Here’s A First Look Inside The BMW X1 Facelift

Could an M Performance version of the X1 be on the cards since BMW is working on a hot X2?

The X1 has only been on sale since 2015, so you wouldn’t think BMW would be in a rush to refresh it. However, increased competition has forced BMW to give the entry-level crossover an update to maintain sales momentum. As such, we’re not expecting any drastic styling changes for the upcoming BMW X1 facelift, and these new spy shots of a pre-production prototype undergoing hot weather testing in Southern Europe seem to support this.

Specifically, this appears to be a prototype of the M Sport version judging from the aggressive-looking air intakes, large alloy wheels, and dual exhaust tips. There have been a few minor styling changes since the last prototype was spied a few months ago such as slimmer headlights and a new front bumper. Otherwise, the BMW X1 facelift will look largely the same as the current model when it rolls out in 2019.

Our spies also managed to get a shot of the interior free of camouflage, but it seems to have been carried over from the current model apart from the larger infotainment screen. Expect the infotainment and sat-nav system to receive an update.

Currently, the only X1 sold in the US is the 28i model, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that sends 228 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission, so there’s a good chance this setup will carry over. It’s also available with front-wheel drive as standard but all-wheel drive is optional. An M Performance version could be on the cards though since we already know BMW is working on a hot M32i version of the X2.

BMW X1 Facelift Caught Cruising City Streets In Germany

As is traditional with BMW mid-cycle updates, don’t expect any significant design changes.

The second-generation BMW X1 only went on sale in 2015 so it still feels fresh, but BMW is wasting no time giving its Volvo XC40 rival a mid-cycle update to maintain its sales momentum in such a fiercely competitive segment. Our spies recently caught a prototype of BMW’s refreshed compact crossover roaming the streets of Munich near the company’s headquarters in Germany. With testing underway, it seems likely the BMW X1 facelift will launch sometime in 2019. From the photos, it’s clear, however, that it won’t be receiving a radical overhaul.

The copious amounts of camouflage may trick you into thinking the 2019 BMW X1 will have some significant design changes, but BMW’s mid-cycle updates are traditionally very subtle. The placement of the camouflage suggests we can expect the updated X1 to feature a redesigned front bumper, new headlights and grille, as well as new taillight graphics. Our spies noted that parts of the interior were also covered up, which means BMW could be updating the X1’s infotainment and sat-nav system. There’s a chance the X1 could also feature BMW’s new fancy digital instrument cluster previewed a few months ago by the time it rolls out in 2019.

As for powertrains, the only variant of the X1 currently sold in the US is the 28i model, which utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that sends 228 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and we expect this setup will be carried over for the mid-cycle update. It’s also available with front-wheel drive as standard but all-wheel drive is optional.

2019 BMW 7 Series Facelift Shows Off Massive Grille At The Nurburgring

Our spies caught the upcoming BMW 7 Series facelift flexing its muscles at the 'Ring.

Despite only being introduced in 2015, the current-generation BMW 7 Series will soon be getting a facelift. Our spy photographers have spotted the large luxury sedan getting a thorough workout around the Nurburgring, where we get a clear view of its revised grille with massive vertical slats carried over from its bigger brother, the X7 SUV. Revised headlights and a new front bumper complement the larger twin-kidney grille, giving the sedan a sportier look.

At the back, the taillights have also been restyled, but the changes are subtler than the new sleek headlights. Overall, the styling closely mirrors the X7, which is getting closer to production to rival the Range Rover.

We don’t get any close-ups of the cabin, but the black pieces of cloth imply there will be some significant changes inside. Previous spy shots have shown the updated 7 Series will feature a fully digital instrument cluster and the latest version of BMW’s infotainment system. BMW’s fancy new cabin tech was previewed a few months ago and will debut in the new 8 Series, which recently started production. The X7 will also come with the same hardware and software.

As for what’s under the hood, the sportier front bumper suggests we’re looking at the potent V12-powered M760. There could even be a full-fat M version for the first time in the model's history, as BMW recently filed a trademark for the M7. We’re not holding our breath though, as BMW could simply be protecting the nameplate. Rumors suggest the 2019 7 Series will start production next March, so we should see it break cover either towards the end of this year or early next year.

2019 BMW 7 Series Facelift Shows Off Massive Grille At The Nurburgring

Our spies caught the upcoming BMW 7 Series facelift flexing its muscles at the 'Ring.

Despite only being introduced in 2015, the current-generation BMW 7 Series will soon be getting a facelift. Our spy photographers have spotted the large luxury sedan getting a thorough workout around the Nurburgring, where we get a clear view of its revised grille with massive vertical slats carried over from its bigger brother, the X7 SUV. Revised headlights and a new front bumper complement the larger twin-kidney grille, giving the sedan a sportier look.

At the back, the taillights have also been restyled, but the changes are subtler than the new sleek headlights. Overall, the styling closely mirrors the X7, which is getting closer to production to rival the Range Rover.

We don’t get any close-ups of the cabin, but the black pieces of cloth imply there will be some significant changes inside. Previous spy shots have shown the updated 7 Series will feature a fully digital instrument cluster and the latest version of BMW’s infotainment system. BMW’s fancy new cabin tech was previewed a few months ago and will debut in the new 8 Series, which recently started production. The X7 will also come with the same hardware and software.

As for what’s under the hood, the sportier front bumper suggests we’re looking at the potent V12-powered M760. There could even be a full-fat M version for the first time in the model's history, as BMW recently filed a trademark for the M7. We’re not holding our breath though, as BMW could simply be protecting the nameplate. Rumors suggest the 2019 7 Series will start production next March, so we should see it break cover either towards the end of this year or early next year.

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