cars news 10: Spied! 2017 BMW X1 PHEV Caught Wearing Minimal Camouflage

Our spy photographers have caught the plug-in hybrid variant of the BMW X1 winter testing wearing barely any camouflage. This particular prototype features a hybrid vehicle sticker and a charging port on the driver side front fender, indicating that this is the PHEV variant that’s set to go on sale sometime later this year. The X1 PHEV follows the 330e and the X5 xDrive40e, and will be the third plug-in hybrid vehicle to join the BMW lineup in the U.S.

Based on the UKL front-drive platform that underpins all Mini models, the 2017 BMW X1 PHEV is expected to utilize the same turbocharged 1.5-liter I-3 and electric motor combo found in the Euro-market 2 Series Active Tourer. In that car, the gas engine makes 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and is paired to an 87-hp electric motor for a total system output of around 221 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only gearbox available. Despite it being front-drive-based, the X1 PHEV powertrain is supposedly able to power the front, rear, or all four wheels depending on the drive mode. Three pure electric modes will be available: Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and a Save Battery feature.

In terms of exterior design, the BMW X1 PHEV should look similar to the gas-only X1 with only a few badges indicating that it’s a hybrid. Expect this same powertrain to also find its way to the Mini lineup as part of the second-generation Mini Countryman lineup, which will also ride on the UKL platform.

Photo Source: CarPix