BMW has redesigned his X1 compact SUV and introduces an all-electric version of it. The new iX1 xDrive30 is the company’s latest EV option, built on the fifth-generation eDrive platform, the same on which the new BMW i4 is built. Sadly, BMW spokesman Jay Hanson says: The edge there are currently no plans to offer the iX1 in the US.
The German automaker will build the new X1s in Regensburg, where petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and all-electric versions of the vehicle will be built on a single assembly line. BMW calls the updated X1 vehicles compact SAVs, or “Sports Activity Vehicles,” in an effort to better differentiate the entry-level models from the rest of the X line. Noticeable changes to the updated X1 design include a larger and more angular grille, slimmer LED headlights, recessed door handles and narrower rear windows with a more angular and square design at the rear.
The all-electric iX1 xDrive30 is equipped with a standard twin-motor powertrain that can deliver a combined power of 230 kW (up to 313 hp) and can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. It is equipped with a 64.7 kWh (usable) battery pack that can travel an estimated 257-272 miles (European WLTP) on a single charge. It can quickly charge up to 130 kW, which BMW specifies as a total of 120 miles in 10 minutes.
All new X1 models feature BMW’s new operating system 8 with new voice assistant features. There is a new curved and continuous 10.25-inch instrument screen that transitions into a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. You get built-in 5G connectivity, BMW’s map system and of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system can adapt car settings and themes to different modes, such as ‘Express’ or ‘Relax’. As for driver assistance systems, the X1 can handle stop-and-go traffic automatically and has built-in adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistant.
The new BMW X1 line will be released in October this year for the combustion models, with the all-electric iX1 and plug-in hybrid X1 XDrive25e in November. If you like the style and size of the X1 and you’re in the US, you’re left with only one piece of equipment: the X1 xDrive28i combustion model.
Since BMW dropped the wacky i3 EV from its lineup last year, the automaker’s all-electric options have remained anemic, but the iX1 shows the automaker is getting back on track with electrification with this new entry-level EV. But if electric sedans are more your style, BMW offers you the i4 or the more luxurious i7. And if you want something more like Tesla’s Model X, there’s the iX and also the sportier iX M60.
