► BMW iX1 revealed
► Twinned with the X1
► Smallest, new electric car from BMW so far
BMW has revealed a new electric car twinned on the equally new X1 crossover. Following the same routine as the i4 and the iX3, the iX1 takes the majority of the X1 and makes it more electric: cue flashes of blue and a blanked-out kidney grille for starters.
When it arrives later this year, the iX1 will enter an increasingly crowded market. Premium rivals include the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge, Mercedes EQA and Lexus UX300e – but BMW will also have to contend with an army of affordable competitors, which includes the Hyundai Kona Electric, Vauxhall Mokka-e and the dirt-cheap MG ZS EV.
The X1 will ship initially with two petrol and two diesel trims, and both will be mated to a seven-cog transmission with a double-clutch. Drive will go primarily the front axle, but power can also be sent to the rear (thanks to xDrive if needed. All four cars will also be joined by the iX1 (which we’ll get to shortly) as well as two hybrids and two mild plugins.
Give us some specs
BMW iX1 xDrive30 is the first all-wheel-drive BEV of its kind for Munich and sits on two motors at the front and rear axles. Power is a combined 313bhp (on boost) with torque at 364 lb ft. That’s enough for a 257-272-miles range WTLP and a 0-62mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds.
There’ll be some clever tech in the chassis, too. BMW says it’s been skidding prototype versions of the iX1 around a frozen lake in Sweden to test the car’s wheel slip limitation technology. It’s a traction management system which can transfer power between the front and rear wheels as it sees fit to maximise stability. The same system is used on the iX.
What about charging?
There are no charging figures yet, but the iX1 shares the same charging technology as the new BMW i7 and features a flat underbody for better aero – so it should be competitive. We’ll update this article when we know more.
And the interior?
Inside both the iX1 and X1 will use BMW’s new curved screen and infotainment display, with the former being 10.7-inches and the latter 10.25. You’ll also find the latest generation of iDrive nestled amongst the two.
Read more about electric BMWs