BMW is adding the all-electric iX1 xDrive30 to its lineup with the same starting price for two grade levels: a comparatively affordable (at least for the brand) $82,900.
The xLine and M Sport grades for the iX1 – one with a focus on elegant design and the other aimed at “dynamic driving pleasure” – feature the same technical specifications.
A 65kWh net capacity battery offers driving range (WLTP) of up to 440km, while front and rear motors delivers maximum power output of 230kW and 494Nm torque.
This means from a standing start to 100km/hr, the iX1 can do the sprint in a respectable 5.6 seconds.
Perhaps importantly, BMW underlines that the iX1 is the only EV in the premium SUV segment that has 22kW charging capacity on an AC charger.
To find out why that’s important, read about Tiffany Overton’s groundbreaking trip around Australia in a premium EV that could only charge at a top rate of 7kW.
On a DC fast-charger, it can charge at a top rate of 130kW. This allows it – on ultra-rapid chargers – to charge from 10-80% in a little less than 30 minutes.
iX1 electric SUV dimensions and design
Size-wise, the iX1 echoes that of its new X1 sDrive18i and xDrive20i internal combustion engine (ICE) stablemates which are to follow in November. At 4,500mm long with a 2,692mm wheelbase, it is 53mm longer than previous generations. It is also slightly wider (1,845mm) by 24mm and taller by 44mm and now sits at 1,624mm in height.
Both have the same distinctive slimline LED headlights, and a commanding stance thanks to angular sculpted wheel arches. There is of course also that ever-present kidney grille.
Other than that, the iX1 xDrive30 is not only a step up in terms of drivetrain, but it also has several features not available on its ICE equivalents.
The xLine gets metallic paintwork, a panoramic sunroof, active sports seats with lumbar support and massage function, a tyre pressure monitoring system, adaptive M suspension and premium harmon/kardon sound system.
It is also distinguished by satin finishes on roof rails and windows. The grille is decked out in a pearl chrome finish, and there are silver mirror covers.
The M Sport instead shows off its dynamic driving kudos with large cooling air inlets and a big rear diffuser.
iX1 electric SUV comfort and connectivity
BMW highlights the following features: a curved display with high resolution 10.7-inch control display and 10.25-inch instrument cluster, BMW’s new generation software interface, a new rocker switch style gear selector.
Driver and passengers can enjoy newly developed seats with increased comfort, support, and perforated upholstery styles, as well as BMW’s new generation software interface, a new rocker switch style gear selector.
A floating armrest with an integrated control panel, wireless smartphone charging in a portrait-style cradle, a revised sports steering wheel, and a touchscreen climate control interface are all included.
iX1 electric SUV safety features
The number of features for assisting drivers is extensive. Some prominent ones are adaptive led headlights, the BMW intelligent personal assistant, BMW live cockpit professional, BMW head-up display, the navigation system with augmented reality view, and the driving assistant plus with active cruise control that incorporates stop&go capabilities.
Also, the BMW electric xdrive all-wheel-drive system and driving assistant professional with steering and lane control assistant are also available on the iX1 xXrive30.
There is also a parking assistant that includes a reversing camera, drive recorder, mirror package with anti-dazzle and auto-dipping functions, and parking assistant plus with surround view cameras.
2023 BMW iX1 at a glance
| Power unit | Twin motor electric |
| Drive | All wheel (xDrive) |
| Power (kW) | 230 |
| Torque (Nm) | 494 |
| HV battery (kWh) | 65 |
| 0-100km/h (sec) | 5.6 |
| Consumption (kWh/100km) | 19.0-16.8 |
| EV range (WLTP) | Up to 440km |
| Price (xLine and M Sport) | $82,900* |
2023 BMW iX1 specifications
| iX1 xLine additions | Charging features |
| Metallic paintwork | 22kW AC onboard charging capability |
| Panorama Glass Sunroof | 130kW DC onboard charging capability |
| BMW IconicSounds Electric | Flexible Fast Charge Cable (Mode 2) |
| Active Sport Seats featuring lumbar support and massage function | Public Charging Cable (Mode 3) |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | 3-year complimentary Chargefox Subscription |
| Adaptive M Suspension | Â |
| harmon/kardon Surround Sound System | Â |
| Standard X1 additions | Exterior finishes |
| Sensatec upholstery (new generation, perforated) | A wide array of paint finishes is available for the iX1 as per the below: |
| Seat heating, front | Non-metallic (no cost option) |
| DAB Digital Radio Navigation system with augmented reality technology |
Alpine White |
| Reversing camera | Metallic (all no cost options) |
| Sport leather steering wheel | Mineral White |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | Black Sapphire |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Space Silver |
| Wireless phone charging | Phytonic Blue^ |
| xLine styling inc. roof rails | M Portimao Blue |
| Two-zone automatic climate control | Sanremo Green^ |
| Adaptive LED headlights | Cape York Green |
| Automatic tailgate | Utah Orange^ |
| BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant | BMW Individual |
| BMW Live Cockpit Professional | BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic: $3200 |
| Comfort Access and Digital Key | ^Not available with M Sport |
| Connected Package Professional | Alloy wheels |
| BMW Head-Up Display | 19″ light alloy wheels V-spoke style 867 Bicolour (standard on xLine) |
| Instrument panel in Sensatec | 19″ light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 871 M Bicolour (standard on M Sport) |
| M headliner in Anthracite | 20″ BMW Individual light alloy wheels Multispoke style 869: $2,000 |
| Mirror package inc. anti-dazzle function | Upholstery |
| Remote Software Updates | Sensatec, Black (No cost option) |
| Driving Assistant Professional inc. Steering and Lane Control System, Active Cruise Control inc. | Sensatec, Oyster (No cost option) |
| Stop&Go and Blind Spot Monitor | Sensatec, Mocha (No cost option) |
| Parking Assistant Plus with Surround view camera, Reversing Assistant and Drive Recorder | Alcantara/Sensatec combination, Black contrast stitching in blue (M Sport only) |
| BMW electric xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system | Interior trims |
| Fine wood trim Eucalyptus open-pored (No cost option) | |
| Interior trim finishers Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ (No cost option) | |
| Interior trim finishers Aluminium Hexacube dark (M Sport only) |
The iX1 xDrive30 is slated for a market launch in the first quarter of 2023.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.