Shortly after BMW presented the latest-generation X1 for the North American market, the new compact SUV has also been showcased in European-guise where it will be offered as an EV as well, dubbed the iX1. According to a BMW spokesperson, the “only model currently planned for the US is the X1 xDrive28i”. Set to be offered exclusively in xDrive30 guise, the 2023 BMW iX1 is the first all-wheel drive EV from BMW to compete in the premium compact segment. It sports a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 313 hp and up to 494 Nm of torque. These figures allow the SUV to hit 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a 180 km/h top speed.
Providing these motors with their juice is
a 64.7 kWh battery pack that is positioned flat within the SUV’s floor. The
battery supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, meaning it can be charged
from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes or 120 km of range can be added
in 10 minutes. It also offers single- and three-phase AC charging at a rate of
up to 11 kW which can be increased up to 22 kW. BMW says the iX1 xDrive30 has a
combined electric consumption of 17.3 – 18.4 kWh per 100 km, resulting in a
range of between 413 km and 438 km.
Buyers of the iX1 gain access to the
IONITY charging network across Europe and will have the monthly membership fee
waived for the first 12 months. Shoppers will also be pleased to know that the
automaker says the iX1’s global warming potential throughout its lifecycle is
roughly 30 per cent lower than a new X1 sDrive19i and if renewable power is
used for charging, its lifecycle global warming potential is around 60 per cent
lower. A number of visual changes distinguish the iX1 from combustion-powered
variants of the third-generation X1. For example, the front end includes bright
blue air intake shrouds. BMW has also equipped it with blue accents around the
kidney grilles, blue accents on the side skirts, and blue trimmings on the rear
bumper. It is not just the electric iX1 that differentiates the new SUV from
the one set to be offered in North America. Whereas just a single 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder will be offered stateside, European shoppers will
have many more engines to choose from.
Found at the base of the range is the X1
sDrive18i with a turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 136 hp and 230
Nm of torque. Sitting above it is the xDrive23i with a 2.0-liter turbo four
complete with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and rated at 204 hp and 320 Nm. Two diesels are also offered, namely the xDrive18 with a 2.0-liter
turbo diesel producing 150 hp and 360 Nm and the xDrive23d, fitted
with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that adds mild-hybrid technology and makes
197 hp and 400 Nm. Two petrol hybrids will also be offered from
November 2022. The first is the xDrive25e with a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder
and a plug-in hybrid system, rated at 245 hp and 477 Nm combined.
Offering more performance is the xDrive30e with the same basic plug-in hybrid
powertrain but uprated to 326 hp and 477 Nm.
The new 2023 BMW X1 will be available
across Europe from October. Pricing details have not yet been announced.
