With the iX1, BMW is offering a compact electric car for the first time, taking advantage of the third generation of the model which has made it more accessible to enter the world of the brand’s high wheels and entrusting this version with the same task in that of the full variants. -electric. The trend opened by the iX1 SUV will soon be extended by a similar proposal in the new generation of the X2 and, later in time, also by that of the upcoming 1 series in full compliance with the strategy which provides for the presence of an electric version in every new BMW family. The trend was started by the current generations of the 4 Series Gran Coupé and the 7 Series which, at their debut, immediately placed the i4 and i7 electric versions next to the traditional and hybrid, light and draft combustion models also present in the X1 family. . In a few months this strategy will be reinforced by the new generation of the 5 series with the i5, which will also be offered in a station wagon version. Ultimately, the “i” electron category brand will quickly extend its range of action.
The iX1 30 xDrive was born on the same production line as the other versions, since the powertrain and its electrical network are harmoniously integrated into the architecture of the third generation of the Bavarian compact SUV. The iX1 is placed in this family without attracting attention, because aesthetically only a few details surrounded by blue profiles allow it to be distinguished from the other versions to which it is united both by size and by trim levels: base, X-Line and MSport. Instead, the price list starts from specific prices ranging from 58,400 to 62,350 euros, inevitably following both the full-electric nature of this version and the fact that it is the most powerful X1 of all.
In fact, under the guise of the iX1 there is a powertrain with a power that temporarily goes from 272 up to 313 HP by exploiting the boost function, which is activated with a paddle to the left of the steering wheel, and a torque of 494 Nm made up of two units electrics that also form the electric all-wheel drive, powered by a 64.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. The accumulator promises an average range of 414 kilometers and 440 kilometers in the urban cycle, communicates both with direct current systems up to 130 kW with which refueling from 10 to 80% is carried out in less than half an hour and with those in alternating current of 11 kW, but on request it is possible to have an on-board charger for those of 22 kW. As far as consumption is concerned, BMW declares values ranging from 16.8 to 19 kWh/100 km.
Behind the wheel of the 30 xDrive M Sport, beyond the silence that reigns in the passenger compartment, there is the same reliable and breezy dynamism of the other X1s, thanks also to the adaptive suspensions that are standard for this trim level. In fact, the iX1 is always easy to handle, composed and comfortable, at least until the Sport configuration is used, with which the absorption of road bumps is not always gradual. Obviously, this mode, together with the Personal and Efficient modes, also modulates the performance of the powertrain which, in any case, is basically always ready and responsive. The configurations are activated through the MyModes system which will soon also be integrated by the soundscapes born from the collaboration with the two-time Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The settings also modify the ambient lights in the passenger compartment and the graphics of the displays to create atmospheres in tune with the temperament with which the car is expressing itself, but which reduce practicality because they hide what is present on the infotainment home page.
BMW iX1 30 xDrive MSport
What is that̀: it is the first electric BMW compact size SUV
Dimensions: length 4.50 meters, width 1.85, height 1.64, wheelbase 2.69 meters
Rivals: Audi Q4 e-tron, Lexus Ux 300e, Mercedes EQA, Volkswagen Id.4, Volvo XC40 Recharge
Engines: The 30 xDrive is at the top of the X1 range, in which the only non-electrified versions are the front-wheel drive sDrive 18i and sDrive 18d powered, respectively, by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol with 136 HP and by the turbodiesel of 2 liters with 150 HP. The lineup of 48V mild-hybrid variants is made up of the sDrive 20i equipped with the three-cylinder unit with 170 HP, the 23i with the 2-litre petrol unit with 218 HP, the 20d and 23d with the xDrive all-wheel drive powered by turbodiesels with 163 hp and 211 hp. The plug-in offer rests on powertrains with 245 and 326 HP that push the 25e and 30e with all-wheel drive, respectively. All these X1s offer a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as standard.
Full speed: 180 km/h (limited)
Acceleration 0-100: 5”6
Boot capacity: between 490 and 1,495 litres
Please: Driveability, efficiency, internal width
Defects: Ergonomics of some switches, Adas to integrate
Production: Regensburg (Germany)
Prices: starting from 58,400 euros
