SPY PICS: BMW X1 updated

Having been on sale in Australia since late 2015, the second-generation BMW X1 SUV is due for some sort of an update, and these recently-snapped spy photos show there is one well on the way.

Visually and practically, it appears there's not a lot to say: Obviously BMW will exploit the cheap and easy method of replacing the current X1's front and rear bumpers with re-shaped mouldings, while there's the probability that some interior re-working, focussing on driver controls and infotainment, will take place as well.

Imaginatively peeling back the squirly stick-on disguise more or less confirms that the changes will focus on the lower sections of the bumper mouldings – although there may also be something going on with the grilles, which could inherit some influence from the just-launched new BMW 3 Series. Changes to the rear end of the X1, from the spy photos, appear so minimal as to be inconsequential, mainly concentrated on the fill-ins between the dual tailpipes of the photo car, which is most likely an sDrive20i version.

Word is that some engine revisions aimed at improving efficiency – with better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions – will also feature, although there could be bigger news in the shape of a plug-in X1 hybrid. The plug-in would be based on the 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW group engine, more or less replicating the 225xe Active Tourer (not sold here) with which it shares its basic platform.

Otherwise the X1 will likely continue with sDrive 2WD or xDrive AWD drivetrains and, in Australia, seven-speed dual-clutch autos matched to three-cylinder engines and regular eight-speed autos for four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions.

The updated BMW X1 will help provide some extra weight to its viability in a market segment where both Mercedes-Benz (GLA series, refreshed in 2017) and Audi (all-new Q3, expected in mid 2019) have both introduced fresh new models and Volvo has just launched its first compact SUV, the XC40.

The updated BMW X1 is expected to launch in Europe soon, maybe this year but more likely in early 2019, so it would be reasonable to expect an Australian introduction some time later in the same year, possibly coinciding with the new Audi Q3.