There is no secret that the X1 is getting a bit long in the tooth just like there is no secret that BMW is already working on the crossover’s replacement. Test mules have been spotted recently doing pre-production runs and with a debut slated for 2022, it is time to reassess what we know about the incoming BMW X1.

As per an official announcement well hidden inside a long press release, BMW let us know that the X1 will arrive in 2022. No other info is offered, except for the bit that refers to the X1’s motivation, which will be “both a combustion engine and a fully-electric drivetrain.” We also know that assembly will be handled by BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany and that is about it.

Bigger than the current X1

The BMW X1 mules caught during pre-production testing showed that the new car is going to be larger than the model it replaces. It will continue to sit on a front-wheel-drive platform, but xDrive all-wheel drive is probably going to be available as optional feature. The underpinnings will also stay loyal to BMW’s Power of Choice philosophy, which allows the use of various powertrains without having to resort to different architectures – a sort of one-size-fits-all approach if you wish.

Some spyshots also showed the presence of the polarizing grille BMW imprinted on the 4 Series, M3, and M4, but also on the incoming iX and i4.

Powertrains for every taste

The new X1 will likely get an engine range comprising gasoline mills, diesels, plug-in hybrid setups (most likely the xDrive25e) and, of course, an all-electric option called iX1. If the ICE variants will offer upgraded versions of the powertrains currently used in the X1 and X2, the big news is without any doubt the birth of the iX1, aka the fully-electric X1.

Slated to hit the market in 2023, the iX1 will become BMW’s entry-level EV as the i3 gets phased out eventually. At the same time, the iX1 will try to poach customers from the VW ID.4.

Autocar reports that the iX1 will get a variation of the iX3’s fifth-gen eDrive powertrain, which at the time of writing entails a 282-horsepower e-motor linked to an 80-kWh battery pack for a max range of about 285 miles on a single, full charge.

In the iX1’s case, BMW might opt for a smaller battery due to the crossover’s size restraints, but at the same time it should weigh less than the iX3, so for now, we’re expecting the iX1 to deliver a similar range to its larger brother.

Well-appointed, quality interiors with a focus on technology

It is not in BMW’s nature to make compromises when it comes to cabin quality. This should reflect on the X1 and iX1’s interiors, where we expect the same sturdy assembly quality, nice materials, and the latest BMW iDrive infotainment software.

The analog instrument cluster is going to turn into a digital screen coupled with a second display mounted centrally on the dashboard. We do not believe that the X1/iX1 will get BMW’s new iDrive setup right away, but maybe it will be trickled down once the facelifted version is ready for introduction.

Price and availability

There is no official info on where will the X1 be sold, but we guess Europe is a must and BMW will likely continue to offer the X1, and subsequently the iX1, in the U.S. as well, where it should rival the likes of Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Lexus UX.

There is also no info on a potential price tag, but looking at its competition, the X1 should start at around $35,000, with the iX1 priced significantly higher, at around $50,000 or more.