BMW is making another addition to its growing roster of plug-in hybrids, but this one won't be sold in the U.S.
Unveiled at the 2016 Chengdu Motor Show last week, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le i Performance is destined to China only.
It's based on a long-wheelbase version of the second-generation BMW X1 crossover that debuted in the U.S. earlier this year as a 2016 model.
This generation of X1 rides on a front-wheel drive platform shared with various Mini models, as well as the 2 Series Active Tourer hatchback sold in Europe.
In addition to a platform, the X1 plug-in hybrid borrows its powertrain from the 225xe variant of that model.
Like the 225xe, the X1 xDrive25Le uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels, while an electric motor drives the rear wheels for a "through-the-road" hybrid all-wheel drive system.
Total system output in the X1 is 221 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque, enough for 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds, according to BMW.
A 10.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides enough capacity for a claimed 60 kilometers (37 miles) of all-electric driving, likely as measured on the Chinese testing cycle.
Top speed is limited to 120 kph (74 mph) on electric power, and drivers can lock in electric mode using the "Max eDrive" setting—one of a number of programmable driving modes available.
BMW also claims the battery pack was placed in such a way as to not interfere with passenger and cargo space.
In the U.S., the X1 is still available with only one powertrain option—a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, a version of the Chinese-market X1 plug-in hybrid's powertrain may be offered here in the next-generation Mini Countryman crossover.
The Countryman will switch to the same platform as the X1 in an upcoming redesign, and Mini has hinted about plans for a plug-in hybrid model.
In the meantime, there are no shortage of other BMW plug-in hybrids available in the U.S., although all are bigger and more expensive than the X1.
BMW currently offers plug-in hybrid versions of the 3 Series and 7 Series sedans, as well as the X5 SUV.
It also offers the low-volume i8 plug-in hybrid coupe, as well as the i3 electric car.
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