The second-gen BMW X1 is going through its midlife refresh and a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant has been added. Called the X1 xDrive25e, it mates a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed Steptronic autobox driving the front wheels to a 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery under the rear seats, as well as a 70kW electric motor and single-speed reduction gear driving the rear axle. With the petrol engine providing 125hp/220Nm and the electric a further 95hp/165Nm, BMW cites 'sum of its parts' maximum system outputs of 220hp/385Nm; enough to see the X1 xDrive25e run 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds and go on to a 120mph top speed, all while returning up to 141.2mpg with CO₂ emissions of just 43g/km. The quoted maximum electric range of the X1 PHEV is 35 miles, it's limited to 84mph in pure EV mode, and charging times take around five hours on a domestic socket and 3.5 hours on a BMW i Wallbox. Expect 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and a 450-1,470-litre boot, with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats as standard.

Matt Robinson - 25 Sep 2019