BMW Debuts iX1 Electric SUV Alongside New-Gen X1

BMW has taken the wraps off the newest generation of its baby SUV, the X1. Alongside the X1 though, BMW also launched its newest and smallest electric SUV, the BMW iX1, which is an electrified version of the premium compact SUV. The new X1 also gets a host of new features, a brand new design, updated interior, and a bump in the dimensions.

The BMW iX1 is BMW's smallest electric SUV

BMW iX1 gets two electric motors - one at each axle - that make it an all-wheel drive SUV. The motors deliver a combined output of 309 bhp and 494 Nm of peak torque. This is good enough to propel the SUV from 0-100 kmph in just 5.7 seconds. The SUV also gets a battery that provides 64.7 kWh of usable energy. While the prototypes undergo testing, BMW has estimated that the range of the iX1 (WLTP) at the time of launch could be somewhere between 413 to 438 km on a single charge.

The BMW iX1 has a battery pack with a usable capacity of 64.7 kWh, and has a dual motor setup.

The BMW X1 has also grown in proportions, and at 4,500 mm, it is 53 mm longer than before. The SUV is also 24 mm wider and and 44 mm taller, and has a 21 mm longer wheelbase which will translate to improved cabin space. The SUV also gets 540 litres of boot space, and it can be expanded to 1600 litres by folding the 40:20:40 folding second row seats.

The BMW X1 is noticeably bigger in proportions

While the X1 retains its silhouette, it is instantly distinguishable from its redesigned LED headlamps with twin inverted L-shaped DRLs and new LED taillamps, which are now slimmer and look sharper. The SUV gets many small details that set it apart from its predecessor, including a new front grille, flush door handles, and a long roof spoiler. The SUV also gets redesigned 17-inch alloys as standard, with larger sizes upto 20-inches available as options.

The new-gen BMW X1 gets fresh interior which is similar to that of BMW's flagship electric SUV, the iX. The SUV gets two-zone automatic climate control, a Sport leather steering wheel, front-collision warning and parking assistant including reversing assist camera. The options list also include ambient lighting, panoramic glass sunroof and Harman Kardon sound system.

The X1 and iX1's interior borrows bits from the blagship electric SUV - iX.

Apart from the electric drivetrain in the iX1, BMW also has a multiple drivetrain options in the X1, which include regular petrol and diesel engines, as well as mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The mild-hybrid engines use a 48V motor, which adds 19 bhp and 55 Nm of torque to the output of the internal combustion engine, also aiding in fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid options are available only in the petrol guise, and come in 2 variants, with different output figures. These are estimated to deliver between 78-89 km range on electric-only mode.

BMW iX1 drivetrain specifications

BMW X1 non-electrified drivetrains

BMW X1 48V mild-hybrid drivetrains

BMW X1 plug-in hybrid drivetrains