BMW IX1: We tested the cheapest electric BMW

Finally, as on any self -respecting electric vehicle, the IX1 incorporates route planning options which allow you to provide longer journeys and the necessary charging stops. On this point also, the indications of the system seem correct, even if it should be launched on a long journey to verify the relevance of these suggestions.

BMW IX1

Configure your BMW IX1 vehicle or request a free trial.

The IX1 is a 100% electric version of the smallest SUV in the BMW range, the X1. In France, it is available in XDRIVE30 version to combine € 55,150.

BMW IX1 design

Based on the same platform as its thermal cousins, the IX1 logically keeps the traditional style of a BMW SUV. Only bluish keys as well as certain aerodynamic subtleties can put the chip in the ear that is not a simple X1. We also find the large grille double bean dear to the brand while the need for mechanical cooling do not claim as much.

Motorization and performance

The new BMW IX1 has a wheel engine delivering a total of up to 313 hp via a temporary boost and 494 nm. What allow the 2,010 kg of the machine to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 s with a maximum speed bridled at 180 km/h. Thanks to additional aerodynamic work, compared to the X1 thermal, the IX1 displays a very honorable value of drag coefficient (CX) of 0.26.

Battery and autonomy

For the moment, BMW has presented a single battery for its IX1 electric SUV with a useful capacity of 64.7 kWh. According to the WLTP standard, this results in autonomy between 413 and 438 km and consumption between 17.3 and 18.4 kWh/100 km.

BMW IX1 recharge

In terms of recharge, the BMW IX1 accepts as standard by alternating up to 11 kW but this data can be lined. Thus, the 6:30 am to refuel are transformed in 3:45 am on a suitable terminal.

In direct current, the IX1 tolerates 130 kW in maximum peak, which allows to go from 10 to 80% load in 29 minutes or to recover 120 km of autonomy in 10 minutes.

Platform pooling requires, the charging hatch is at the back of the vehicle, on the right side.

BMW IX1 equipment and finishes

Like all other BMW models, the IX1 is available with several finish levels and a catalog of substantial options.

The BMW IX1 electric SUV cabin

BMW IX1 options

As standard, the BMW IX1 includes:

Outside

• LED projectors and LED rear lights
• Light alloy rims
• Electric control of the tailgate

Interior

• BMW Live Cockpit Navigation Plus with BMW Curved Display
• BMW Operating System 8 with Navigation
• Bi-zone automatic air conditioning with rear aerators
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Fractionable rear bench (40/20/40) with loading hatch and adjustment of the inclination of the file
• Lighting kit

Transmission/rolling

• Selectdrive M suspension with direction M Sport
• BMW xDrive all -wheel drive
• BMW my modes: Personal, Sport, Efficient

Recharge the battery

• BMW FLEXIBLE Fast Charger with Department for Domestic Puff for Home Recharge
• Recharge cable (mode 3) for recharging on public terminals
• BMW Charging card for access to the network of public terminals with interesting and transparent conditions
• AC recharging at 11 kW, DC recharging up to 127 kW

Driving aid

• Park Assist with active pdc parking radars and reversing camera
• Speed ​​regulator with braking function

Try BMW IX1 ?

Configure your BMW IX1 vehicle or request a free trial.

BMW IX1: We tested the cheapest electric BMW

The electric version of the X1 is also the most affordable zero emission model of the German manufacturer. But what is really worth the cheapest 100 % electric SUV in BMW ?

Arrived at the same time as the immense i7, electric limousine full of technologies, the IX1 has gone relatively unnoticed. And for good reason, this electric version of the X1 is almost copy/paste from its thermal during the one, at least aesthetically. However, this 100% electric compact SUV (the second of the brand after the IX3) radically changes the situation at the level of the catalog. It is simply the most accessible 100% electric model in the Munich manufacturer and a potential rival in the scarecrow of the segment: the essential Tesla Model Y.

Of course, when the basic rate exceeds 57,000 euros (57,150 specifically), it is difficult to talk about entry level electric. The IX1 is not even eligible for the ecological bonus (limited to vehicles whose price is less than 47,000 euros). However, among the high-end premium, it does not have so many competitors if not the E-tron Q4 at Audi and the EQA at Mercedes. Does this privileged position allow him to take out of the game ? To put it differently, the most accessible of electric BMWs is interesting ? To answer these questions, we tested it.

X1 vs IX1 The game of 7 differences

Externally, it is almost impossible to distinguish an IX1 from its thermal equivalent. This is BMW’s wish since it offers 100% electric vehicles and the recipe seems appreciated by the brand’s regulars. However, a careful look, especially on certain finishes such as that of our test makes it possible to identify some electric elements stamped electric. The blue baguettes of the door thresholds or on the sides and the blue inserts also on air inputs are the rare signals of eccentricity in the German way BMW. Apart from these touches of originality, nothing visually differentiates the X1 IX1, its thermal declination. Finally, overall, BMW’s compact SUV keeps acceptable proportions on the scale of electric vehicles with less than 4.5 m long and just over 2 tonnes on the scale 2,085 kg precisely).

Inside, the IX1 was modernized in relation to what we had seen two years ago on the IX3. We are not used to these pages to comment on the quality of the finishes and the choice of materials, but it seems essential to emphasize that BMW is one of the few car manufacturers whose manufacturing quality has not dropped to last years lesson. The Bavarian brand, as is its main competitor, Mercedes, holds the quality perceived at the top of its concerns.

A top bone

Likewise, the BMW operating system is certainly one of the best on the market. Easy to access, rich in options and fluid in use, it allows you to navigate effectively between menus and obtain a quantities of information on the operation of the vehicle. We particularly appreciate the possibility of customizing it by choosing the applications to display on the home screen and their order. The OS also provides a shortened menu, which is also fully configurable. The density of the menus and the number of settings (on air conditioning for example) means that an adaptation time may be necessary, but learning is rapid and facilitated by the quality of the interface. Finally, for a user who would not be sensitive to the efforts of BMW engineers to offer a quality OS, it is always possible to rely on your smartphone, including if you have left your charging cable at home. The IX1 system is compatible Carplay and Android Auto, in Bluetooth.

Special mention also for augmented reality house navigation. As an intersection approach or on a roundabout, the main screen display changes. The navigation card is housed on the right side and gives way to a front view of the vehicle, via the camera. From then on, an arrow appears. This increased superposition makes it possible to indicate the road to be taken effectively, the arrow changing position and size in real time to indicate precisely the path to follow. This choice, quite different from what Volkswagen or Mercedes offer is in our opinion the most effective.

A little atmosphere

BMW has also worked a lot on the mood aboard its IX1. Thus, the cabin is provided with a few fairly discreet LED lighting which add a little color to a relatively sober set. But what could be an accessory decoration element is used to give style to the passenger compartment. An example: the change in driving mode vary the light atmosphere. Where the majority of manufacturers are limited to changing the display of the instrumentation screen, BMW goes further and changes the general atmosphere of the interior.

Finally, since the IX3, its very first 100% electric vehicle, BMW has chosen to integrate virtual engine sound during the acceleration phases. This option which can be deactivated manually is still quite pleasant (at least over a few days of testing). The sound worthy of a spacecraft in the take -off phase was developed by Hans Zimmer in person. More than the sound effect, which is not at the level of the Interstellar soundtrack, it is its progressiveness as the acceleration which sticks a smile on the lips.

A driving help model

At the risk of shocking the most fervent admirers of Tesla, BMW is today, with Mercedes, the most efficient manufacturer on driving aids. The German manufacturer’s system certainly does not have the pretensions of autonomy of the Californian autopilot, but in terms of mastery and dosage of on -board electronics it is much higher to it.

Whether on help in keeping the way or on the adaptive speed adapter, the system behaves with accuracy and progressiveness, without ever frustrating the driver. At BMW, there is no blows or an error of interpretation. No moments when the car gives the feeling of imposing its driving on the pilot. This learned dosage is in our opinion the ideal recipe for effective assistance.

Finally, as on any self -respecting electric vehicle, the IX1 incorporates route planning options which allow you to provide longer journeys and the necessary charging stops. On this point also, the indications of the system seem correct, even if it should be launched on a long journey to verify the relevance of these suggestions.

IX1 on the road, what does it give ?

We will quickly pass on the driving performance of the IX1. These are good, even very good given the format and the size of the beast. The BMW SUV takes full advantage of its XDRIVE30 system which allows it to enjoy its 313 hp and 494 nm of couple. Accelerations are not at the level of a Tesla Model Y, but road behavior is good, thanks to a perfectly controlled direction and suspension.

Firm enough in his behavior, the IX1 is not a sportswoman. Although it gives the impression of being plated on the ground, especially at high speed, it does not always succeed and it is normal, to make you forget its weight.

Battery and autonomy: where IX1 can do better

The IX1 has an NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) battery of 64.7 kWh which allows it, according to its manufacturer and the WLTP approval to cover 414 to 440 km. On this point, as often, the official figures are quite far from reality. Indeed, to achieve target autonomy, consumption should be between 16.8 kWh/100 km and 19.1 kWh/100 km, depending on the driving conditions.

During our test week, the figures noted were at least superior, including when we expanded to adopt a drunkest possible driving style. As such, mode B (or Brake), that is to say the IX1 regenerative braking option is a model of the genre that makes it possible to adopt an effective eco-driving, especially in the city. This one works like a one-pedal mode, that is to say that it is enough to lift its foot from the accelerator so that the vehicle begins to brake thus recovering precious watts. This regenerative mode brings the vehicle to the stop. In other words, with a minimum of anticipation and usual, it is no longer even necessary to touch the brake pedal during a driving in town.

Despite this excellent B mode, our urban consumption has always been between 18 and 19 kWh/100 km. As for driving on a fast track, it is much more greedy than what BMW announces. On a highway, at 130 km/h, consumption oscillates between 24 kWh/100 km and 25 kWh/100 km. Our mixed driving route has resulted in consumption estimated at 21 kWh/100 km. In other words, it is almost illusory to hope to travel 300 km on a highway with a full load, which limits the capacities of the IX1 on a long journey.

However, that is not our main criticism against the electric SUV of BMW. This is on the charging section. The manufacturer may justify an interesting charging curve, he can do nothing against the figures. However, 130 kW of maximum charging power on a quick terminal, it is limited and lower than all its competitors. Admittedly, the 10 to 80% is carried out in just over 30 minutes, but for a vehicle at almost 60,000 euros, it is allowed to hope for another level of performance.

Test verdict:

For a few months, BMW has turned into an electrifying machine. Its IX1 is a new demonstration of the seriousness with which the Munich brand addressed the turn of electrification. After the IX3 and the i4, the new zero program SUV is a success on almost all the plans. Well designed and particularly neat in terms of the passenger compartment, the IX1 even allows itself to be efficient and pleasant to drive. As such, the manufacturer’s choice to offer only an XDRIVE30 version deserves to be praised. Unfortunately, the SUV assessment is tainted by an autonomy which is not at the level of the rest of the services. The pack of 64.7 kWh is not ashamed, far from it, but it is lower than what competition offers in the VW group, for example, with the 77 kWh battery that equips Q4-Etron, L ‘ID.5 or Skoda Enyaq. The IX1 also suffers from too low charging capacity (130 kW), where some of its competitors offer 170 kW. Finally, like the rest of the automotive sector, BMW has a hard time justifying the price difference that separates its ix1 from the Tesla Model Y. It remains one of the best alternatives to the Californian SUV, but it is an alternative that is paid at a high price, 15,000 euros, even before having envisaged the slightest option.

BMW IX1: price in sharp decline and ecological bonus for the electric X1

And if the most interesting novelty of BMW in this school year was not the one we believe ? The Bavarian brand has unveiled with great fanfare at the Munich Salon the Vision Neue Klasse concept. And meanwhile, the French subsidiary sells a new declination of the IX1 for us, with attractive positioning.

This is an entry -level version, the Edrive20. As a reminder, the electric X1 was launched a year ago in XDRIVE30, with two engines developing a maximum of 313 hp. Here, there is only one engine at the front (another BMW traction therefore), which has a power of 150 kW, or 204 hp. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, against 5.6 seconds for the XDRIVE, but that remains a good value for a family vehicle ! The maximum speed is limited to 170 km/h.

The vehicle keeps the battery with a useful capacity of 64.7 kWh. As it is less powerful, this IX1 therefore benefits from better autonomy, ranging from 430 to 475 km, instead of 396 to 439 km for the xDrive. The model has a 11 kW on -board charger, and can receive one of 22 kW optional. In direct current, the maximum is 130 kW.

The big interest of this variant is its price. While the XDrive is now starting at 57.150 €, the Edrive 20 is displayed from 46.900 €. Or 10.000 € less. And even more, because this floor rate was not chosen at random. It allows you to enjoy the ecological bonus (reserved for models of less than 47.000 €) of 5.000 €. This IX1 is therefore displayed at 41.900 € bonuses deduced, therefore with better autonomy.

And the equipment is not sacrificed, since there is in series the BMW Curved Display with screens of 10.25 and 10.7 inches, navigation, Auto Bizone, parking assistance with camera decline or many driving aids. In short, no pingrery.

BMW is therefore replacing it on the electric compact SUV market … With necessarily in the viewfinder a certain Tesla Model Y, which begins at 45.990 €.