cap on the front-left fender/wing to conceal the charging port, you can’t really tell this is the plug-in hybrid version. Well, there’s also the badge on the tailgate, but other than that, it looks just about the same as the conventionally powered X2.
If you’re not a fan of small engines, you’re probably not going to like the X2 xDrive25e. That’s because underneath its bonnet resides a turbocharged 1.5-litre mill with three cylinders and output rated at 123 bhp and 162 pound-feet (220 Newton-metres) of torque. The petrol engine sends its muscle to the front wheels through a six-speed Steptronic transmission.
Gallery: BMW X1 xDrive25e (2019)
The combustion engine works together with an electric motor that transfers 94 bhp and 122 lb-ft (165 Nm) to the rear axle to enable an all-wheel-drive setup when the X2 xDrive25e is driven in hybrid mode. The posh compact crossover can also temporarily work in RWD by relying only on the electric motor, which takes its juice from a 10-kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing a range of 55 to 57 kilometres (34 to 35 miles).
With the power of the petrol engine and electric motor combined, the stylish crossover offers a total output of 217 bhp and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm). The electrified powertrain unlocks a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a decent 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h). That makes it a tenth of a second quicker than the equivalent X1 and also has a marginally higher top speed. When driven in pure electric mode, the top speed drops to 84 mph (135 km/h).
Once the battery is drained, a full charge will take approximately five hours while replenishing the battery to an 80-percent level will take just under four hours. Go for the BMW i Wallbox and the full recharge time will drop to a little over three hours whereas the 80-percent charge will take almost two and a half hours.
The X2 xDrive25’e launch is part of BMW’s goal to have more than one million electrified vehicles on the road by late 2021. The company estimates a quarter of the vehicles sold in Europe by then will be electrified, with the percentage estimated to reach 33 by the middle of the decade and 50 percent by 2030. To achieve this objective, four new X PHEV models are on the agenda as part of a greater plan to launch 25 new electrified vehicles by 2023.
Priced from £38,200 the X2xDrive25e is available to order from 9 January with customer deliveries from March 2020.
BMW's electrifying agenda:
INTRODUCING THE NEW BMW X1 XDRIVE25e – FOLLOWED BY THE BMW X2 XDRIVE25e
- Featuring plug-in hybrid Technology with an electric-only range of up to 35 miles*
- Latest-generation lithium-ion battery
- BMW X1 xDrive25e priced from £38,200. Available to order from 09th January, with customer deliveries from March 2020
- BMW X2 xDrive25e** available from summer 2020
The BMW Group’s ongoing commitment to electrified technology is exemplified in its continuous development of electrified powertrains. Thanks to recent advances in battery cell technology, new BMW plug-in hybrid models are extending the possibilities of locally emissions-free driving – both in the city and beyond. With the introduction of the new BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e**, which both take full advantage of the latest-generation lithium- ion battery technology, BMW customers now have even more choice in the premium compact segment.
| Peak Power (hp) | Peak Torque (Nm) | Acceleration | Top Speed | CO2 emissions (g/km)* | Fuel Consumption (mpg)* | Electric-only range (miles) | OTR Price | |
| BMW X1 xDrive25e | 220 | 385 | 6.9 | 120 | 48-43 | 134.5 – 148.7 | 35 | £38,200 |
**Confirmed UK specification, performance and pricing for the X2 xDrive25e to follow later in 2020.
A highly efficient electric drive and a latest-generation lithium-ion battery enable an electrically powered range of up to 35 miles in the two new plug-in hybrid models. With average fuel consumption of 134.5 – 148.7 mpg* and CO2 emissions between 43 and 48 grams per kilometre*, both models set a benchmark within their competitive fields. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system delivers fast and precise distribution of power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring a high level of driving agility.
The plug-in hybrid system of the new BMW X1 xDrive 25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e consists of a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric drive specially developed for this model, derived from the BMW Group eDrive modular technology. The petrol engine mobilises a peak output of 125hp and a maximum torque of 220Nm. It transfers its power to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission and drives the front wheels. The electric motor generates an output of 95hp and delivers 165Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. This makes for a hybrid specific all-wheel drive, which gives these models a unique level of agility in their class. The electric motor’s highly responsive power delivery provides maximum torque spontaneously from standstill, enabling the driver to react extremely quickly to changing driving conditions. In addition, the position of the electric motor above the rear axle contributes to the balanced axle load distribution. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units provide maximum driving stability, ride comfort and dynamic response.
Together, the combustion engine and electric motor produce a system output of 220 hp. The maximum system torque of both drive units is 385Nm. The new BMW X1 xDrive25e accelerates from 0 to 63mph in 6.9 seconds, whilst the BMW X2 xDrive25e does the same in 6.8 seconds. In addition, the electric boost provided by the drive system ensures intense sporty flair when required. The top speed of the new BMW X1 xDrive25e is 120 mph, and 121mph for the BMW X2 xDrive25e.
With the very latest high-voltage battery cell technology, the new BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e possess generous reserves of electrical energy enabling the driver to conduct most of their everyday travel locally emissions-free. The latest-generation lithium-ion battery has a gross energy content of 10 kWh. This allows for an electrically powered range of between 33 and 35 miles in both the BMW X1 xDrive25e and BMW X2 xDrive25e. The high-voltage battery can be charged at conventional household sockets using the standard-equipment charging cable. An empty battery can be fully charged in around five hours in this way. It only takes 3.8 hours for the battery to reach 80 percent of its total capacity. Using a BMW i Wallbox, the relevant charging operation from 0 to 100 percent takes less than 3.2 hours.
Eighty percent of total capacity is already reached after 2.4 hours. The charging socket is located under a separate flap on the front left side wall of the car.
The driver can use the eDrive button on the centre console to influence the drive system’s operating mode. In the AUTO eDRIVE standard setting, the intelligent drive system ensures optimum interaction between the two power units in all driving situations. Navigation data is also used to manage the plug-in hybrid system to increase the efficiency as well as driving pleasure. When navigation guidance is activated, the anticipatory energy management can also take into account the route profile for controlling the drive system. The MAX eDrive mode can be activated for maximum use of the electric drive. In this mode, the new BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e reach a top speed of 84 mph. In addition there is also the SAVE BATTERY mode which enables the driver to maintain the charging state of the high-voltage battery while driving or to increase it by means of recuperation. Using this mode, battery capacity can be saved for later use, for example when arriving at your destination in purely electric mode.
The new BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e feature acoustic pedestrian protection as standard. When driving electrically at speeds of up to 19 mph, an unmistakable sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models is generated to alert other road users to the approaching car without impairing the acoustic comfort of the vehicle occupants.
The standard equipment of the two compact BMW X models with plug-in hybrid drive also includes 17-inch light alloy wheels, 2-zone automatic air conditioning as well Sports Seats and LED headlights in the UK market. The interior can be pre-conditioned remotely via BMW Connected using a smartphone. The new BMW X1 xDrive25e is available in Sport Line, xLine and M Sport in the UK. Virtually all options available on the conventionally powered BMW X1 are available for the plug-in hybrid models.
The positioning of the high-voltage battery underneath the rear seats leads to a very low centre of gravity, which optimises the agility of the BMW X1 xDrive25e and the new BMW X2 xDrive25e. In the new BMW X1 xDrive25e luggage compartment capacity is 450 litres, with standard 40:20:40 split folding backrests enabling the capacity to be increased to 1,470 litres. A trailer tow hitch with detachable ball is optionally available for the new BMW X1 xDrive25e, with a maximum trailer load of 750 kilograms.
With the extension of the range in the premium compact segment the BMW Group’s model offensive is gaining further momentum in the area of plug-in hybrid models. The current selection comprises the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid, the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X3 xDrive30e and BMW X5 xDrive45e.
As a pioneer in electric mobility, BMW intends to have more than one million vehicles with electrified drive on the road by the end of 2021, by which point 25 percent of the vehicles sold by the BMW Group in Europe are expected to feature an electric drive. By 2025 this figure is scheduled to reach 33 percent and 50 percent by 2030. The BMW Group plans to extend its portfolio to 25 electrified vehicles by 2023.
Ends
*Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.
The details marked * have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.
For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.