The cheapest electric BMW is on sale in Spain for 3,650 euros less than the Mercedes-Benz EQA

BMW's third-generation compact SUV now includes a fully electric version, the BMW iX1 , making it the brand's most affordable electric option. The BMW i3 , meanwhile, was dropped from the lineup.

The only available model of the iX1 is equipped with two electric motors, which allows it to have all-wheel drive. It's called the xDrive30 and can travel up to 450 km on a single charge. The vehicle is offered in two finishes, the base and the xLine , each having distinctive aesthetic elements.

Going over 55,000 euros, the BMW iX1 costs around 3,000 euros more than the equivalent Tesla Model Y, which is the most affordable twin-engine. However, it should be noted that Tesla has significantly reduced the prices of its entry models such as the Model Y and Model 3. Compared to its direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and its all-wheel-drive variant, the BMW iX1 is cheaper by 3,000 euros.

The ingredients of the first electric BMW X1

The BMW iX1 shares the same dimensions as its counterparts and is therefore considered a compact SUV measuring 4.5 meters long and 1.84 meters wide, with a wheelbase of 2.69 meters. Visually, there aren't many differences from the petrol, diesel and hybrid X1 models, save for the blue accents, closed grille and modified fenders to improve aerodynamics.

However, compared to other X1 models, whether petrol, diesel or mild hybrid, the iX1 offers less generous boot space: 540 liters for internal combustion models and 500 liters for mild hybrids, while the iX1 offers a capacity of 490 litres, which can be extended to nearly 1,500 liters once the rear seats are folded down. This corresponds to the capacity of the plug-in hybrid models of this SUV from the German brand.

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is an electric SUV with all-wheel drive, a range of 440 km and an output of 313 HP. This power is produced by two electric motors of 140 kW each (190 hp), placed transversely on the front and rear axles. Working together, these motors generate a torque of 494 Nm.

The iX1 xDrive30 is the second most powerful variant in the X1 lineup, with 326 HP for the PHEV X1 xDrive30e being the only one to top it. Although electronically limited to a top speed of 180 km/h, this electric model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, which is much faster than any other version of the X1 which takes around 8, 0 seconds to reach this speed.

This acceleration time is similar to that of the Tesla Model Y (5.0 seconds) and faster than that of the Mercedes-Benz EQA 300 4MATIC (7.7 seconds). Although the EQA 300 4MATIC is less powerful with its 228 HP, the Long Autonomy twin-engine version of the Tesla Model Y wins the competition with an output of 367 HP.

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is equipped with two motors powered by a 64.7 kWh battery, allowing a range of up to 440 km between two charges. Although this autonomy is similar to that of its direct competitor, the EQS (436 km), it is less than that of the Model Y (553 km) which has a 75 kWh battery.

The car can be quickly charged in fast charge (DC) sockets up to 130 kWh, and the on-board charger for conventional sockets allows a maximum charge of 11 kWh (22 kWh optional). Using fast charging, the car can go from 0 to 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

Too many extras for a premium SUV

The BMW iX1 benefits from the same technological and equipment advantages as its thermal and hybrid counterparts, with the BMW Curved Display as its focal point. The latter combines the functions of multimedia display and instrumentation, and is available in two standard sizes of 10.25 inches. A larger version is also available as an option, featuring a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrumentation. The BMW 8 operating system, which includes connected services, a browser, an intelligent virtual assistant, as well as a wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is also present.

The BMW iX1 is equipped with standard items such as 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive M suspension, dual-zone climate control, hands-free power tailgate, electric and automatic parking brake, front, rear and side parking assistance, as well as a reversing camera. Two charging cables are included, one for public charging points in mode 3, and the other for household sockets in mode 2, at no extra cost.

In the assistance systems we find as standard automatic emergency braking, cruise control with braking function, active lane departure warning, rear parking assistance with automatic brake, assistance in hill, fatigue detector or automatic parking assistance.

However, even though we are in the presence of a premium model, it is still BMW's entry-level SUV, so the most advanced technologies and systems are optional. For example, keyless access, 360-degree camera, electric adjustment or heating of the front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging for mobile phones or automatically folding exterior mirrors.

As for ADAS, there are other additional features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, high beam assistant, traffic jam assistant or lane guidance. These features are offered in different packages such as Comfort, Premium, Innovation, Voyage or M Sport, since the xLine finish only offers aesthetic elements such as 18-inch wheels, contrasting mirrors, aluminum trim or leather upholstery. perforated leather.

From €57,150

The BMW iX1 is marketed at a price of 56,400 euros, or 49,400 euros for its xLine version, but no discount is available for these two options. Although this car is currently the most affordable electric BMW, it cannot benefit from the purchase aid of the MOVES III plan, because the maximum eligible price is 54,450 euros (45,000 euros excluding VAT).

The BMW electric SUV is now offered with a financing option directly from the brand. This offer includes a monthly package of 300 euros over 47 months, with a first payment of 14,906 euros, as well as maintenance of the vehicle for a period of five years or up to 100,000 km. This offer is available until June 30, 2023.

In addition, BMW also offers optional home charging systems, the cheapest being the 22 kW Wallbox, which costs an additional 600 euros but does not include installation costs.