New 2020 BMW X1 and X2 xDrive25e PHEVs launched
The German brand has released a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its pair of entry-level SUVs, with prices starting from £38,200
BMW has launched a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its X1 and X2 SUVs, tasked with rivalling the Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine. The X1 xDrive25e is available to order now priced from £38,200, with first deliveries arriving in March 2020, while the X2 PHEV will go on sale in summer 2020.
BMW’s xDrive25e powertrain comprises a 10kWh lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor mounted to the rear axle and a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. In total, the system produces 217bhp and 385Nm of torque – and BMW claims the drivetrain offers maximum electric-only range of 35 miles at speeds of up to 84mph.
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The xDrive25e’s lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged from empty in around five hours using a conventional household socket. When plugged into BMW’s 7.4kW i Wallbox domestic fast-charger, the system will recover the same battery charge level in 3.2 hours.
BMW claims the new plug-in hybrid powertrain gives the X1 a 0–62mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. The firms adds that the X2 PHEV is marginally faster, dispatching the same sprint in 6.8 seconds and boasting a maximum speed of 121mph.
So far, BMW has only confirmed efficiency numbers for the X1 PHEV, which offers claimed economy figures of between 134.5mpg and 148.7mpg and CO2 emissions of between 43 and 48 g/km of CO2. Specifications for the X2 PHEV will be released nearer to the SUV’s launch in summer.
As standard, both models feature a set of lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, two-zone automatic air conditioning and a pair of sports seats. Buyers can also select from the same range of trim-levels as the conventionally powered versions of both SUVs, with BMW offering its Sport Line, xLine and M Sport specifications.
Practicality is only marginally affected by the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain; the battery pack and electric motor robs 55 litres from the X1’s boot, reducing its capacity to 450 litres. However like the conventionally powered model, the X1 PHEV features the same 40:20:40 split folding rear seat, which increases its maximum boot capacity to 1,470 litres.
What do you make of the new X1 and X2 xDrive25e plug-in hybrids? Let us know in the comments section below…
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