The new BMW iX1 will arrive in Ireland in early 2023 and joins a burgeoning line-up of electric BMWs including the BMW i4, iX and iX3.
The launch of the new iX1 coincides with a new generation of the popular BMW X1, which is also available with petrol and diesel engines, as well as next generation BMW plug-in hybrid technology that is capable of up to about 89 kilometres of electric driving alone.
The new iX1 is the brand’s first electric compact SUV and will go on sale priced from €63,995.
So what does the new iX1 have to offer Irish new car buyers? Caroline travelled to Munich with BMW to drive the new iX1 ahead of its official arrival in Ireland.
The new BMW iX1 is expected in Ireland in early 2023Styling
The iX1 looks great with a solid, muscular look that sits well on its compact frame. It looks like a genuine member of BMW’s X range of SUVs, with modern sleek surfacing and trademark BMW design cues like the large, square kidney grille and new LED light clusters front and rear. All versions of the new BMW iX1 and X1 look similar, with the iX1 distinguished by a closed kidney grille and blue trim, which can be deselected to leave just a subtle blue outline to the BMW badge.
Improving efficiency has been a key part of the development of the new iX1 and X1 so features like the air curtains at the front and new flush door handles are designed to help improve aerodynamics. Buyers will be able to choose from xLine and M Sport trim lines across the new iX1 range. xLine models are more ruggedly styled, while M Sport models are the sportiest with a cleaner and more urban look. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 17-inch to 20-inch for the very first time. There’s a range of paint options available including a new ‘frozen’ paint option from BMW Individual.
Interior
The new iX1 and X1 get a new generation BMW interior that looks a lot more modern than the previous generation of the X1. The BMW Curved Display is a stunning new feature that comes from other new BMWs like the i4 and new 3 Series. Two digital screens come together to give a fashionable widescreen effect, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The control display uses the latest BMW Operating System 8 so there are less buttons and the voice control works better than before. Even the ventilation controls are accessed from the screen. Wireless smartphone charging also features.
The interior of the new BMW iX1 xDrive30The quality of the cabin is excellent with lots of plush materials and some more rugged design cues like large grab handles and textured decorative inserts in the doors. There’s also a new floating armrest with storage and a new rocker switch for the gear selection. All together, it’s a stylish and comfortable cabin for the new iX1 and X1.
Practicality
The iX1 is well-designed so it feels roomy inside for a compact SUV. There’s no difference in cabin space between the electric iX1 and petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the X1. In fact, a longer wheelbase in this new generation means it feels a bit roomier inside than the previous X1. In the back there’s plenty of legroom and headroom for adults, and an almost flat floor making it more comfortable for a middle seat passenger. Fuel versions of the X1 have the largest boot at an impressive 540 litres. The iX1 only loses about 50 litres, and the 490-litre boot remains very practical for an electric compact SUV.
Battery
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 uses a 64.7kWh battery, with a projected range of up to 440 kilometres (WLTP) on a single battery charge. There are two electric motors, one on each axle, giving the best performance of the range with a power output of 313hp and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint done in just 5.7 seconds.
The new iX1 will offer a range of up to about 440 kilometres on a single chargeCharging
DC rapid charging is possible up to 127 kW, so you could charge the battery from 10 to 80% in about 29 minutes. An 11kW AC on-board charger is also standard.
On the road
The BMW iX1 feels great from behind the wheel. It’s swift with the full 313hp possible to access in short bursts from a ‘Boost’ paddle on the steering wheel along with some augmented sound to add to the fun and drama of it! It’s a heavy car but the iX1 does a good job of feeling athletic and supple on the road – we wouldn’t expect anything less from BMW. There’s some lean in the corners but matched with superb grip, the iX1 turns out to be quite a natural and engaging drive for a compact electric SUV. The electric powertrain suits it well, offering a quieter and more refined drive than the X1 diesel for example.
Pricing
The new BMW iX1 is available from €63,995. Petrol versions start from about €46,415 for the X1 sDrive20i (170hp) Sport and from about €47,185 for the X1 sDrive18d (150hp) Sport. The X1 xDrive23i (218hp) xLine is available from €56,815 and the X1 xDrive23d (211hp) xLine is available from €54,635. The X1 xDrive25e (245hp) plug-in hybrid will be available from €50,610 and can be driven electric for a range of up to about 89 kilometres alone. There’s also an xDrive30e (326hp) plug-in hybrid available from €55,755. M Sport models are available from €53,465.
Rear seating in the iX1Summary
The new BMW iX1 is one of the most eagerly anticipated new models of 2023. It will be a formidable contender in the market for premium compact SUVs. It scores high for desirability with its handsome styling and sporty handling making it one of the nicest electric SUVs to drive. What’s more, the new generation BMW interior is brimming with technology and is comfortable and spacious for a family SUV.
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions package much of the new X1’s charm but it’s the iX1 that feels like the right car at the right time for the growing market for upmarket electric SUVs.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The new BMW iX1 will be one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars of 2023