Here’s some good news for all those who want to land a BMW crossover in their parking lot on a budget. The refreshed X1 has broken cover and, like the new X5, the X7 and the 7 Series facelift, it has a shouty exterior. Apart from that, it features minor design tweaks inside the cabin, gets new colour options and a couple of new features. Next year, for the first time, the BMW X1 will also receive a plug-in hybrid variant.

On the outside, the crossover gets a larger BMW grille whose kidneys now merge in the middle. It is flanked by reprofiled headlamps which are optionally available with LED units. The front bumper is more squarish in profile with integrated LED fog lamps and larger air intakes. The driver’s side ORVM can be had with a two-tone “X1” logo projector. The said feature is part of the optional lighting package. At the rear, the X1 facelift features a tweaked bumper, larger exhaust outlets and restyled taillamp units which can also be upgraded to boast LED units.

As standard, the BMW X1 facelift comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. Don’t like them or find them a tad small, pay extra and get a choice of four new designs in 18- and 19-inch sizes. As always, the M Sport derivatives will feature more aggressive styling and sports suspension which results in a 10mm drop in ground clearance.

BMW has tried to liven-up the interior by including contrast stitching on the instrument panel and even on the floor mats. Apart from that, there are three new upholstery options to choose from. As standard, the BMW X1 facelift gets a 6.5-inch screen as part of the infotainment system. However, choosing the navigation system option can get either an 8.8-inch display or the new 10.25-inch Touch Control Display. To take the practicality factor up a notch, the rear seats have a 40:20:40 split and, if opted for, slide forward by up to 13cm. Optional extras also include BMW’s ConnectedDrive and Comfort Access packages.

Over to the mechanical department. The entry level will wear the sDrive16d badge, powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 116PS/270Nm on tap. This engine will be available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100kmph time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 190kmph.

Higher up, the derivatives will flaunt either an xDrive25i badge or an xDrive25d mark. Both will house 2.0-litre, turbocharged engines but while the former will be fed by petrol, the latter will get its pump from diesel. While both engines produce 231PS, petrol has a peak torque of 350Nm, which is 100Nm less than the diesel-fed mill. Because the petrol engine is on the lighter side, it can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds, which is a tenth quicker than the diesel. The only transmission option available with the 2.0-litre mills is an 8-speed automatic.

In March next year, the X1 will receive a plug-in hybrid variant for the first time. Behind the flashy exterior will hide a petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. While the former, all on its own, will be capable of 125PS/220Nm, the latter will draw its juices from a 9.7kWh battery pack and have 95PS/165Nm on tap. A few bits and pieces will be different to showcase and control the electrified side of the crossover. BMW claims that X1 xDrive25e will be able to travel up to 50km without producing any noise or pollution.

The refreshed X1’s market launches begin in a few weeks. It will be packaged differently for different markets around the globe. And yes, it will be making its way to India too. Expect that to happen sometime next year.