Electric BMW iX1 is a millionaire’s EV bargain
BMW’s most affordable battery-powered car offers appealing space and performance for R1.2m, writes Denis Droppa
BMW has embraced the electric trend with gusto with its launch of several battery-electric models in SA in the past couple of years. It has gained a firm foothold in the fledgling segment
— five of the country’s top 10 EVs sold last year were BMWs.
The iX1 is the most affordable battery-powered BMW, with the luxury compact crossover priced at R1,205,000 for the standard xLine model and R1,245,000 for the more dapper M Sport version. The rest of BMW’s EV range is priced between R1.3m and R3m.
The iX1 is the flagship of the third-generation X1 range which arrived in local showrooms last year and is also available in petrol, diesel and petrol-electric hybrid guises.
The electric iX1 is the most powerful variant in the range with outputs of 230kW and 494Nm. The next model down is the X1 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, which costs R1,090,000 and offers 115kW/230Nm.
The third-generation X1 has experienced a big growth spurt and has ample room for four adults. The EV’s boot is 50l smaller than internal combustion engine (ICE) versions but remains large enough for sizeable shopping expeditions and bulky objects when the back seats are flipped down.
The battery-powered car’s 170mm ride height is lower than the 205mm of the petrol and diesel X1 models, and it has a reduced towing capacity of 1,200kg vs 1,800kg. The biggest difference is weight; at just over two tonnes the EV is about 500kg heavier than the ICE models.
The mass is well masked, though, and the iX1 doesn’t feel like a two-tonne car when driving it, largely because of the strong and instant electric power surge which silently whisks the car from 0-100km/h in a spirited 5.6 seconds. Top speed is 180km/h and the electric BMW delivers effortless performance all round, including the ability to speedily overtake long trucks. Whatever criticisms are levelled at EVs, their swift and step-free acceleration isn’t among them.
The weight is noticeable when the EV is really pushed through corners, but it mostly delivers BMW-typical driving characteristics. The all-wheel drive crossover has plenty of grip and minimal body roll. While driving enthusiasts might prefer a heavier steering, there is nothing vague about the way the car turns into corners, and the thick-rimmed wheel is satisfying to grip.
The iX1 has a comfortable ride too, cruising with finesse over scarred and potholed roads. The lengthened wheelbase plays a role in this wafting ability, as does the adaptive suspension with frequency-selective damping.
The car has several pushbutton personalities which change the driving characteristics, sound, ambient lighting and the background of the infotainment screen. The regenerative braking which feeds power back to the battery can be set to be more intensive, and in that mode one hardly needs to use the brake pedal at all.
A motor at each axle delivers a maximum combined output of 230kW and 494Nm. In terms of driving range, BMW claims the iX1 xDrive30 can deliver up to 415km on a single charge. Realistically it is capable of about 350km, according to the test car’s range meter.
To charge it from empty to full costs about R380 on a public AC charger and R453 on a fast DC charger. The battery can be juiced up to 80% capacity in about half an hour on a DC charger, or at home in a few hours using a wallbox.
The iX1 isn’t overendowed with features for the price, a criticism typical of German premium cars. At R1.2m one would expect electric seats to be standard, but they must be manually adjusted using BMW’s not-entirely-user-friendly levers. Adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a set following distance is another feature you have to stump up extra cash for; the car comes standard only with regular cruise control.
The iX1 does have some standard niceties including a dedicated smartphone tray with inductive charging, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, navigation and self-parking feature.
Inside, the iX1 is decked out in BMW’s latest look and feel with a striking curved display that combines a 10.25-inch dial display and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen into one big unit. Most features now require pressing icons, and the bad news for those who like analogue interfaces is that the faithful iDrive controller knob is gone. Still, a “floating” armrest between the front seats at least has shortcut buttons for the audio system and driving modes. The voice-activated artificial assistant is getting ever more clever — it’s now able to help out with more functions including operating the sunroof.
The styling of the third-generation X1 is more striking than its bland predecessor with a chunkier look, more upright front end and huge kidney grille flanked by slim LED headlamps. The new design moves the X1 more into aspirational territory, rather than just serving as the most affordable BMW SUV, and there is increased space and family practicality beneath the bolder shape.
As to which X1 model to choose, the diesel-powered sDrive18d probably makes the most value-for-money sense with its hearty torque, frugal fuel economy and R815,617 price.
The R1.2m electric version has its charms, not least its hothatch-like acceleration and silent operation, together with low running costs — zero if you charge it at work.
One can’t avoid trotting out all the standard drawbacks to buying an EV including the high price, long charging times, impracticality for long trips and Eskom’s intermittent power supply.
That said, for early adopters of electric cars, there is plenty to like about the iX1’s velvet-coated velocity.
WHATEVER CRITICISMS ARE LEVELLED AT EVS, THEIR SWIFT AND STEP-FREE ACCELERATION ISN’T AMONG THEM