The BMW iX1 can be ordered and with a starting price of €55,275 it is the cheapest EV you can buy from BMW. For the time being, it is only listed as a Launch Edition in the price lists, a version for the first customers. We’ll talk about what’s on it today. BMW will only come later with ‘bareer’ variants without Launch Edition label.
BMW iX1 xDrive30 Launch Edition, €55,275
With a starting price of just over 55 grand, the electric BMW iX1 is less than €4,000 more expensive than its more conventionally powered brother. While the latter is a front-wheel drive with a 136-hp three-cylinder, the iX1 has a 313 hp four-wheel drive. There are not (yet) more powertrain variants. In the sprint, the EV is therefore noticeably faster: in just 5.6 seconds you are at 100 km/h. If you have other priorities than pure speed, you can travel up to 440 kilometers on a full charge with the iX1 according to the WLTP cycle. The battery pack has a net capacity of 64.7 kWh.
BMW chooses to keep the differences between the two smaller in other areas. From the outside, the two are barely distinguishable: for the electric variant, BMW offers a number of other wheel designs and conjures up some blue accents. Those accents will also be dropped if you go for an M Sport package. That lifts the starting price to €59,271.70, but also includes a lot of external adjustments. For example, the front and rear bumpers of the M Sport variant are completely different and the wheel arch edges and sills are sprayed with the body. If you want an entry-level iX1 without blue accents, that’s also possible. BMW will remove them free of charge.
Black and white
Between the standard version and the M Sport there is one other version: the xLine (from €57,770). It differs from the basic version with 18-inch wheels and light-colored accents on window frames, bumpers and sills. You can recognize the slip-on by the lack thereof: it is fitted with the 17-inch light-alloy wheels that you can see in the photos and is – except around the grille – averse to gray accents. If you also keep a close eye on the cut, you can choose from a black or white unilak. With the latter you can have the side mirror housing contrasted: copies in high-gloss black are available at no extra cost. Other body colors cost at least €1050.30 extra.
Inside, a standard iX1 is recognizable by a light headliner and black fabric on the seats. The additional cost of artificial leather is not too bad at €609.40, although it is only available in black on the standard version. If you want other colors, you have to look higher up between the versions. The same applies to real leather, but that will cost you more than €1,900 extra. A color can best use the iX1 interior, because as standard only the lower spokes of the always leather-covered sports steering wheel and the strip over the dashboard with their gray color provide any contrast.
Also electric motors for the tailgate
An appealingly decorated BMW iX1 does require some extra investment, but for a pleasantly practical one, that is not so bad. In fact, there are already quite a few practical things on it as standard. The tailgate that gives access to the 490-litre luggage compartment can always be operated electrically. Handy, because that’s probably where you leave the included charging cable – a frunk does not have the iX1. The rear seat can be folded in three parts and the angle of the backrest is adjustable.
If the cable is in the back and you’re ready to go, the two-zone automatic air conditioning ensures that you quickly feel comfortable on board. Traveling long distances is made less strenuous by cruise control and (in the dark) by the ever-present LED lighting. Adaptive versions of both are available at an additional cost. Furthermore, the iX1 always has an adaptive chassis, with which you can adjust the suspension comfort to the road you drive on.
If that is an inner-city road, the BMW will protect you from collisions: a city emergency braking system is standard, as are front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The parking aid is of the active type: if you threaten to hit something, the car brakes automatically. You can find your destination with the navigation, although the standard infotainment lacks Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You always have two screens in the iX1: analog counters are a thing of the past.
What is left to be desired?
We have had enough of the standard equipment of the BMW iX1. What then remains to be desired can often be found in various packages. Most options are not available separately. Examples are electrically folding side mirrors and keyless entry, attributes that would have been quite welcome on this Launch Edition. It is actually far from complete, but also far from uncomfortable. You always get a decent car – that is also allowed for more than €55,000 – but for equipment and appearance that would better fit an electric SUV from a premium brand like BMW, you have to appeal to your wallet.
.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl