New BMW iX1: a compact yet rugged electric SUV

BMW takes advantage of the X1 renewal to launch an entirely electric version of the model: the iX1 xDrive30.

Stylistically, the newcomer doesn’t hold many surprises. With its ‘kidney’ grille, it will be immediately recognized as a BMW. The silhouette remains quite similar to that of the previous X1. The spoiler, the slightly inclined tailgate, and the sharply shaped lights energize the German ‘small’ SUV, which still measures 4.5 meters in length. The scattered touches of blue distinguish the electric version from the rest of the lineup.

Inside, the Bavarian manufacturer has adopted what it calls the BMW Curved Display, namely a unified panel combining digital instrumentation and the central screen under one glass. The BMW iDrive infotainment system can respond to voice commands thanks to the voice control system. A smartphone storage compartment with special lighting has been added to the center console. The iX1 also features a cabin camera capable of taking photos of occupants, which can then be sent to a smartphone. The rear bench is tiltable and foldable in 3 sections.

Over 400 km of range

The electric motorization of the BMW iX1 xDrive30, consisting of two motors (one on each axle), delivers up to 313 hp and 494 Nm of torque. Power is distributed between all four wheels. The 64.7 kWh battery guarantees a theoretical range between 413 and 438 km. Electricity consumption varies between 17.3 and 18.4 kWh / 100 km.

The BMW iX1 comes standard with an onboard charger of 11 kW, but BMW offers a 22 kW charger as an option. With this, AC charging takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. DC fast charging can handle up to 130 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes.

In terms of performance, BMW claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 180 km/h.

Two plug-in hybrid versions also in the program

The range of powertrain options for the new BMW X1 also includes two plug-in hybrid options (xDrive25e and xDrive30e). Both feature a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine powers the front wheels, while the electric motor drives the rear wheels. The combined output is 245 hp for the xDrive25e and 326 hp for the xDrive30e.

The 14.2 kWh battery allows a range of 78 to 89 km in electric mode with a full charge (manufacturer’s figures). The onboard charger capacity is increased to 7.4 kW (versus 3.7 kW in the previous generation of X1).

The electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the new BMW X1 will go on sale starting November 2022. For now, BMW has not announced prices yet.

Read also: BMW i7: the new Series 7 goes electric