BMW has officially entered the locally-manufactured electric vehicles brigade with the launch of the iX1, their smallest electric SUV. Despite its compact size, the iX1 offers an impressive range of features and performance capabilities that make it a standout choice for those looking to make the leap into electric driving. Here's a closer look at the BMW iX1 long-wheelbase variant and what makes it such an attractive option for buyers.
Pricing That Makes a Difference
One of the most compelling reasons to consider the BMW iX1 is its pricing. As the first locally-manufactured BMW EV in the market, the iX1 offers significant savings compared to its fully imported counterparts. You could save up to ₹20 lakhs when choosing the iX1 over the standard wheelbase model. That’s a serious value proposition, especially when you consider the added benefits that come with the long-wheelbase version.
More Space, More Comfort
The standout feature of the BMW iX1 long-wheelbase model is the extra space it provides, especially in the back seat. With a 108mm longer wheelbase, the rear seats are more spacious, with improved leg and knee room, making it more comfortable for passengers. The back seat also features a longer seat base and a reclining option, enhancing comfort for long drives. Plus, the rear doors open wider, making it easier to access the cabin.
The iX1 also offers ample boot space, with a 490L trunk and the option to fold the rear seats for even more storage. This makes the iX1 a practical choice for families or those who need extra room for gear without sacrificing style or performance.
Sleek, Modern Interiors
Inside, the BMW iX1 exudes a modern, clean aesthetic. The dashboard features a sleek aluminium mesh accent, complemented by an M Sport steering wheel that gives the interior a sporty, yet refined, feel. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from powered sport seats, which offer an elevated seating position, enhancing visibility and comfort.
True to BMW’s design philosophy, the iX1’s cabin is incredibly spacious. The floating console opens up storage possibilities, and the armrest integrates the control cluster for a clean, minimalist look. A large 10.25-inch instrument cluster sits alongside a 10.7-inch infotainment system, both part of BMW’s latest Operating System 9. While it is the latest system nits not quite as intuitive to use as Mercedes MBUX. One often has to go through a series of steps to access a function.
The cabin also features a panoramic sunroof, the largest in its segment, filling the space with natural light and a feeling of openness. Additionally, the Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers ensures an immersive audio experience for everyone in the car which are the highlights but there is a laundry list of other features too.
Key Features
2-zone automatic climate
10.7” touchscreen with wireless phone integration
Wireless Charging
Ambient lighting
Memory Function for driver’s seat
Keyless tailgate operation
BMW ConnectedDriveApp
Digital Key
Advanced Safety Features
BMW has equipped the iX1 with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for both drivers and passengers:
8 Airbags
Electric Parking Brake
Park Assistant
ABS and Dynamic Stability Control
ADAS Level 2
Adaptive LED Headlights
ISOFIX Child Seat Mount
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
Exterior Design
The exterior of the BMW iX1 is bold and athletic, the massive kidney grille that’s now a signature design element of the brand is designed with a black mesh pattern and houses the sensors. The iX1 wears the M Sport Package, which includes a pearl chrome kidney frame, M-specific design details on the front and rear bumpers, and M identification on the sides.
Adaptive LED headlamps with a cornering function enhance visibility, while the aluminum roof rails and 18-inch M light alloy wheels add a sporty touch. The rear features sculpted LED taillights with a 3D effect and a large-surface diffuser, making the iX1 look both elegant and dynamic from every angle.
Driving Performance and Range
The BMW iX1 eDrive20L is powered by a single front-mounted motor, delivering 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. While the standard iX1 features twin motors for all-wheel drive, the eDrive20L is front-wheel drive, making it more affordable without compromising too much on power. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.6 seconds, which is slower than the standard iX1 but still offers plenty of instant torque for daily driving.
With a claimed range of 531 km on a single charge, the iX1 offers excellent range for an electric vehicle in this category. In real-world conditions, you can expect a range of around 400-420 km, making it a solid option for both city driving and longer trips.
An added advantage is the iX1’s fast-charging capability. With a 130 kW DC fast charger, the car can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes, adding 120 km of range in only 10 minutes. BMW is also offering a complimentary wall box charger and a free charging concierge service, meaning a charging van will come to your rescue if you ever run low on battery while out on the road.
Driving Experience
The BMW iX1 is designed for comfort and ease of driving, particularly in city conditions. The steering is light at low speeds, making parking and navigating tight spaces effortless. As you accelerate, the steering becomes heavier, providing a more confident and stable feel. While the ride quality is generally good, it’s on the firmer side, so you might feel road imperfections a bit more compared to other SUVs.
Conclusion: Exceptional Value for Money
At a price point of ₹49 lakh, the BMW iX1 offers a compelling package. It combines spaciousness, modern technology, impressive range, and a premium driving experience, all wrapped up in an electric SUV that stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly electric vehicle or simply want a stylish, efficient car for everyday use, the iX1 checks all the right boxes.
With its combination of practicality, luxury, and eco-friendly technology, the BMW iX1 is a game-changer in the electric SUV market, offering great value for money.