BMW is now ready to lower the floor price of its 100% electric range. The iX1 comes to forget the i3.
BMW continues to add new models to its 100% electric catalog and, this time, it is attacking the entry level. On the occasion of its third generation, its X1 compact SUV is available in an iX1 version, the letter i symbolizing the 100% electric powertrain, alongside thermal and hybrid variants. Those who are interested in the vehicle will therefore have a choice.
As we can discover in the press release published on June 1, the iX1 is defined as the “ the brand’s first electric four-wheel-drive model in the premium compact segment – enough to make people forget about the i3. Aesthetically very wise, it will be distinguished from its thermal brothers by small blue decorations, affirming the specific character of the SUV with measurements adapted to versatile use (4.5 meters long).
Autonomy still a bit tight
The iX1 should be agile, evidenced by its four-wheel drive. BMW engineers chose to place one motor per axle, together generating a power of 230 kW (313 horsepower). Enough to allow the SUV to engulf the 0 to 100 km / h in 5.7 seconds. It is almost as fast as the Tesla Model Y, which only needs 5 seconds to reach this speed. It is above all a little more than the Mercedes EQA, its direct competitor (6 seconds in its fastest version).
BMW is not yet able to indicate the precise autonomy of the iX1 and is content to ” predictions based on the current development status of the car “. In theory, the SUV should be able to drive between 413 and 438 kilometers (WTLP cycle). Which does not invite optimism, especially when one is interested in consumption: between 17.3 and 18.4 kWh per 100 kilometers, which should be much higher in real use. For comparison, the Model Y can drop to 16.1 kWh / 100 km, despite a larger size (4.75 meters long).
The BMW iX1 against the Mercedes EQA :
| BMW iX1 | Mercedes EQA 350 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 100 km/h | 5.7s | 6s |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Autonomy | 413 – 438km | 438km |
| Consumption | 17.3 – 18.4kWh/100km | 17.5 – 18.5kWh/100km |
| Price | CN | €61,200 |
Inside, BMW has opted for a flat dashboard, a floating armrest equipped with several controls and two screens animated by BMW OS 8.0 (one of 10.25 inches, another of 10.7 inches). The goal is to combine modernity and modularity, with extensive digitization. The equipment is particularly well equipped as standard: BMW Maps GPS, sports leather steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with intelligent control, rain sensor with automatic headlight control, parking assistance, reversing camera and cruise control.
The iX1 is expected by the end of the year, at an unknown price. It should cost between 50,000 and 60,000 €, if we refer to the least expensive of the models (the thermal version of 136 horsepower, invoiced from 42,750 €). The iX3 tickles for its part the 70,000 €.