BMW X1 facelift (2012) first pictures

BMW is unveiling a pepped-up X1 facelift at the 2012 New York auto show. Why launch it in the US? Because soon the smallest BMW soft-roader will be sold Stateside.

It's modestly facelifted with detail changes outside, an improved cabin and some minor specification tweaks to get the X1 ready for US launch in September 2012. It's a good forum to launch the X1 for America; show organisers expect footfall of around one million visitors this year.

Spot the revised 2012 BMW X1 by the greater number of body-painted panels and a fresh headlamp graphic surrounded by new chrome accents cutting across the top of the twin lights. Spec the optional xenons and you get the showy LED day-running lights.

Anoraks note: the side indicator repeaters are now incorporated into the door mirrors and there's a new rear bumper/apron assembly to tidy up the X1's bum.

The cabin of the BMW X1 has improved more noticeably. The centre console is new, angling the switchgear more towards the driver like BMWs of yore. And some of the cheaper surfaces of the X1's cockpit are improved, with higher quality metal-effect surrounds to the gearshift lever.

American X1s will come equipped with new TwinPower turbo petrol engines:

• X1 xDrive35i 306bhp, four-wheel drive
 • X1 sDrive28i 245bhp, two-wheel drive (xDrive optional)

Both engines are twin-turbo four-cylinders with automatic gearboxes and EfficientDynamics tech such as start-stop and intelligent alternator charging to lower battery drain.

By Tim Pollard