It was a little over 6 months ago that I jumped behind the wheel of the boxy new iX1 xDrive30, BMW’s smallest X and it impressed me with both its style and practicality, well it’s back in eDrive form, making it an ideal entry into the world of premium electric mobility.
In terms of looks, the new iX1 eDrive20 SAV retains its boxy silhouette, which for those of us that like things in an orderly fashion, is a good thing. The kidney grilles have been given a bit more flair and the blue surround has gone, but it’s still easy on the eye and easy to pick out in a crowd.
Behind the scenes, the compact X comes with a high-voltage 64.78 kWh (usable) battery, which not only generates plenty of power for its front axle mounted 150kW/250Nm electric motor, but thanks to BMW’s smart, fifth generation BMW eDrive technology, offers a range of upto 465km.
It’s quick charging too, the Combined Charging Unit of the new BMW iX1 eDrive20 enables AC charging with up to 11 kW as standard, and DC up to 130 kW, meaning that with the latter, you can go from 10 to 80 percent within 29 minutes.
Step inside and it’s anything but entry-level. The finishing is modern and EV minimal, but all with an upmarket BMW bent. The BMW iX1 eDrive20 is equipped with an impressive range of standard features and advanced technology too, modern driver assistance systems, a Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist Camera, and a selection of innovative digital services. But the highlight is the new BMW iDrive with “QuickSelect” and the BMW Operating System 9, which provide a comprehensive and intuitive interface.
Front and centre of the cabin is the new BMW Curved Display, comprising a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display and its shared curved glass surface brings a modern and sleek aesthetic to the cabin.
The redesigned start screen on the latest BMW iDrive generation enhances user experience with its improved menu structure and easy access to functions. Thanks to “QuickSelect,” drivers can access essential features directly without navigating through multiple submenus, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience. But for me, I just got ‘Hey BMW’ to do it all for me.
Off the line, the iX1 claims a 100km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds, alright so this isn’t exactly hot hatch territory, but nor does this compact SAV claim to be. It is, however, fast enough for around the town and has more than ample range and space for those weekends away.
With little to do in my calendar, the compact iX1 spent most of its time doing boring day to day chores with me and in truth, it made for a great companion. Its size was perfect for the small parking bays at the store and its range and efficiency (17.2 – 15.4 kWh/100 km according to WLTP) meant that even with a whole week’s use, I didn’t have to head to the public charger.
It’s nimble in its handling too, with a nice weight to the steering and the parking/reversing aids making our family friend’s driveway a breeze to exit (it’s normally a real pain/worry).
As BMW expands its range in the premium compact segment, the frugally-priced iX1 eDrive20 provides an appealing and economical entry into the world of electric driving. With its powerful electric motor, excellent range, and state-of-the-art features, this compact SAV demonstrates BMW’s continued commitment to sustainable transportation while delivering an enjoyable driving experience.
