TRIED & TESTED
BMW iX1
Want a compact sports activity vehicle with electric drive and loads of kit? This is the One. By John Challen
TRIED & TESTED
BMW iX1
Want a compact sports activity vehicle with electric drive and loads of kit? This is the One. By John Challen
Full disclosure: the iX1 driven here was, we were told by BMW, a prototype. However, poking around both the inside and outside of Munich’s latest EV, we were hard-pushed to find any signs of pre-production-ness. But erring on the side of caution is understandable for a car that, in BMW’s own words, will provide a new platform to build on X1 sales. So while some finer details might be subject to change, the iX1 sampled was effectively the real deal.
The standard X1 has proved a big success for BMW since it was introduced 2009, amassing 119,000 UK sales in that time. For this, the third generation of the model series, the battery powered iX1 is expected to account for two thirds of all X1 orders. Designed to offer an entry point for drivers looking to test the water with electrification, the iX1 does plenty of things right.
Like its bigger sibling, the iX3, the car retains its ‘traditional’ looks inside and out, albeit with subtle blue ‘electric’ touches that help it stand out from its ICE counterpart. It’s not revolutionary, like the iX3, preferring to stick with a conventional EV offering, which will no doubt be appreciated by a lot of more conservative (or EV-reluctant) drivers.
Evolutionary, then, which means more standard spec, increased interior space – it’s longer and higher than the outgoing model – and an infotainment makeover. BMW has introduced a two-screen setup (both of which measure more than 10-inches) that creates a curved display framed by solid trim pieces.
The iX1 employs BMW’s Operating System 8, which links up the aforementioned screens, voice control, head-up display (offered in the Technology Plus pack) and multifunction steering wheel buttons. While it sounds like a lot of tech in one place, it’s pretty straightforward to use, with sensible menus and good responsiveness to the inputs, regardless of whether they are by touch or voice. The centre console takes some inspiration from the iX, with a ‘floating’ space dividing the front passengers, with a set of useful control for infotainment and drive functions.
There’s one option for the iX1 – the xDrive30 – with two grades: xLine and M Sport. It is powered by a one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. There’s 313hp available and 494Nm of torque, which enables the SAV EV to hit 62mph from a standstill in 5.6 seconds. Driver more sedately, however and a theoretical range of 270 miles can be covered. The car’s 64.7kWh battery ensuring that big distances can completed on a single charge, further helping the iX1’s cause as a credible alternative to its ICE sister-product.
Talking of charging, single- and three-phase AC charging is available up to 22kW, which allows the battery to be fully replenished from empty in as little as three hours and 45 minutes. Hook up to a DC fast-charger (at up to 130kW) and the battery gets boosted from 10 to 80% in just under half an hour. In other words, ten minutes charging will provide an extra 75 miles of range.
One clever and intuitive feature that we were impressed by was the adaptive energy recuperation while on the move. Using data from the satellite navigation system and driver assistance systems to calculate the optimum levels of reservation and decelerates accordingly. For something that could be setup to be intrusive, it’s a subtle and effective feature that adds keeps that all-important range topped up.
Elsewhere on the road, the iX1 is, as expected, great to drive – BMW ensures that even with an electric powertrain, the driver is at the heart of everything. The steering is direct and nicely weighted, there’s plenty of power available and a wide selection of ‘engine’ notes to choose from, should you feel inclined.
Which model is right for you?
BMW has kept things relatively simple from launch, with one variant – the xDrive30 and two different trim levels: xLine and M Sport. The standard X1 also offers a Sport level, which means that xLine is already very well equipped. For example, there’s that curved display, park assist, heated front seats and aluminium trim. For the M Sport it’s a price walk of just under £3,000, but for that, there’s a lot more added in. For example, M Sport iX1s come with: bigger (19-inch) wheels; wireless charging; adaptive headlights and Alcantara upholstery. Performance-wise, adaptive M Sport suspension is also included.
xLine
M Sport
EXPERIENCE
BMW iX1
VERDICT
In many ways, the iX1 is everything you would expect from a BMW. It drives well, the quality levels are high and the tech and infotainment options are both clever and plentiful. The only difference between it and any other X1 – itself a very capable vehicle – is the switch from ICE to EV power.
Like the iX3, replacing a conventional engine with an electric motor and battery combo is well executed. The fact that it is in a package that is only subtly different to the standard car will be – to many people – exactly what they would like as they transition to the electric side.
