In 2022, BMW made a surprising announcement that it would cease the production of its entry-level electric vehicle, the i3. Despite the prevalent range anxiety associated with it, the i3 had established itself as the brand’s most compact electric car, excelling in practicality and efficiency.
The i3's discontinuation left a void in the entry-level EV segment, but the iX1 SUV's release about a year later filled this gap.
Although it may not match the innovative prowess of the i3 it indirectly replaces, the iX1 is a commendable entry-level electric SUV. It boasts an excellent powertrain and remarkable cabin quality, making it a well-rounded addition to the EV market.
Essentially, since it's an electric version of the X1, there isn’t much to write about in terms of its exterior tweaks. This supports the idea that electric vehicles do not necessarily need to look drastically different in appearance. Since electric vehicles don't have the same cooling requirements as internal combustion cars, the iX1 now comes with a sealed-off front grille, additional bits of blue accents around the badges, and no exhaust pipes.
Just in case the i3 was just too ‘out there’ for your liking, the iX1 is thoroughly normal and a beautiful sight to behold.
The iX1 and its ICE-powered X1 counterpart may be entry-level models in the BMW SUV lineup, but they have grown considerably in terms of size; they're nearly as large as the first-generation X3.
This translates to a roomier cabin that isn’t far shy of the X3’s interior, with adequate head and knee room for the rear passengers. The overall build quality is suitably premium, which helps justify its fairly high price tag, but we will delve into the financial aspects shortly.
Like most of BMW’s latest products, the iX1 also benefits from the same curved digital dashboard that consists of a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display. A total of four USB ports are also part of the package. The test unit was further outfitted with a Harman Kardon sound system as well as a panoramic sunroof.
My only concern, though, is the lack of physical controls for the air conditioning. This is not due to any flaw in the functionality of the controls embedded within the infotainment system; they operate as intended. The challenge, though, lies in the adjustment period required to become accustomed to these controls while driving, which could potentially pose a safety risk.
You may be curious about the boot space, given the common understanding that EV batteries and electric motors can consume a significant portion of it. Indeed, this is partially true. For instance, the boot of the iX1 is rated at 490 litres, which is 50 litres less than the X1, thanks to the space occupied by the rear-mounted motor. It's hardly a deal-breaker since there's still ample space for weekend adventures.
It is quick; the 230kW and 494Nm are sent to all four wheels, and it is available at a moment's notice. While I did not test the 0-100km/h sprint time, BMW quotes 5.6 seconds and further says it will stop accelerating at 180km/h.
While not exactly hyper-EV figures, it's definitely no slouch and will get you to the national speed limit before you even finish reading this sentence. This is also partly thanks to immediately-available power and BMW's xDrive system, which ensures optimal traction levels at all times, even when you engage ‘Boost’ mode (for 10 seconds) by flipping the left-hand paddle shifter.
Perched on optional 19-inch alloy wheels, the iX1 delivers an exceptional driving experience. This is largely attributed to a finely tuned suspension system that effortlessly absorbs road irregularities, ensuring a smooth ride. However, it’s worth noting that the vehicle’s weight, slightly over 2 tonnes, does make its presence felt when navigating corners.
Despite this, the iX1’s driving dynamics bear a strong resemblance to its ICE counterpart, with the key distinction being its silent operation.
Now, let’s address the primary concern that likely led you to this review. Owning and operating the iX1 necessitates meticulous planning, particularly in light of load-shedding schedules. In my personal experience, this became even more crucial as I was unable to charge the vehicle at home. This aspect of electric vehicle ownership is an important consideration and should be factored into your decision-making process.
It’s important to highlight that the iX1’s 64.7kWh battery offers a respectable range. On a single charge, it can cover up to 440km on paper, at least, although in practical terms, I was able to achieve approximately 380km. Furthermore, the vehicle is compatible with DC charging up to 130kW. When connected to a nearby 100kW DC charger at the R21 Engen Highveld 1 Stop West, the battery was able to recharge from 20% to 100% in roughly an hour and a half.
While range anxiety is a common concern with EVs, the iX1’s ‘aggressive’ regenerative braking activated by shifting the gear selector to the ‘B’ position is useful in stop-and-go traffic or city driving scenarios. In this manner, the kinetic energy is converted back into electrical energy, which then recharges the battery pack on the move.
When it comes to the financial aspect, BMW has priced this specific model at R1,245,000, and the current state of our EV charging infrastructure leaves much to be desired, a situation further complicated by frequent power outages.
Sadly, my experience with the iX1 was abruptly cut short when the vehicle failed to charge one morning before I could use it on an extended drive to Nelspruit and had to be returned to the dealership for inspection. Could this have been a system glitch? I share your curiosity. BMW has assured me that they will investigate the matter.
Unless you do the math and determine whether buying the iX1 saves you a few pennies at the petrol station, if so, it's a worthwhile purchase. Potential buyers must examine all considerations, including charging infrastructure, to fully appreciate the entire cost of ownership and the benefits of owning an EV.
The iX1 xDrive30 X1 emerges as a formidable competitor in its own right, despite the fact that competitors in the segment, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQA and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, to name just a few, are competing for dominance.
The iX1 xDrive30 distinguishes itself with a refined driving character, commendable handling, and a premium cabin that offers substantial space for its segment. If financial and electricity considerations permit, the iX1 xDrive30 presents a compelling option in its segment.
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