What is it?
The iX1 is BMW's smallest electric SUV, sharing the UKL2 platform with the petrol X1 but engineered around a 64.7 kWh battery. Two variants for Australia: the rear drive eDrive20 and the dual motor xDrive30, both running iDrive 9 on a curved display.
The lineup runs from eDrive20 at $86,000 plus on-roads, through to xDrive30 at $94,300 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Genuine BMW premium feel in a compact electric SUV package, 475 km WLTP range on eDrive20, and the xDrive30 delivers a 5.7 second 0 to 100 km/h.
130 kW DC peak is behind newer 200 kW plus rivals like the EX30 and Q4 e-tron. Glovebox and centre console space is compromised by platform packaging.
Should you buy the iX1?
Reasons to buy
- Genuine BMW premium feel in a compact electric SUV package, 475 km WLTP range on eDrive20, and the xDrive30 delivers a 5.7 second 0 to 100 km/h.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km. EV battery: 8 years, 160,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2022), full driver-assist suite.
- 490 L (1,495 L seats down) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- 130 kW DC peak is behind newer 200 kW plus rivals like the EX30 and Q4 e-tron. Glovebox and centre console space is compromised by platform packaging.
- You need faster DC charging than 130 kW (Volvo EX30 and Audi Q4 e-tron charge harder), or you want a sub $60k entry electric SUV.
- Pricing starts at $86,000 plus on-roads, well above mainstream small electric SUVs. Cross shop the Volvo EX30 and Cupra Born if budget is the priority.
- Top trim climbs to $94,300 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the BMW iX1 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
