Discover the all‑new BMW X1 2028 with a sleek grille, spaceship‑like cockpit and active air vents. Read the full test drive and see why it matters.
Exterior Evolution: sharper looks, smarter airflow
The 2028 iteration of BMW’s compact luxury SUV arrives with a noticeably refreshed front end. The iconic kidney grille—often exaggerated in recent models—is now slimmer and more refined, giving the X1 a tighter, sportier face. New headlamp units replace the older design, and the bumper has been cleaned up for a cleaner, aerodynamic silhouette.
One of the most innovative touches is the pair of active air‑vent intakes tucked beneath the bumper. These nan‑vents open or close depending on cooling demand. When the engine is cold or the vehicle is cruising at high speed, the vents close to help the powertrain reach optimal temperature faster and cut drag. If the coolant, brakes or climate system needs extra airflow, sensors trigger the vents to open, improving efficiency and contributing to lower fuel consumption—an increasingly important factor for buyers watching volatile fuel prices.
BMW also adds a sleek black “visor” strip that links the grille to the headlights, creating a seamless front‑panel look. The rear lights retain their classic shape but now feature a vertical reflective strip for added visibility. Wheel arches, side cladding and door handles remain familiar, preserving the X1’s recognizable profile.
Inside the Futuristic Cabin: OS X and Panoramic Vision
The interior is where the 2028 X1 makes its boldest statement. BMW discards the long‑standing iDrive rotary knob in favor of a large central touchscreen powered by the new Operating System X and iDrive X interface—technology already seen on the brand’s latest flagship models.
Touch‑sensitive, haptic‑feedback controls sit on the steering wheel, and voice‑command functionality is fully integrated, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road. The centerpiece of the cockpit is the Panoramic Vision display, a continuous screen that stretches across both A‑pillars just above the windshield. Short‑throw projectors divide the surface into three zones:
- Driver zone: Shows essential vehicle data, effectively replacing the traditional digital instrument cluster.
- Central zone: Provides navigation, media and vehicle‑settings information.
- Front‑passenger zone: Offers infotainment options for the front seat occupant.
This arrangement delivers a “spaceship‑like” feel and lets the driver keep eyes on the road, reducing glances away from traffic.
Powertrain Options: meeting Euro 7 standards
Under the hood, BMW retains the proven 3‑ and 4‑cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, now paired with either a mild‑hybrid system or a plug‑in hybrid setup. All variants are engineered to comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations slated for Europe, ensuring the X1 remains competitive in markets that prize both performance and ecological responsibility.
Production timeline & market outlook
The upgraded X1 is scheduled to begin serial production in July 2027 at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany. Should the design and technology package stay unchanged for the production model, the 2028 X1 is set to shake up the premium compact‑SUV segment, offering a compelling mix of fresh styling, cutting‑edge digital interfaces, and efficient powertrains.
For consumers seeking a small luxury SUV that feels like it belongs in the future, the 2028 BMW X1 promises a significant step forward.