New BMW iX1 arrives as brand's new small electric crossover

By Sam Phillips

31 May 2022

This is the new BMW iX1 electric crossover, which forms the entry-level model in the German firm's ever-growing line-up of electric vehicles.

The new machine is based on the third-generation X1, marking the first time BMW's smallest crossover has gained a full electric version. It follows the i4, iX3 and i7 in BMW's line-up of EV versions of combustion-engined cars. It also effectively replaces the i3 hatch as BMW's entry-level EV.

Officially named the BMW iX1 xDrive30, the machine will rival the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Mercedes EQA and will be available in the UK in November of this year.

BMW has equipped the new iX1 with a 64.7kWh usable battery which sits in the car’s floor.

Unlike the Audi Q4 e-tron, the iX1 does not use a bespoke electric platform, instead using BMW multi-powertrain FAAR architecture which underpins the 1 Series hatch and 2 Series Active Tourer MPV.

The iX1's 64.7kWh battery delivers a claimed range of between 257 and 272 miles of range. BMW says the car can be charged at a rate of up to 130kW, allowing for a 10-80% boost in just 29 minutes. Home charging takes longer using a 11kW wallbox device, which should replenish the battery in around six-and-a-half hours.

With a dual motor layout, the BMW iX1 has a power output of 230kW (308bhp), with the crossover able to complete the 0-62mph sprint in a commendable 5.7 seconds. Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on the iX1.

On the outside…
At 4500mm long, 1845mm wide and 1642mm tall, the new iX1 is 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than its preceding predecessor, allowing for greater room in the cabin. Boot capacity is also up by 35 litres to 540 litres.

At the front the iX1 features another new interpretation of BMW's famous kidney grille – although it is smaller than the designs seen on the i7 and iX. Newly designed, slim LED headlights flank the grille.

BMW has finished elements of the car in its distinctive BMW i Blue colour to “flag up the presence of sustainable drive technology.”

More blue accents can be found along the side of the iX1, with the rear bumper also featuring the colour that has become a staple of the i sub-brand.

Compared to the second-generation X1, the new electric variant is more boldly styled with the rear featuring an extended rear spoiler and L-shaped LED tail lights.

On the inside…
The iX1 gets the firm’s eighth generation iDrive system which is operated through a 10.7 inch curved touchscreen display and 10.25 digital instrument cluster. The screens are merged to form one large display that is integrated into the dashboard.

BMW says that the interior of the iX1 has a digital focus “that adopts the style of the BMW iX”. The German car brand also claims to have developed new raised seats to enhance long distance comfort. Standard and sports seats also gain greater functionality.

Like the BMW iX, the new crossover gets the same armrest which feeds into the centre console where functions like the start/stop button and driving functions are found.

Any innovative tech?
The iX1 gains the same intelligent route planner that was added to the BMW i7. The route planner calculates the best ‘charging-optimised’ route if the range of the vehicle is not great enough to reach the destination.

BMW’s navigation system can also give information on charging points along the route, with the system able to calculate the estimated charge level when you arrive at your destination and how you should charge in order to continue your journey.

A 'Welcome Scenario' has also been added to the iX1. When the driver is approaching the car the welcome sequence begins with an orchestrated lighting effect using the exterior and interior lights, including the light carpet entrance area.

When the driver is 1.5 metres away from the iX1 the car unlocks and once inside, the curved display plays a personalised start-up animation.

The iX1 along with the new petrol, diesel and plug-in X1 models, will be built at BMW’s factory in Regensburg, Germany. BMW has not yet revealed the price of its all-electric crossover but with prices for the petrol-powered X1 start from £35,130, and we'd expect the iX1 to cost more than that.