BMW South Africa has quietly uploaded the new X1 to its online configurator. Here’s how much it costs…

[UPDATE: BMW SA has now added pricing for the diesel variant to the mix, while also adjusting down the starting price of the petrol derivative. Details below…]

The new BMW X1 is scheduled to hit the market in South Africa before the end of 2022, with the first derivative – the petrol-powered sDrive18i – having already been added to the Munich-based automaker’s local online configurator.

From what we can glean, the sDrive18i will soon be joined by the likewise front-wheel-drive but oil-burning sDrive18d, though BMW SA seemingly has no plans to add the all-paw mild-hybrid xDrive23i (pictured above) and xDrive23d nor the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e to the local range. The fully electric iX1, however, is likely to come to SA early in 2023.

The starting price for the X1 sDrive18i comes in at R753 045(despite earlier being listed asR803 045), which represents a significant hike over the R666 527 base figure of the outgoing model. Still, it seems the sDrive18i now ships standard with the xLine package standard, while specifying the M Sport kit pushes price to R793 045. A few options are available, including larger alloy wheels (up to 20 inches in diameter), though most are grouped together in various equipment packages.

The X1 sDrive18i variant employs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol mill, which directs 115 kW and 230 Nm (respective increases of 12 kW and 10 Nm) to the front axle through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The German firm claims the 0-100 kph time comes in at 9.0 seconds (six-tenths quicker than before) and the top speed at 215 kph (12 units higher than before), while combined fuel consumption is listed as 6.5 litres per 100 km.

The new U11-generatgion BMW X1 is 53 mm longer than its F48-generation predecessor.

The sDrive18d, meanwhile, uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit worth an unchanged 110 kW and an increased 360 Nm (up from the outgoing model’s peak twisting force of 330 Nm), allowing it to reach 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 8.9 seconds (an improvement of three-tenths) before topping out at 210 kph (5 units up). Fitted as standard with an 8-speed automatic cog-swapper, BMW says this derivative is capable of sipping diesel at a rate of just 5.0 litres per 100 km. Pricing starts at R790 617 in xLine trim, or R830 617 in M Sport guise.

As a reminder, the U11-generation BMW X1’s exterior dimensions have grown compared with its predecessor. Measuring 4 500 mm from nose to tail, it’s 53 mm longer, while its width has increased 24 mm to 1 845 mm. In addition, the new X1 stands 44 mm taller at 1 642 mm, while its wheelbase has increased 22 mm to 2 692 mm. Track widths, too, have been amplified.

Inside, you’ll find items such as the latest BMW Curved Display and newly developed front seats. The rear compartment includes what the automaker bills as three “full-sized” seats offering a “notable improvement in seating comfort”. Luggage capacity, meanwhile, can be increased from 540 to a maximum of 1 600 litres.

How much does the new BMW X1 cost in South Africa?

BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine – R753 045BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine – R790 617BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport – R830 617BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport – R793 045

Pricing includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.