The iX1 is the 100% electric version of BMW's smallest and most affordable SUV, the X1. Developed to be a premium category car, it has a compact size that makes it especially interesting for daily use in urban and interurban environments. Also by road. And this is the model of car that the magnificent Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz -currently number one in the world- drives. Not in vain since 2022 he is an ambassador of the German brand.
The base is obviously the X1, with a length of 4.5 meters and a large trunk of 490 liters. But it is a pure electric and, naturally, it changes the structure and arrangement of the basic mechanical elements. Thus, the iX1 has two electric motors integrated into the front and rear axles, with a total power of 313 hp. Better, still, is the torque figure: 494 Nm to offer a more than remarkable -and immediate- thrust in any situation. Advantages of electric
With two electric motors, this battery-powered X1 boasts the house-brand xDrive all-wheel drive. Therefore, we tested an all-wheel drive car with a balanced weight distribution. Consequently, behavior is really good on the road.
Its performance is excellent, especially in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The 300 hp X1 M35i xDrive, to put a reference, accelerates in 5.4 seconds. Only three tenths more, being quite an M. The maximum speed of the iX1 xDrive30, yes, is electronically limited to 180 km/h.
The iX1 xDrive30 adopts the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, with high-efficiency charging thanks to improved software and a flat-shaped high-voltage battery that is installed in the underbody of the vehicle.
This battery has a net capacity of 64.7 kWh and an electric autonomy, in WLTP approval, which can reach up to 440 km. The approved consumption ranges between 16.8 and 18.1 kWh/100 km.
At a fast charging station, the Bavarian electric SUV can recover from 10 to 80% capacity in 29 minutes. At a charging speed of 11 kW, it takes about 6.5 hours to enjoy 100% of its charge. We know, then, that the charging speed depends on the technology of the refueling point that we choose.
On the road it is absolutely silent. And very smooth. To provide a somewhat less relaxed, sportier experience, Sport driving mode has a tune similar to the acceleration of a combustion engine. The artificial sound, disconnectable, increases with the rhythm of the march that we carry.
The car is very well soundproofed, so much so that with the Efficient mode selected we only perceive the sound of the tires in contact with the asphalt and the air brushing the mirrors.
Therefore, road trips can be, if we wish, charmingly placid. And the poise, in sections with constant presence of curves, is very good. The car is heavy due to the batteries on the floor, but it is not clumsy and the inertia is always under control.
The feel of the brake, somewhat abrupt, requires adaptation by the driver. But, above all, what is most surprising is the retention capacity with the B position of the derailleur. As in most electric cars, with this function activated, there is no need to brake. When you release the accelerator, the car stops. Almost abruptly.
BMW wants the driver of an iX1 to perceive a quality environment. And he gets it. Maybe not at the level of an iX, but the materials used are good and very pleasant to the touch.
On the dashboard, it incorporates the BMW Curved Display double screen, which is used as an interface from this compact iX1 to the huge i7. Or the floating center console that includes the start button, the gear controls and some direct access buttons to some functions: Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax or Digital Art driving modes.
Some of these modes, by the way, act on the ambient lighting and the decoration of the digital instrument panel.
The seats are available as an option with upholstery in perforated Sensatec and Vernasca leather. The list of options includes electric adjustment with memory function and lumbar support with massage function. Likewise, improvements have been introduced both in acoustic comfort and in the protection of the occupants.
As a novelty, the passive safety equipment includes a new airbag between the front seats. For its part, the rear seats offer a notable improvement in passenger comfort.
Adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function for high beam, dynamic indicators and variable beam distribution are available as an option. However, once you've gotten used to its effectiveness at night, it's hard to give up this technology.
