BMW’s X-Series has established itself as a popular make of crossover vehicle – a car which combines all the features you would expect in an SUV with those of a standard passenger vehicle such as a station wagon. Indeed, it’s one of the most popular used cars at Saxtons 4×4. After several iterations of this successful car, BMW is ready to innovate and take the X-Series away from fossil fuels and towards the brave new world of electric cars.
The Classic BMW X-Series
After its foray into 4×4 cars when it owned Land Rover, BMW produced the first of its X-Series in 1999. The E53 X5 was BMW’s first ever Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a genuine BMW driving experience due to 62% of the car’s torque being pushed to the rear, creating a rear-wheel-drive feel. Much of the X5’s success came from developing the best technologies for similar vehicles at Land Rover, and resulted in sales of 25,000 units across the US by 2000.
Following this success, BMW released a spots model of the X5 in 2002, the X5 4.6is, which gained its name from the 4.6 litre engine. Following this, the X5 was enhanced further in 2003 with a 4.8 litre N62 engine. Across its three initial iterations, the X5 had earned a strong reputation as a fast, dependable SUV and as a result BMW were able to manufacture 100,000 cars a year. The X-series was now well on its way.
This led to other X-series models such as the X3, which was the first BMW car to incorporate their xDrive system. This system allowed the X3 and subsequent models to benefit from the innovative xDerive technology, which shifts the torque between the rear and front of a car if any wheel slip is detected.
In 2008, BMW launched the X6, which provided a previously unseen level of comfort, incorporating cutting-edge driving technology. What was most revolutionary about the X6 was that its form was that of a coupe. This amalgamation of SUV performance in a coupe allowed drivers to own a sleeker, more stylish car which had decent off-road capabilities. Two years later the compact and more affordable X1 was released, which had an SAV design and made the BMW brand even more accessible due to its “entry level” marketing.
The X Series has been a remarkable success, with 1 in 4 BMWs sold being from that line. Indeed, the X Series continues to expand with newer, better iterations, most of which are available at Saxtons 4X4. Newer models are on the way, however, and the X7 is on the horizon, but more than that, something truly game-changing is about to happen to the series – it’s about to enter the world of electric hybrid engines, and there is every chance the X-Series might never look back.
What the Future Holds
While the different models of X-Series cars will surely be enhanced and refined, it’s the X1’s latest iteration, which is causing waves. Labelled as the X1xDrive30e, this SUV is to be a hybrid electric car, and should be the first of many BMW SUVs to embrace the industry’s move away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
It has been reported that the new X1 will be a plug-in hybrid, and it’s not the only one. BMW’s line of hybrid cars will include the X5 xDrive 40e, the i8 hybrid coupe, the i3 electric car, and the 740e xDrive hybrid sedan. BMW is betting big on hybrid and electric cars, and they aren’t the only ones. Most car companies are set to embrace very similar technologies.
The X1 xDrive 30e will produce 220 horsepower and 385 NM of torque. The X1 will have significantly more interior space, and overall the chassis will be larger than its predecessors. While power will be pushed to the front wheels, during wheel slips the car will automatically shift this power to the rear via a new electro hydraulic pump. It’s rumoured that the batteries will be situated beneath the boot floor, with the boot itself having considerably more room. In fact, the overall comfort provided by more legroom for both rear and front passengers should also translate to more luggage space if needed.
Will the X1 xDrive 30e Be a Success?
Early adopters might want to dive in and grab themselves the new X1 on launch, but those who don’t have money to burn in their pockets might want to hold off. A very reasonable priced used X-Series Saxtons 4×4 car can be purchased, providing better range than newer hybrid models can. That being said, with subsequent iterations, many anticipate that electric cars are the future, and that within only a few years they could be dominating the market with superior range and performance; while being cheaper and safer for the environment.
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