Exclusive: first images of the refreshed BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 was introduced in November 2022, but a refreshed version is already going through tests and ready for what looks like an imminent unveiling.

We spotted the new iX1 as it was doing some testing on roads around Germany. The vehicle joined the i3 Neue Klasse and the i5 Touring. The iX1 in question sported only partial camouflage covering the front and rear bumpers, suggesting this is only a mild refresh aiming to bring the design in line with the newer BMW models.

We can immediately spot the new headlights - gone are the sharp angles and straight lines. The new lights are more elongated and round, and no longer interrupt the hood line. The LED elements appear to have a different shape as well. The kidney grille is a bit smaller - good news - and it's pushed into the bumper rather than being flush as it is in the current model. The front bumper seems to have lost some of its angles, while the air vents have grown in size.

There is even more going on at the rear. The new iX1 is getting revised taillights sitting just above a new crease spanning the entire rear. The bumper is less angular as well, and the roof spoiler is shorter and more upright than the one on the current model. Gone are the deflectors sitting on both sides of the rear glass and the chunky aerial is replaced with a much thinner version.

Not that a small refresh after all then. BMW has gone to lengths to improve aerodynamics, and clearly, the company has listened to its customers and is toning down some of the more controversial features. The freshened-up iX1 has still a few more years left before its replacement hits the market, but the upcoming i3 Neue Klasse is forcing the entire fleet to fall in line with the new design language.