BMW’s new compact SUV heads Down Under for validation testing ahead of local showroom arrivals later this year.
The 2023 BMW X1 small SUV has made an early appearance in Australia, spotted wearing camouflage while being transported on the back of a truck in Melbourne.
Shown here leaving Melbourne’s ports on a car carrier with a selection of other BMW Group vehicles, the camouflaged X1 appears to be in Australia for final validation testing in local conditions, before it goes on sale here later this year.
While the vehicle provided for local testing may not be indicative of final Australian specifications, the wheel design and bulky side sill covers shown here suggest this particular vehicle is optioned with the xLine package, which will be standard equipment in Australia.
It’s also unknown if the car seen here is an X1 sDrive18i or X1 sDrive20i – the two confirmed variants set for Australia (see full price and spec details here) or the new fully-electric iX1. If the car is an xLine model, as suggested, then that would appear to rule out iX1 specification.
The new-generation X1 is based on an evolution of BMW’s UKL2 front- and all-wheel drive platform (known as ‘FAAR’), already in use under the current-generation 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe in Australia, as well as providing the basis of the X2 and outgoing X1 SUVs.
The bold styling changes bring the new X1 into line with the latest designs for BMW’s larger SUVs, including the X5 and X7.
Inside, the new X1 moves to BMW’s Operating System 8 infotainment software, and expands the range of available driver assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.
The new 2023 BMW X1 range is due to launch in Australia before the end of 2022, bringing with it higher prices as well as more equipment and technology.
The new X1 will also debut BMW’s controversial ‘feature on demand’ subscription services, with hardware such as heated seats and heated steering wheel fitted to vehicles, but only accessible once BMW’s additional monthly subscription fee is paid.
A spokesperson from BMW Australia said, “We can confirm that this is a pre-series production BMW X1. We look forward to showcasing it to our dealer network and customers over the next few months ahead of the new X1 model’s market launch (between October and December 2022).”
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