BMW iX1 Electric SUV: First Drive Review

The BMW iX1 is all about making the shift to electric feel as natural as possible, even if the price premium to go emission-free is anything but that!

The BMW iX1 is the electric version of BMW’s X1 premium compact SUV. It comes equipped with a 66.4kWh battery that delivers a claimed (WLTP - Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range of 417-440km. Unlike the BMW X1 (versions sold in India), the iX1 comes with all-wheel drive as standard. 

The closest alternatives to the BMW iX1 include the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Volvo C40 Recharge, Kia EV6 and Mercedes-Benz EQB.

Looks

Drop the green number plate and most people would find it hard to tell the BMW iX1 apart from the BMW X1. Save for the closed front grille, the iX1 looks like its petrol-powered counterpart. That being said, the BMW iX1 does look sporty and its muscular body panels make it grab attention. The 18-inch M Sport wheels also add to the iX1’s athletic stance and this SUV manages to make a statement with a design that isn’t over-the-top or unusual.

Interior

Quality, quality and some more quality! BMW’s attention to detail in the iX1’s cabin is commendable and every touch point in the cabin looks and feels special. The smart use of leatherette padding and metallic finishes throughout the cabin make the iX1’s interior feel as well built as a more expensive luxury car, if not better. That said, here too the experience is identical to the BMW X1 itself and this step-up in quality and the sense of richness in the cabin is becoming a standard with new-generation BMWs.

The cockpit has also been designed thoughtfully, with the placement of the cupholders, upright wireless phone charger and under-armrest storage tray being things that will make your long term ownership experience more convenient. Front passengers also benefit from the inclusion of very supportive seats with extendable seat bases for improved underthigh support. 

As for cabin space, the iX1 is spacious enough to seat 4 passengers comfortably. Type-C charge ports are available in both seat rows and rear passengers also get AC vents. However, there are two misses vs the BMW X1. First, the underthigh support is average. Even a user who is 5.7ft tall will want better underthigh support as their knees will feel slightly raised even when stretched out. The iX1 also doesn’t get slide-adjustable rear seats like the X1, with both misses being a consequence of the battery pack.

Features include: 

• Dual-zone climate control

• 10.7 inch touchscreen with support for wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

• 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster

• 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

• Powered front seat with driver memory (seat and mirrors) 

• Massaged front seats

• Panoramic sunroof. 

The cabin layout is straightforward and operating the controls is very easy. However, the AC controls are on the touchscreen and they don’t feel as natural to use as buttons would have, while driving. The AC performance could’ve been stronger too and you may find yourself reaching for high blower speeds to compensate. 

Other Features

Boot Space

On paper, the boot space stands at an impressive 490 litres. However, the space saver spare tyre takes up a lot of the cargo space. In the petrol/diesel X1 sDrive, there is a storage area under the boot floor that takes care of this issue. You can either fit 2-3 small bags around the spare wheel or remove it entirely to fit large suitcases.

Safety

Aside from safety features such as 6 airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera, the iX1 also gets auto-emergency braking, collision warning and lane assist. Considering the price point, skipping features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-view monitoring and a surround view camera (available internationally with the iX1) is a letdown. The BMW X1 has scored 5/5 stars for crash safety from Euro NCAP and has validated the same results for the BMW iX1 as well.

Performance

The iX1 offers 313PS and 494Nm, delivered via a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. It’s a very pleasant car to drive, offering great noise insulation and smooth power delivery. Driving through traffic is a breeze and you can use the B-mode to switch to single-pedal driving. It’s also a quick car and gets up to highway speeds effortlessly even with a full passenger load.

Interestingly, there is a single paddle on the steering wheel but it isn’t there to adjust brake energy regeneration levels as those are selected from the touchscreen. Instead, this is a Boost mode. When tapped, it provides approximately 40PS of added power for a period of 10 seconds, though, given how quick the iX1 is in just about any drive mode, the boost function is a nice novelty and not a need in the slightest.

Maneuvering or parking the iX1 is easy as the steering is light and the compact proportions make it a breeze to live with even in heavy traffic conditions. The iX1’s 66.4kWh battery delivers a rated range of 417-440km (WLTP) but 320-350km would be more realistic in real-world Indian driving conditions.

Charge Times

Ride & Handling

The challenge with the BMW iX1 is weight. At 2085kg (unladen), it’s over 400kg heavier than a BMW X1 petrol or diesel. As a result it doesn’t feel as engaging to drive as a standard X1 and you can feel its weight in corners. The ride is comfortable at low speeds and it tackles minor bumps and small potholes with ease. Sharper bumps will be felt in the cabin and you may have to go a little extra slow over the occasional missized speed breaker, especially if you have passengers on board.

Uneven patches of road at highway speeds will make you feel the weight of the car again, as it takes a little longer to settle but even on bumpy concrete highways, the iX1 feels planted. To that end, BMW has delivered a well-balanced ride and handling package wherein any compromises because of the heavy battery pack are apparent only in select circumstances.

Verdict

The BMW iX1 says a lot in its name. It takes the X1 and simply turns it into an electric car, so most of the experience is identical. However, the iX1 is imported into India, resulting in an eye-watering price of Rs 66.90 lakh (ex-showroom), nearly Rs 15 lakh more than the most expensive BMW X1. Granted, the electric powertrain adds AWD and a quicker drive experience, but the cabin, boot and handling are slightly compromised in comparison too.

As for electric alternatives, the Volvo XC40 Recharge delivers a lot more value and a bigger battery for less money, as does the Kia EV6. Simply put, the BMW iX1 is an excellent car to buy but unless your BMW dealer offers heavy discounts of Rs 5-7 lakh, buying one is almost entirely a heart over head decision.