BMW

iX1

The BMW iX1 is a fully electrified SUV that is very much based on the all-new X1 model. It’s dynamically styled with performance to match and boosts a very decent driving range too.

Test Drive

BMW iX1 xDrive30 Prototype – First Drive (2022)

Manufacturers have all sorts of weird and wonderful naming structures so BMW’s iX1 xDrive may need a little explaining.

For example, the ‘i’ prefix means the vehicle is electrified, the ‘X’ simply means it’s an SUV, the ‘1’ refers to the general size of the car and, finally xDrive means it has all-wheel drive. So, the iX1 xDrive is BMW’s smallest fully-electric 4×4 SUV. Simple.

It’s all-new and based on the latest third-generation X1 with very similar looks and almost the same impressive level of practicality. The iX1 has a driving range between charges of 259-270 miles and the electric motors on the front and rear axles result in the all-wheel drive capabilities.

Although we were testing a prototype, customers will be offered two trim levels called xLine and M Sport, both of which cost in excess of £50k and that is before you factor in any options. Pricey yes, but on a par with alternative rivals from the premium sector.

You have to look quite closely to differentiate the iX1 from its sibling, the X1, but the differences are there to be discovered. For example, on the test car the huge kidney grille now associated with BMW, is closed off as there is no engine to be cooled. There are a few ‘i’ badges along with blue trimmings offering more subtle hints to it being an EV. But otherwise it boasts the same muscular and powerful stance as the X1, along with flush door handles, a long roofline, narrow LED light clusters and a choice of 18 or 19-inch wheels depending on trim level.

The interior is quality through and through with the very finest upholstery and the car features BMW’s latest Operating 8 infotainment set-up that sees a 10.25-inch touchscreen merging with a 10.7-inch driver display screen behind a continuous glass panel that’s curved slightly towards the driver.

Creature comforts and on-board tech is plentiful with powered and heated seats, a pitch perfect sound system, full smartphone integration and an intuitive cloud-based navigation set-up that can plot routes with charge points along the way if the range is not sufficient to complete the journey.

There is also a clever personal assistant to quickly make changes on the fly. This can help with making calls, changing the temperature, finding a radio station and plenty more besides. The traditional BMW rotary controller is no longer a fixture.

Our left hand drive prototype car was powered by a 64.7kWh high-voltage battery that is practically positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody so there is no compromise on passenger space. There is an electric motor on both axles and the combined drive units deliver an output of 313hp (including a temporary boost feature) along with 494Nm of torque.

This ‘Boost’ option gives the car extra firepower for 10 seconds and that results in some interesting performance figures with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and maximum speed of 112mph. There is instant acceleration out the starting blocks and this car is deceptively agile and well balanced when pushed on through long sweeping bends.

There is a constant stream of power on tap to make light work of overtaking and the steering is perfectly weighted with plenty of feedback. The ride can feel a little firm at times and if you hit a pothole, it will send quite a shudder through the car, but otherwise the cabin is nicely refined with occupants well protected from outside noise such as tyre rumble.

The all-round driver visibility is good and there’s plenty of space inside the iX1. The boot is 50 litres smaller than that of the ICE model despite the battery pack being tucked away beneath the floor. But there is room to hold 490 litres of kit. In addition, there are numerous storage options throughout the cabin, such as a cubby beneath the armrest with added space below, a practically-sized glovebox, door pockets with room for a water bottle, seat back nets and cup holders both front and back.

There is also a wealth of top quality safety systems and driver assistance aids to help protect occupants and other road users alike.

All in all, the iX1 brings EV technology to the popular X1 line-up, which until now consisted of two petrol, two diesel and two plug-in hybrid versions. This completes a very tempting and attractive set.