1️⃣ First Generation (E84) – 2009 to 2015
Platform: Based on the BMW 3 Series (E90)
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (sDrive) & all-wheel drive (xDrive)
Engines: 4-cylinder & 6-cylinder petrol/diesel options
Transmission: 6-speed manual & 6/8-speed automatic
Notable Features:
More compact, sporty SUV with a rear-wheel-drive base
Available with a powerful xDrive35i (3.0L inline-6 turbo)
One of the last BMW SUVs with hydraulic steering in some models
2️⃣ Second Generation (F48) – 2015 to 2022
Platform: UKL2 (shared with MINI and 2 Series Active Tourer)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (sDrive) & all-wheel drive (xDrive)
Engines: 3-cylinder & 4-cylinder petrol/diesel, plug-in hybrid (xDrive25e)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT, 8-speed automatic
Notable Features:
Switched to a front-wheel-drive-based platform
More spacious interior due to transverse engine layout
2019 Facelift (LCI) added updated LED lights, larger grille, new tech
3️⃣ Third Generation (U11) – 2022 to Present
Platform: FAAR (Front-wheel drive-based, latest BMW modular platform)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (sDrive) & all-wheel drive (xDrive)
Engines:
Petrol: sDrive18i, xDrive23i, xDrive28i (varies by region)
Diesel: sDrive18d, xDrive20d, xDrive23d
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): xDrive25e, xDrive30e
Fully electric (iX1): iX1 xDrive30
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT), 8-speed automatic
Notable Features:
Modern BMW design with curved infotainment display
iDrive 8 with touchscreen and voice control
iX1 – first fully electric X1 model
More advanced driver-assist and safety features