2014 Facelift for BMW’s X1

The X1, BMW’s smallest crossover, will debut a variety of updates at January’s 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and will be on sale at Braman BMW West Palm Beach in the spring.

Changes include new exterior accents, refinements to the interior and equipment updates. There will be new air intake vents in the front apron, revised 17-inch alloy wheels with a V-spoke design, and standard daytime running lights.

Customers who opt for the xLine, Sport Line or M Sport packages get to enjoy a new soft-touch surface as well as new trim accents in gloss black, matte Coral Red or pearl-gloss Chrome.

Beginning in spring 2014, owners will have an expanded range of features when they order an X1 with the navigation system and Connected Drive Services. Drivers can subscribe to these app-based services, including Online Entertainment and an ECO PRO Analyzer to monitor just how efficient (or otherwise) your driving is. All services will be compatible with both Apple iPhone and Android devices.

Engine options will remain unchanged with one diesel engine and one petrol motor available, both with varying degrees of power. The 2.0-litre diesel powertrain ranges from 118bhp to 218bhp, while the only petrol variant develops 184bhp.

The 2013 BMW X1 is offered in three trim levels that correspond to engine choice and whether it is rear-wheel drive (sDrive) or all-wheel drive (xDrive). Thus there are the sDrive28i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i.

The sDrive28i comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, fog lamps, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way manual front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the iDrive electronics interface and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio input, HD radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The xDrive28i adds all-wheel drive and hill descent control.

Besides its more powerful engine, the xDrive35i adds 18-inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers, a panoramic sunroof and eight-way power front seats (with driver memory settings).

The Premium package adds the panoramic sunroof and power seats to the 28i as well as keyless ignition/entry, front-seat power lumbar support, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery and a garage opener for all trims. The Cold Weather package includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and, for the 28i, headlight washers. A Lighting package adds the adaptive xenon headlights to the 28i as well as automatic high beams and interior ambient lighting for all. A navigation system and BMW’s Assist Safety telematics system come with the Technology package. The Driver Assistance package includes front/rear park assist and a rear view camera.

The Ultimate package includes all the features of the Premium, Technology and Driver Assistance packages.

Available from spring next year, the updated SUV should carry the same price tag as the outgoing model, ranging from $42,101 to $57,386 for the range-topping X1 M Sport model, plus optional equipment.

For further information, or to secure an early spot on the test drive list, visit Braman BMW West Palm Beach.