Emerging from a frozen lake area covered in snow, Autonocion captured images of the facelifted 2027 BMW X1 that shows a drastic change to its front end.
BMW was becoming quite notorious for its massive kidney grilles, but the brand’s Neue Klasse-inspired designs have brought drastic changes to many of its features. And it looks to be a similar change for the upcoming BMW X1 as well.
The third generation of the BMW X1 arrived in 2022, featuring the signature large, square kidney grille, narrower LED headlights, and a wide, muscular, and aggressive stance. The silver bumper styling was also a stand-out feature. But going into 2027, it looks like it’s time for a huge overhaul. Our spy photos show that it almost looks like an entirely new generation thanks to its Neue Klasse design language.
2027 BMW X1 gets big changes up front, but the rear is largely untouched
While nowhere near as dramatic as the Neue Klasse concept car, the 2027 BMW X1’s new face has definitely taken a sleeker, more modern approach. The kidney grille is slimmer, similar to the shape seen on the recently revealed i3 model. It also has much narrower, angled headlights with an LED light signature. The redesigned bumper and air intakes look a bit more futuristic and angular. It’s a similar look to the spy photos we also got of the upcoming BMW X5, another Neue Klasse-inspired vehicle.
The other massive upgrade for the 2027 X1 is inside the cabin. You can see a Panoramic Display that was rumored in 2024, indicating that this model will feature many tech updates compared to previous years. The high-definition head-up display is a great upgrade. The current year’s wide screen could be replaced by a 17.9-inch central display.
Strangely enough, however, the back is largely unchanged from previous models. There is some camo, and it’s also pretty early, which means changes could be coming, but the rear currently has the same shape, bumper, and lighting as before. The doors and roofline also appear pretty similar, making the silhouette largely unchanged. Womp.
In the United States, the 2026 X1 is powered by a B48 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, available in either the xDrive 28i (241 hp) or the M35i (312 hp). Other countries also have a hybrid option for the X1. BMW’s future powertrain plans have largely remained the same despite rapid change and industry-wide chaos. BMW wants to keep its gas-powered engines alongside its electric vehicles, offering a wide range of options. BMW doesn’t believe that internal combustion engines will fully disappear, although it has to be changed to meet stricte regulations in Europe.
Meanwhile, many automakers have completely given up on upcoming electric vehicles, unable to keep up with the cost-effective competition from China.
