Take a look at BMW iX1 EV SUV, launched in India at Rs 66.90 lakh
Based on the entry-level X1 SUV, the BMW iX1’s design is identical to its ICE counterpart right from the creases on the exterior to the cabin layout on the inside. The only difference between the two is the electric powertrain
With its foothold in the electric flagship sedan and SUV segments firmly in place, BMW has now launched something for the entry-level BMW buyer, the iX1. A derivative of the X1, this electric SUV is pretty much identical to its ICE counterpart. Of course, this time around, there is pure electricity powering it. (Image: BMW)
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Design-wise, there is no difference between the ICE X1 and the iX1. However, the EV gets the M Sport package from the top-spec model of the X1. This means it gets the large Kidney grille, sharp LED headlamps, and bumper with a sufficiently large air dam making for a fairly aggressive -looking front fascia. At the rear, the C-shaped tail lamps offer the SUV an illusion of width and the bumper lower down offers some semblance of an off-roader. (Image: BMW)
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In profile, however, the SUV takes on a more subtle approach. Creases can be seen, but they don’t stand out much. There is no musculature either, thanks to the subdued wheel arches. 18-inch alloys come standard along with adaptive suspension. The only thing that differentiates the standard and electric X1 is the ‘i’ badge on the grille. This is a little unfortunate since the international version of the SUV receives blue accents to denote its electric nature. (Image: BMW)
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On the inside, things don’t change much. The iX1 gets an identical cabin layout right down to the floating armrests that hold the buttons and selectors for the driving modes, parking brakes, audio volume and engine start/stop. The highlight of the cabin is the dual-screen layout. A 10.25-inch screen functions as the driver’s display and beside that is a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. A 12-speaker Harmon Kardon provides for your audio needs and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make connectivity seamless. The SUV also gets other features such as dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, ambient lighting, automatic tailgate operation and parking assist. (Image: BMW)
As far as safety goes, the highlight of the iX1 is the ADAS. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems comes packed with features such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, front-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking including at turns and junctions, manual speed limit assist and evasion assistant. Other standard features include ABS, traction control, dynamic stability control and multiple airbags. Now, since the iX1 is an electric vehicle, there is no engine sound to speak of. For the safety of pedestrians, BMW has added an artificial sound that plays when under 30 km/h to alert people. (Image: BMW)
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Powering the iX1 is a 66.4 kWh battery pack. This, in turn, powers two electric motors, one at each axle giving the iX1 all-wheel-drive capabilities. The combined output of this system is measured at 313 hp of maximum power and 494 Nm of peak torque. BMW claims the iX1 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. The total range, according to the WLTP cycle, is 440 km on a single charge. As far as charging goes, the EV can be charged using a standard 1 kW wall AC charger. This will completely charge the SUV from 0 to 100 percent in 6.3 hours. However, it is also compatible with 130 kW DC fast charging allowing for a 10-80 percent charge in just 29 minutes. (Image: BMW)
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Vikram Pawah, President of BMW Group India, said, “The first fully electric BMW iX1 is a game-changer for its segment. Inspired by confidence and determination, the iX1 fulfils the expectations of an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) in a purely electric way, bringing together instantly accessible driving pleasure and modern versatility with zero emissions. The latest BMW eDrive technology, sharp design, across-the-board sustainability and cutting-edge digitalisation shape the iX1’s winning personality and electrify every adventure that awaits you. The iX1 is a natural match for emerging pioneers who like to stay ahead of the curve and break all paradigms to charge ahead and exceed in their choices.” (Image: BMW)
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The BMW iX1 is the German manufacturer’s most affordable EV in the country even with the Rs 66.90 lakh price tag. The SUV is being brought to the country via the completely built-up (CBU) route, which explains the high pricing. The other EVs in BMW’s portfolio include the iX SUV, i7 and i4 sedans. Competition for the iX1 comes from the likes of the Kia EV6 at Rs 60.95 lakh, Hyundai Ioniq 5 at Rs 45.95 lakh and the Volvo XC40 Recharge at Rs 56.90 lakh. (Image: BMW)
