BMW has detailed pricing and specs for its new entry electric vehicle, based on the next-generation X1 small SUV.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 will cost $82,900 before on-road costs when it hits Australia in the first quarter of 2023 – in either xLine and M Sport trim levels.
It will line up against competitors including the Tesla Model Y ($72,300 to $96,700), Mercedes-Benz EQA ($78,500 to $96,900), and Volvo XC40 Recharge ($72,990 to $79,490).
Stylistically the iX1 stands apart from the regular X1 petrol range with its distinctive take on the now-unnecessary kidney grille, and bright blue highlights on the bumpers and side skirts.
Pricing
Petrol X1 range
- BMW X1 sDrive18i: $53,900
- BMW X1 xDrive20i: $65,900
Electric iX1 range
- BMW iX1 xLine: $82,900
- BMW iX1 M Sport: $82,900
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Drivetrains
The iX1 xDrive30 has dual-motor electric all-wheel drive, with combined maximum power and torque outputs across the two axles of 230kW and 494Nm respectively.
The zero to 100km/h time is a claimed 5.6 seconds, and there is a distinctive electric soundtrack function called BMW IconicSounds Electric – created by the legendary Hans Zimmer.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive system places charging hardware and the 65kWh capacity battery flat in the floorpan.
The cobalt and lithium materials used in the high-voltage battery of the new BMW iX1 are “sourced from responsible mining” and the powertrain lacks any type of rare earths.
Efficiency and charging
BMW claims a driving range of up to 440km on the WLTP cycle, based on energy consumption of 16.8 to 19.0 kWh per 100km depending on the driving style.
Its 22kW AC onboard charging capability means single- or three-phase AC chargers will work, while the DC charge ceiling is 130kW.
When charging at this rate, the battery can be taken from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in a claimed 29 minutes.
BMW provides a three-year free subscription to the growing Chargefox public charger network.
The My BMW App lets you schedule and start charging, monitor the state of charge, activate climate control remotely etc.
Dimensions and chassis
The X1 range is 53mm longer than its predecessor at 4500mm. Its width of 1845mm has increased 24mm, its height of 1642mm by 44mm, and its wheelbase at 2692mm by 22mm.
It is the first compact BMW-badged model on its front- or all-wheel drive architecture to get an all-electric powertrain.
Boot space is listed as 490 litres, 10 litres lower than that of the much bigger BMW iX. By contrast the petrol-powered BMW X1 models have 540L storage capacities.
BMW claims placement of the battery units gives a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution for “high levels of handling agility”.
MORE ON THAT: 2023 BMW iX1 review – European drive
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Servicing and Warranty
The BMW X1 has an underwhelming three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
BMW has yet to announce service package pricing.
Safety
The regular petrol BMW X1 range has a 2022 five-star Euro NCAP rating, but the iX1 derivative is unrated. Safety features include:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Surround-view camera
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Reversing Assistant
- Drive Recorder
Standard Equipment
The two spec grades are defined by design elements, including different 19-inch wheels.
The xLine also has aluminium-finish roof rails and window sills, pearl chrome finish for the kidney ‘grille’, and glacier silver finish for the side mirror covers.
The M Sport model tones down the shiny silver bits and adds larger cooling air inlets at the front, and a more striking diffuser at the rear.
Those features in bold are what comes over and above the BMW X1 xDrive20i model.
Outside
- Metallic paintwork
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Power tailgate
- Keyless access and Digital Key
- Roof rails
Inside
- Sport seats with lumbar support
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Perforated Sensatec seats, dash panel
- Front seat heating and massage functions
- Dual-zone climate control
- Anthracite M headliner
Tech
- Harman Kardon surround sound
- BMW Curved Display
- 10.7-inch touchscreen
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- BMW Operating System 8
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality
- Digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Four USB-C ports
- Head-up display
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Connected Package Professional
- Remote OTA software updates
Options
Wheels
- 19-inch light alloy wheels, V-spoke style 867 Bicolour – standard on xLine
- 19-inch light alloy wheels, Double-spoke style 871 M Bicolour – standard on M Sport
- 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels, Multispoke style 869 – $2000
Upholstery
- Sensatec in Black, Oyster or Mocha – all no-cost options
- Alcantara and Sensatec combination, contrast stitching in blue – M Sport only
Interior trims
- Eucalyptus open-pored or aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ – no-cost options
- Aluminium Hexacube dark – M Sport only
Colours
No-cost options
- Alpine White
- Mineral White
- Black Sapphire
- Space Silver
- M Portimao Blue
- Cape York Green
- Phytonic Blue*
- Sanremo Green*
- Utah Orange*
*xLine grade only
Cost option
- BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey: $3200
MORE: Everything BMW iX1