Review - BMW ix1

Sitting at the base of BMW’s growing electric vehicle lineup, the iX1 gives customers an accessible entry-point into its electric SUV range, but is it a good deal or simply a stepping stone to its larger siblings?

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW iX1 to find out.

BMW iX1 Competition

Starting Price: $84,900

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How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW iX1 range is priced at $84,900 for both the iX1 xDrive30 xLine and the sportier xDrive30 M Sport.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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BMW iX1 (xDRIVE30 xLINE) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW iX1 car page.

What Features Does the BMW iX1 Have?

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine comes riding on 19-inch alloys, and receives adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension, a powered boot lift, leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a set of heated and massaging front seats, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a 10.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

The xDrive30 M Sport picks up a set of sportier 19-inch alloys, a mix of Alcantara and Senatec upholstery with blue contrast stitching and aluminium highlights inside the cabin.

Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Leather steering wheel

• Adaptive suspension

• Surround-view monitor

• Head-up display

• 10.7-inch digital instrument cluster

• Headed & massaging front seats

• Adaptive cruise control

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Is the BMW iX1 Comfortable to Drive?

BMW has taken a bold approach to how both versions of the iX1 drive, opting for exciting performance with the adaptive suspension system giving it impressive versatility.

Flatten your foot and you’ll be instantly thrown into your seat thanks to a potent set of electric motors that produce a heap of power and torque, giving the iX1 some serious personality around town.

BMW is renowned for its sporty vehicles, and while this might be the baby of its SUV range, the iX1 retains a healthy slice of the company’s dynamic DNA that makes it fun to drive on everything from a set of traffic lights to a twisty road.

“Flatten your foot and BMW’s baby electric SUV throws you right back into your seat”

What makes the iX1 particularly impressive is that it, with the touch of a button, settles down and becomes an extremely smooth commuter around town with the help of that adaptive suspension system.

While the ride quality is guilty of being on the firmer side, you can rest assured that BMW’s xDrive system will keep everything under control, adding confidence to your daily drive.

All up, the iX1 is a great entry-point into BMW’s electric SUV lineup, with an impressive dual nature that is comfortable on daily drives while getting the heart pumping when pushed.

How Far Can the BMW iX1 Drive on a Single Charge?

The BMW iX1 comes fitted with a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack that the company says offers 440km of driving per charge, on the WLTP test cycle.

Energy consumption figures stand at an average of 17.9kWh per 100km.

The battery pack can be fast charged at speeds up to 130kW, bringing the pack from 10 to 80 per cent in thirty-minutes, while a 36-month subscription to the Chargefox network is packaged with each purchase.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The iX1 is based on the updated X1 platform, with more space on offer than before, a brand new design and some seriously clever practical touches.

All up, BMW’s changes have given the iX1’s interior a cleaner, more simplistic design that has eaten up most of the physical buttons in favour of controls via the 10.25-inch infotainment display.

While it may be an entry-level vehicle, the front of the iX1’s cabin feels premium and won’t leave any buyers feeling short changed, nor uncomfortable thanks to the spacious cabin layout, even for taller drivers.

“The iX1’s cabin is clean and sleek, and premium enough that it won’t leave buyers feeling short-changed.”

Practical touches include a new split centre console design with a decent storage area sitting below the arm rest, storage at the base of the dashboard and a wireless charger sitting atop the cupholders.

Move to the rear and there’s more than enough space for adult passengers, though the sloping roofline has eaten up some of the potential for second row headroom.

Parents will be pleased to know the iX1 features a pair of ISOFIX anchors in the second row, as well as top tether mounts for a variety of child seats.

Finally, the iX1’s boot measures in at 490L, which is more than adequate for the segment, but lacks the volume of its petrol-powered siblings and key EV rivals that have larger boots.

Is it Safe?

The iX1 is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, though the standard X1 platform has received a five-star safety tick.

As standard, the iX1 comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, and a parking and a reversing assistant.

Our Verdict: BMW iX1 Worth it?

The BMW iX1 is a very worthy addition to Australia’s growing battery-electric compact SUV segment.

While it doesn’t offer any groundbreaking range figures, the driving experience is superior to many of its rivals, while the practical touches inside the cabin give it a versatile nature that offers seriously impressive acceleration when pushed.

If you’re tossing up your battery-electric SUV options, be sure to get in touch with one of our car-buying specialists who can help find your best options at the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Dual electric motors produce 230kW/494Nm

2. 440km driving range from 64kWh battery pack

3. Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty

4. 490L boot space

5. M Sport variant picks up sporty design touches