BMW iX1 Review: The Ultimate Driving EV Crossover
The BMW iX1 is a fully electric SUV that follows a pattern familiar from other electrified models in the German car maker’s range. It’s based on the petrol-powered BMW X1, uses the same underpinnings and shares many of its styling cues.
iX1 gets BMW’s fifth-gen eDrive technology, which means one motor on the front axle and one on the rear for four-wheel drive, a combined maximum output of 313bhp and a robust 364 lb ft. of torque. Powering the iX1 is a 64.7kWh battery mounted under the floor that provides up to 270 miles of range on a single charge. The iX1 M Sport has a slightly lower maximum range of 267 miles. The iX1 in both the standard and M Sportvariants sprint from 0-62 mph in just over six seconds.
A feature that buyers of the X1 will appreciate is its fast charging capability. The iX can be recharged at speeds of up to 130kW, meaning a recharge from 10 to 80% takes just 30 minutes.
What drive modes are available in BMW iX1?
This may just be a crossover, but BMW has given iX1 six different drive modes to adapt it to your driving style. The default modes are – Personal, Sport and Efficient. The additional modes, called ‘My Modes’, are new, and designed specifically for BMW EVs. This includes whatt BMW calls ‘Expressive’, ‘Relax’ and ‘Digital Art’. Right.
These modes display unique graphics on the driver and infotainment displays and change the ‘engine sound’ to different characters created by two-time Academy Award-winning film score composer, Hans Zimmer.
Is the BMW iX1 a good car?
Our impressions of the iX1 were very positive overall. This compact SUV has very good fit and finish, although we found the sounds of the front and rear doors closing quite jarring. Hopefully this is just an issue with the pre-release model we reviewed.
The iX1’s its packed with technology, featuring a large display for driver controls and an infotainment system with integrated climate controls. Interior materials throughout were very high quality The iX1’s seats (in the model we reviewed) were made of recycled suede-like material with blue stitching. We found the seats to be very comfortable and supportive. Above all, we were impressed by the iX1’s seating position for drivers, with a range of seating adjustments. The iX1 feels more BMW 330i than it does an SUV. In my opinion, that’s a good thing.
Given the iX1’s dimensions, high quality fit and finish, generous cargo and seating capacity, and its electrified powertrain, we think it will get quite a lot of interest, and be highly competitive against other crossovers in its segment, EV and non-EV alike.
What are the dimensions of iX1
In a world of ever-increasing SUV sizes, we liked that BMW avoided a similar trend with iX1. It is unmistakably a compact SUV. iX1 will appeal to car buyers who are looking for a vehicle that offers the flexibility to carry passengers and various types of cargo, while also being maneuverable. The relatively low center of gravity will contribute to very good driving dynamics whether in urban areas or on the open road.
BMW iX1 Specifications
Length: 4,500 mm (177.2 in.)
Width: 1,845 mm (72.6 in.)
Height: 1,616 mm (63.6 in.) in height.
Wheelbase: 2,692 mm (106.0 in.) wheelbase and a
Ground clearance: 170 mm (6.7 in.)
Interior volume: 490-1,495 liters (17.3-52.8 cu. ft.) of luggage space (topelectricsuv.com).
Powertrain
Power consumption: 3.4-3.7 kWh/100 km (combined, WLTP)
Electric range: 259-270 miles
Will BMW iX1 be available in the US?
BMW iX1 will not be available in the US. Its availability is limited to Europe, UK, China and Japan. According to BMW, the company only plans to offer the ICE-powered X1 in the US.
When will BMW iX1 be available?
iX1 went on sale in March 2023.
How much does BMW iX1 cost?
The cost of the iX1 depends on where you live. In the UK, iX1 starts £53,295.
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