BMW is forward of the curve in relation to creating electrical automobiles that draw inspiration from their normal inside combustion fashions. The iX1 is not any exception, with the entry stage eDrive20 providing zero emissions motoring from about $87,000 drive away.
At this trim stage, the iX1 comes with a 66.5kWh battery that BMW declare will absolutely cost on AC in about 3 hours and 45 minutes, or can go from 10 to 80 per cent on DC quick charging in beneath half and hour.
The eDrive20 sends 150kW and 247Nm to the entrance wheels, getting from 0 to 100km/h in a leisurely 8.6 seconds. It doesn’t look too totally different from its petrol counterpart and that’s a very good factor for these consumers need an EV that doesn’t scream have a look at me.
There are some tells although, together with the ‘i’ in its identify, the blue glow across the BMW roundels and the massive plastic grille that basically isn’t obligatory. The outside styling is typical small SUV and apart from the plain cues, the iX1 might be thought-about fairly understated.
For these wanting one thing a bit of extra overt, there’s an M Sport bundle which might be paired with the following variant up the meals chain (the xDrive30). The usual eDrive20 comes with primary 5-spoke 18-inch wheels.
Not for us although, we scored the elective and slightly cool wanting V-spoke 19-inch selection. Wearing Cape York Inexperienced Metallic, the iX1 blends in on the street or in a carpark. For those who’re on the lookout for one thing brighter, there’s choices for that too.
These embody Utah Orange Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic and M Portimao Blue Metallic. Alternatively you possibly can go for Sanremo Inexperienced Metallic, Alpine White, Mineral White, Area Silver, Black Sapphire, or the ultra-sexy Frozen Pure Gray Metallic.
The inside encompasses a feel and look that we’ve come to count on from BMW. Our check automobile got here with a Veganza perforated Oyster scheme, resembling a light-weight cream color, and we’ve to say it appears and feels nice. Mocha and Black choices are additionally obtainable.
The inside trims have been completed in Aluminium, however a wood-trim might be had as properly. For completeness, our automobile was additionally given the Enhancement Package deal, which provides about $5,000 to the value talked about above.
For that you simply get energy seat changes, reminiscence settings and massagers for the entrance occupants, a heated steering wheel, panoramic glass roof and an upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system – all very good additions that we really feel ought to most likely simply be normal.
The inside consolation for entrance occupants is respectable for the dimensions of the automobile. The instrument and infotainment shows are crisp and clear, working BMW’s newest OS9, which does away with the navigation wheel for all touchscreen interactions.
All info is at-a-glance and might be customised to your liking, even down to what’s introduced within the head-up show. Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay options, together with a helpful wi-fi telephone charger within the decrease centre console.
It has an adjustable handlebar to carry the telephone in place because it sits in portrait, which curiously (and with warning), does permit the machine for use as an extra display within the automobile, relying in your most well-liked music app.
Whereas BMW present their very own excellent native satellite tv for pc navigation, customers will doubtless find yourself utilizing their app of alternative by way of their telephone as a substitute. For these wanting a dependable telephone connection, two USB-C ports can be found up entrance.
We didn’t strive connecting this in unison with the included telephone holder, so we’re undecided if this setup would truly work (as most telephones require their charging cable to be linked on the backside), or whether or not the telephone would should be positioned elsewhere.
There’s a good quantity of space for storing all through the ahead cabin, together with sizeable door bins, two cupholders, and a really open centre console beneath a floating armrest. The Begin/Cease button, gear selector, drive modes and different buttons are positioned right here too.
The armrest opens to disclose a shallow storage space. Annoyingly it opens in the direction of the left facet. There’s temper lighting all through the cabin at night time and the accompanying sounds of Hans Zimmer whenever you press the accelerator – if you happen to select to show them on.
The second row is on the tighter facet for taller occupants, though headroom is no less than comfy, even with the enormous panoramic roof and an enormous blind that tucks away into someplace. The doorways swing vast to help with getting out and in, however legroom is minimal.
BMW gives three tether factors for baby seats, although it will be formidable to suit that many and we’re undecided {that a} rear-facing baby seat will work with out relegating the entrance passenger to the rear seat.
A fold down armrest with two cupholders is accessible, together with some air-conditioning vents and a pair of USB-C ports. Local weather management works properly at protecting the automobile on the proper temperature although we want the system would cease reverting to auto recirculation.
It does this each time you begin the automobile and it typically opens the air vents to the surface at least fascinating occasions, filling the cabin with the aroma of exhaust fumes. As an SUV although, it’s additionally sensible, with 490-litres of boot house.
With the second row folded, that expands to 1495-litres. That’s a bit of down on its petrol counterpart at 540 and 1,600-litres, but it surely’s not an enormous drop. Every seat within the second row might be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration by way of pull tabs in entrance of the seats.
On the street, you get a greater than succesful compact SUV that’s comfy and straightforward to drive. It affords a very good throughout view on the street, due to massive home windows and a standard form.
In slippery situations, it was nonetheless attainable to be overzealous with the accelerator and lose traction – however the iX1 remained composed. The usual BMW gear selector sits within the centre console however what seems to be lacking is an possibility to pick P or Park.
As an alternative we relied on stopping the automobile and choosing the Park Brake which appeared to do all of the issues for us. There are a selection of drive modes obtainable in fact, from Environment friendly to Private and Sport.
In addition to radar cruise management and blind-spot monitoring, the iX1 comes outfitted with a variety of help options, together with lane protecting, together with reversing assistant, which may file the final 50m of journey as a way to comply with the identical route in reverse.
It prompts when the parking cameras are on and might reverse parallel park the automobile with little to no enter from the motive force. BMW state the iX1 eDrive20 has a 474km vary from a full battery, nonetheless our expertise was nearer to 375km from a close to full cost.
There’s the choice to pre-condition the automobile forward of whenever you intend to make use of it subsequent too, so that ought to assist enhance the vary. A 6-year limitless kilometre service plan prices $2200 and is paired with a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee on th automobile itself.
The batteries are backed by an 8-year or 160,000km guarantee. All-in-all the 2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 is a good automobile, with just some little compromises over the petrol model when it comes to storage areas.
With no direct competitors from Mercedes-Benz or Audi, BMW are properly positioned for shoppers on the lookout for a premium European electrical SUV on this section. It affords loads of boot house and a spacious really feel, with the big glasshouse and panoramic roof.
Supreme for the buying and college runs, the iX1 would even be at dwelling on a weekend street journey. Yow will discover out extra on the BMW Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership.
To get a low price finance quote in your subsequent automobile buy, speak to Australia’s greatest reviewed automobile finance dealer; Credit score One. To see an ideal vary of automobiles on the market, try OnlyCars.com.au.
Our check automobile was offered by BMW Australia for unbiased overview functions.
