BMW IX1 (2023) test: the electric suits him so well

Only sound pricing positioning targets a table who had everything to please. With an upward catalog price since February 1, 2023, the IX1 is negotiated from € 57,150 in its basic version. THE xline (€ 59,600) and the M Sport (€ 61,500) Complete the offer. Faced with competition, the Model 3 Great autonomy of Tesla for example, the note is salty. This last has just passed under the € 53,000 mark and offers almost 150 km additional. On the other hand, this IX1 benefits from all the know-how from BMW…

BMW IX1 2023 model

Next to the thermal and hybrid plug-in versions, BMW also markets its new X1 in completely electric variant. This is aesthetically distinguished from its sisters only by its bluish accents on the bodywork. But the general style and the size remain identical to those of other X1. The interior design does not evolve either. But the presence of the big battery under the floor enhances the latter, which slightly affects the guard at the roof and the volume of the trunk. The IX1 was only offered in XDRIVE30 twoff (therefore with all -wheel drive) version, offering a combined power of 313 hp in peak. But in 2023, the range was extended with the EDRIVE20, which uses the same battery, but has only one engine, developing 204 hp and only training the front wheels. Although heavier than the X1 thermal, this electric version is more balanced in turn, thanks to a lowered center of gravity and several structural reinforcements. The accelerations and covers of the XDRIVE30 version are impressive, but not everyone needs such power. The battery, with a useful capacity of 65 kWh, offers theoretical autonomy of more than 400 kilometers. The three -phase internal charger delivers an interesting power (11 kW as standard and 22 optional). And on the ultra -rapid continuous current terminals, it only takes 30 minutes to recover 80% load. Surprisingly, this heavy electric version is more dynamic in curve than its thermal sisters. We also appreciate the right performance/consumption ratio. But the IX1 XDRIVE30 is quite expensive, and the Edrive20 version, less powerful – and therefore less expensive – could already suffice ..

BMW IX1 (2023) test: the electric suits him so well !

After the Thermal versions, It’s the turn of Electric x1 to point the nose. For the occasion, Bmw made us try the only available version, the IX1 XDRIVE30 !

For the Bavarian firm, this compact SUV obviously represents an important economic interest. Launched in 2009, it is above all the second version (code name F48) released in 2015 that exploded sales targets, with more than 2 million copies sold. The ambitions and expectations are therefore large with this 3rd generation. And for the first time, BMW challenged itself to expand its entry -level offer with a fully electrified model.

Here is our video test !

Design: you said electric ?

At first glance, impossible to distinguish this IX1 from its thermal counterpart. The Bavarian SUV blends into the mass and nothing suggests that he does not consume a drop of oil. Indeed, visually our version tested with the M Sport Pack made the right choice to erase all the usual indices of “e” -vehules. Exit the blue inserts of the doors or even on the air inputs of the front. Only a logo surrounded by a fine blue border on the hood, a tiny “i” on the plastic grille and the “IX1” badge on the back set the tone. And that’s good !

The design therefore remains unchanged, or almost. Why would IX1 be depriving itself of the indisputable seduction asset of this third generation ? With its evocative but well -dosed lines, its sharp gaze and a slightly ribbed hood, the sexy look of the little German SUV hits. And the M Sport packages the sports side of the vehicle while remaining elegant. No doubt, we are of course on premium chic ! Finally, our test model is put on the biggest rims of available 20 inches (style 869i), billed optional at € 1,950.

At the front: an interior always so neat !

As with thermal versions, this X1 is offered in three levels of finish. There is the ix1 “basic”, a version xline and finally the pack M Sport. Our model is equipped with this last level of finish, which includes elements in Alcantara And Black imitation leather with some Blue stitching. This is particularly the case for seats, which always offer an excellent driving position and good lateral support. The dashboard is garnished with leather with embroidered blue border.

The interior is therefore still as well finished, and the feeling of taking place aboard a premium SUV is immediate. For the rest, nothing changes, we find the famous curved slab, which still includes two 10 -inch screens, many storage and a clear space for the occupants. Only the logo in the center of the steering wheel, surrounded by a blue border, and the “B” mode for the regenerative box control allow us to distinguish this model from an X1 thermal.

Rear back: exit the sliding bench and a few liters of trunk volume

In the rear seats, the changes are almost inexistent versus the classic X1. The space is always generous and is one of the best in its category.

Space on the head, and especially at the level of legs, is excellent and all passengers seated in the rear seats will be comfortably installed. On the other hand, because of the batteries, the IX1 Lose the sliding rear seat (which is a billed option 310 € on thermal models) . The trunk volume also drops slightly: 490 liters vs 540.

Driving: Electric in ideal compromise

In September 2022, we were able to ride in the smallest diesel, 18D. It has a 150 hp 3-cylinder under the hood. Too sound to our taste, associated with a good but perfectible box, it still offered a good driving pleasure despite everything.

With this 100 % electric version, BMW has its small SUV with two Edrive 5 synchronous engines.0 M170S (one per axle), which offer all -wheel drive. The whole delivers a total power of 200 kW, either 272 CH. A pallet ” Boost“, Located to the left of the steering wheel allows you to enjoy 313 CH (or 230 kW), for 10 seconds. The couple, available instantly, culminates in 494 nm If you crush the right pedal.

At the wheel, the rendering is convincing. We evolve in a full silence, Very appreciable if we compare with the noise pollution of the thermal blocks (especially the 3 cylinders). Vibrations are nonexistent and, as a bonus, horses are won over the most powerful versions. Indeed, the xDrive23i With its 4 -cylinder peaks at 218 hp. On paper, 0 to 100km/h is shot in 7.1 sec while our IX1 of the day, despite its additional 400 kg on the scale (2,085 kg), does the same exercise in 5.6 sec. As a previously stated, a blow of “boost” allows, for a short time, to take advantage of the entire power available on the two engines. Practical for lightning overtaking ! Comfort is always a little firm, especially with these large 20 -inch rims, but the more sporty driving cash movements are well contained. This is notably due to the batteries, which lower the center of gravity.

Now let’s move on to autonomy. The small IX1 is associated with a battery of 64.7 kWh nets, offering until 439 km autonomy in WLTP cycle. Regarding recharging, BMW claims that its electric SUV is capable of recharging on an ultra fast DC terminal and accepts up to 130 kW. According to the manufacturer, this level of load allows it to recover 80% autonomy in about 30 minutes. In practice, real data is obviously below the announced figures. With a Displigorable weather (2 ° degrees), our IX1 posters 23.8 kWh On a real mixed cycle. In such conditions, it seems difficult to exceed 320 km real. A clearer weather should however allow exceed 360 km (mixed) without problems. Obviously, all this data will be confirmed with the measures of the Auto Plus lab.

Verdict: a successful but expensive bet

If the thermal versions were very attractive, this IX1 succeeded in doing just as well with its 100 % electric motorization. Despite its additional weight due to its batteries, the Bavarian SUV manages to offer convincing driving pleasure. As a bonus, it offers an additional interesting power (313 hp) !

On board, the atmosphere is chic, with an excellent level of finish and comfort worthy of a premium SUV. The high driving position, the seat adjustable in depth and the good lateral support come to perfect the driving experience. And on the road, this IX1 erases the faults of its thermal counterparts (noise, motor vibrations) and even add horses.

Only sound pricing positioning targets a table who had everything to please. With an upward catalog price since February 1, 2023, the IX1 is negotiated from € 57,150 in its basic version. THE xline (€ 59,600) and the M Sport (€ 61,500) Complete the offer. Faced with competition, the Model 3 Great autonomy of Tesla for example, the note is salty. This last has just passed under the € 53,000 mark and offers almost 150 km additional. On the other hand, this IX1 benefits from all the know-how from BMW…

Technical sheet of the test version:

• Version: IX1 XDRIVE30
• Finish: M Sport
• Price: € 57,150 (without options)
• Bonus: 0
• Motor type: 2 Synchronous Electric Moves with permanent magnets
• CV: 7
• Power: 313 hp (230 kW)
• Couple: 494 nm
• Energy: electricity
• Transmission: integral
• Box: 1 report
• Battery: 64.7 kWh
• WLTP autonomy: 494 km
• Manufacturer’s acceleration: 5.6 s
• Length: 4.50 m
• Width: 1.84 m
• Height: 1.61 m
• Weight: 2,085 kg

Model options tested (+ 20,345 €):

• BMW Individual Frozen Pure Gray Metallic: € 2,500
• ALCANTARA / SENSATEC SCHWARZ ALCANTARA SELECTER with blue stitching
• 20 ″ style alloy rims 869i: € 1,950
• Mobility kit: 55 €
• Anti -theft alarm: 510 €
• Trailer hitch: 1,050 €
• Black exterior mirrors
• Deletion of exterior design elements: 310 €
• Shadow Line m roof rail shiny
• Advanced seats for driver and front passenger
• Dark hexacube aluminum decorative inserts
• Luxury dashboard
• AC Pro fast charger 22 kW: 950 €
• Steering wheel leather
• Shadow Line M Brilliant
• MANCRACITE PAVILLON M
• Innovation pack: € 3,350
  • Comfort access
  • Folding and interior and exterior left -handed anti dazzling mirrors
  • Anti-Dazzling interior rear view mirror
  • Heated front seats: 400 €
  • Advanced Full LED pack
  • Anti-Dazzling Roads
  • Drive Assist Pro: € 2,000
  • Park Assist Plus
  • HUD color head display
  • Induction charging slab
  • BMW LIVE COCKPIT Navigation Pro
  • Active driver’s seat
  • Driver and front passenger electric front seats: 260 €
  • Hi-Fi Harman Kardon system
  • Glass panoramic sunroof
  • Box separation net
  • Calorifugal glazing
  • M Sport external elements
  • M Sport interior elements