BMW is to launch its first fully electric small SUV, the iX1, into the Australian market early in 2023, expanding the company’s electrified model portfolio to 12.
BMW says its iX1 xDrive30 will be the company’s first all-wheel-drive electric vehicle introduced to the premium compact crossover segment, and it follows the release of the iX, the iX3, and the i7.
As for specifications, BMW says integrated drive units at both the front and rear axles deliver a combined output of 200kW and 494Nm worth of torque – with a further 30kW available in ‘boost’ power mode.
Aceleration of 0 to 100Â km/h is 5.7 seconds and a 64.7kWh battery laid flat in the floor will deliver a range of between 413- and 438-kilometres (WLTP).
BMW’s fifth generation eDrive technology also ensures highly efficient charging technology and improved charging software that can also be found in the BMW i7.
BMW is also launching the X1 sDrive18i and X1 xDrive20i petrol variants in Australia in the fourth quarter, so the iX1 is an electric version of a fossil fuel car, unlike the iX which is built on a specific electric platform.
The car will also come in two plug-in hybrid and two mild hybrid variants, but it appears these will not be making it to Australia.
The interior of the iX1 is described as spacious and smart, including metal bottom spokes on the steering wheel, wood trim on the dashboard, and chequer board-pattern on the speaker grilles. Taking its cue from the BMW iX, the BMW flagship which launched in Australia last year, a cantilevered arm rest as the centre console is a nice touch.
Currently, any further information on specific equipment, specifications, and pricing are unavailable, as BMW plans to release these later in the year.
