BMW ix1 set for Australian launch from $82,900 - could this be the best BMW SUV?
BMW’s iX1 is a restrained-yet-contemporary design, but won’t be available in North America. Images: BMW AG.
The BMW x1 was first introduced in 2009 as a subcompact SUV, and over the last 12 years, over one million vehicles have been produced. The first all-electric iX1 will be based on the company’s FAAR platform (think 1-series, 2-series, X1 and X2 models) which is a flexible architecture designed for front-wheel drive combustion, hybrid and electric drivetrains.
Specifications:
Power unit - Twin motor electric
Drive - All wheel (xDrive)
Power (kW) - 230
Torque (Nm) - 494
HV battery (kWh) - 65
0-100km/h (sec) - 5.6
Consumption (kWh/100km) - 19.0-16.8
EV range (WLTP) - Up to 440km
The BMW ix1 will start from $82,900 plus on-road costs in Australia - good value in our eyes for premium SUV with around 400km of real-world range, plentiful standard equipment and impressive performance figures. Customers will be able to choose the xLine or M Sport variant, for no additional cost:
BMW iX1 Standard Equipment - Australia
- Metallic paintwork
- Panorama Glass Sunroof
- BMW IconicSounds Electric
- Active Sport Seats featuring lumbar support and massage function
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Adaptive M Suspension
- harmon/kardon Surround Sound System
- Sensatec upholstery (new generation, perforated)
- Seat heating, front
- DAB Digital Radio
- Navigation system with augmented reality technology
- Reversing camera
- Sport leather steering wheel
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- xLine styling inc. roof rails
- Two-zone automatic climate control
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic tailgate
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Comfort Access and Digital Key
- Connected Package Professional
- BMW Head-Up Display
- Instrument panel in Sensatec
- M headliner in Anthracite
- Mirror package inc. anti-dazzle function
- Remote Software Updates
- Driving Assistant Professional inc. Steering and Lane Control System, Active Cruise Control inc.
Stop&Go and Blind Spot Monitor
- Parking Assistant Plus with Surround view camera, Reversing Assistant and Drive Recorder
- BMW electric xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system
Charging features
- 22kW AC onboard charging capability
- 130kW DC onboard charging capability
- Flexible Fast Charge Cable (Mode 2)
- Public Charging Cable (Mode 3)
- 3-year complimentary Chargefox Subscription
While the iX1 “only” charges at a peak of 130kW when plugged into a DC fast charger, this should still be enough to replenish 10-80% of range in around 30 minutes. Like with the iX3 and iX battery electric vehicles, BMW Australia provides a 3 year complimentary Chargefox DC fast charging subscription.
Should customers have access to 3-phase power, the iX1 will charge at up to 22kW on AC electricity. The iX1 will offer connectivity to the My BMW App - something that is now expected from EVs on sale. The app will allow the remote setting of climate control, as well as managing charging timers, and pre-entering navigation destinations in the vehicle.
The iX1 will feature the company’s dual-screen setup, and a range of premium materials.
Colours and Trims
Non-metallic (no cost option)
- Alpine White
Metallic (all no cost options)
- Mineral White
- Black Sapphire
- Space Silver
- Phytonic Blue^
- M Portimao Blue
- Sanremo Green^
- Cape York Green
- Utah Orange^
BMW Individual
- BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic: $3200
Upholstery
Sensatec, Black (No cost option)
Sensatec, Oyster (No cost option)
Sensatec, Mocha (No cost option)
Alcantara/Sensatec combination, Black contrast stitching in blue (M Sport only)
Interior trims
Fine wood trim Eucalyptus open-pored (No cost option)
Interior trim finishers Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ (No cost option)
Interior trim finishers Aluminium Hexacube dark (M Sport only)
The BMW iX1 will launch in Q1 2023, and BMW will be looking to compete with Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, the Mercedes-Benz EQB and Tesla’s Model Y. Stay tuned for more information closer to the launch.