BMW Australia has confirmed running changes for its popular X1 and X2 compact SUVs, ahead of first customer deliveries in mid-2026.
The 2026 BMW X1 and 2026 BMW X2 ranges are headlined by the move to Euro 6e emissions-compliant powertrains, meaning 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) tech for the entry-level grades and a new xDrive25e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the X1.
At the same time, entry-level eDrive20 versions of the iX1 and iX2 electric vehicles (EVs) have been discontinued for the Australian market, though xDrive30 variants of the small electric SUVs now receive new silicon carbide (SiC) inverters which enhance performance, power density and driving range.
Higher levels of standard specifications have also been applied across the range, along with pricing adjustments depending on the variant – some are up, and some are down.
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2026 BMW X1 and iX1
The biggest change for the X1/iX1 lineup is the addition of the xDrive25e PHEV, marking the first time plug-in hybrid powertrain technology has been available locally in the German brand’s premium compact SUV.
Combining the base model’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor and 14.2kWh battery, the BMW X1 xDrive25e offers system outputs of 180kW/477Nm and WLTP electric driving range of 78-86km. It’ll also scoot from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds.
The new X1 PHEV supports up to 11kW AC charging as standard, including on single- and three-phase power. At the maximum rate, BMW claims a full charge time of just one hour and 45 minutes.
A new X1 sDrive20i base variant replaces the outgoing sDrive18i, augmenting the outgoing model’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V MHEV tech for the first time – the latter claiming to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and aid performance. It now makes 125kW/280Nm compared to its predecessor’s more modest 115kW/230Nm.
BMW’s move to EU6e powertrains adds a petrol particulate filter (PPF), which now means M35i versions of both the X1 and X2 have seen 12kW reductions in power output, in line with European models.
However, the entry variant now adds heated front seats over in addition to the outgoing sDrive18i’s standard specification, as well as electric front seat adjustment with memory presets – these features were previously optional equipment. Opting for the xDrive25e adds the M Sport Package with 19-inch alloy wheels (up from 18s), as well as the full Driving Assistant Professional active safety suite.
Pricing
The price of entry has risen by $3300, while the PHEV is $3100 dearer than the outgoing petrol-only xDrive20i. Pricing for the iX1 xDrive30 and X1 M35i xDrive is the same for 2026.
|
Model |
Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
|
2026 BMW X1 sDrive20i |
$66,700 |
|
2026 BMW X1 xDrive25e |
$79,500 |
|
2026 BMW iX1 xDrive30 |
$86,800 |
|
2026 BMW X1 M35i xDrive |
$93,900 |
2026 BMW X2 and iX2
Changes for the coupe-style X2 and iX2 are less extensive, though the base grade is nearly $6000 cheaper than before thanks to the removal of all-wheel drive, and the fitment of a less powerful three-cylinder petrol MHEV drivetrain instead of the old turbo four.
The 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i makes the same 125kW/280Nm outputs as the equivalent X1, though that’s down on the 150kW/300Nm figures of the outgoing X2 xDrive20i. BMW hasn’t quoted revised fuel consumption figures, but the new entry variant car should be significantly more efficient.
Beyond that, the base X2 gets the same upgraded front seats as the X1, with the iX2 xDrive30 getting the same SiC inverter as the iX1, which should improve the quoted driving range – stand by for details.
|
Model |
Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
|
2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i |
$72,000 |
|
2026 BMW iX2 xDrive30 |
$87,600 |
|
2026 BMW X2 M35i xDrive |
$95,900 |
MORE: Explore the BMW X1 showroom
MORE: Explore the BMW X2 showroom