We tried the BMW iX1, an excellent but expensive 313hp electric carThe Tesla Model 3 is cheaper and offers the best range

After unveiling the new BMW X1 last year, the brand is now presenting the electrified variants of this model. The BMW iX1 is a small all-electric SUV that we had the opportunity to test in detail to provide you with all the necessary information.

The brand presents the BMW iX1 as its first all-wheel-drive electric car developed for the premium compact segment. Although it keeps the dimensions and exterior design almost unchanged from the X1 , this car undergoes considerable changes inside to adapt to its new mission.

It is possible to travel more than 600 km with a single charge in exchange for 48,780 euros

The BMW iX1 has two electric motors integrated into the front and rear axles, unlike internal combustion versions which have a front engine and front-wheel drive or xDrive . This allows the car to have full-time all-wheel-drive, while still delivering superior performance to any other X1. With a maximum power of 313 hp and a torque of 494 Nm, the car can reach 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

The BMW iX1 has a 64.7 kWh lithium battery pack which is housed under its floor, very flat. Thanks to this capacity, it can cover more than 413 km in the WLTP cycle. The charging socket is located on the right rear fender and offers a maximum charging power of 11 kWh in AC as standard (22 kWh optional), while in DC the power can reach 130 kWh.

Using this method, it is possible to recharge the battery from 0 to 100% in 6.5 hours with 11 kW of power, but if you opt for a 130 kW fast charger, it will only take 29 minutes to go from 10 to 80% charge.

These are minor design changes

As for the design, there are few changes compared to the conventional combustion versions. The main difference is in the front grilles, which are fully masonry, while retaining the same vertical blade design as the regular X1 . However, this goes virtually unnoticed and arouses little interest.

Slight modifications have been made to the shape of the air intakes and the front bumper to make them more aerodynamic and to optimize the flow of air laterally.

Blue details are present in some parts, such as the BMW logo circled in blue inside and outside the car, signaling that it is the electric version.

There are several color options for the bodywork of these cars, but most of them lack the blue detailing present on the unit we tested. However, customers can choose from these color options for their vehicle.

In addition, there are no visible tailpipes, which is also the case for the combustion versions. There is nothing where the tailpipes would normally be.

Impressions experienced while driving the BMW iX1

During the presentation of the 100% electric version of the BMW X1 , we had the opportunity to try it in different environments in order to get a first impression of the car before being able to carry out a more complete test later.

On the road, the first thing that stands out about this car is the insulation you feel inside. It is extremely quiet and only the whispers of the tires in contact with the road are slightly audible.

The feeling of silence can be a little strange, which is why each driving mode emits its own melody that varies in intensity according to the pressure exerted on the accelerator at each moment.

The quality of the car's sound insulation is remarkable. A job well done in this regard results in a pleasantly quiet driving experience, which is particularly evident in our test of the 18d combustion version.

The car's power is considerable, and it's delivered instantly through its electric drive system, making it feel like driving a sporty version of this model.

Although it weighs two tons due to its batteries, one does not feel the weight of the car while driving, whether on the highway or on winding roads. The latter offers good stability, allowing us to cover the sections between the curves at an impressive speed, while maintaining a precise trajectory on the inside of the turns.

As for the systems, the BMW 8 operating system and the new BMW iDrive allow easy navigation through complex menus, which are not extremely detailed and require a period of learning to move between them easily.

I'm impressed with the sharpness of the information displayed on the BMW Curved Display , which is made up of two screens, one 10.25-inch and the other 10.7-inch.

When you program a route to your destination in the navigator, it dramatically changes the driving experience compared to not doing so. For what ? First, the system displays navigation instructions using augmented reality and the perimeter camera system to draw dynamic arrows and clear directions of where you need to go at each stage of the journey.

When the navigation function is activated, the system analyzes the route and adjusts the speed according to what is in front of us. Therefore, when the car approaches a sharp turn or a descent, it automatically slows down, without requiring the use of the brake pedal. Although it may take some getting used to, once you get the hang of it, it allows for a high level of performance.

BMW iX1 price 

The BMW iX1 is at an intermediate price between the two plug-in hybrid versions, the X1 xDrive 25e costing 55,050 euros and the 30e version costing 58,050 euros with its 326 HP. The iX1 is sold at 56,400 euros.