BMW Adds Battery-Electric iX1 to Entry-Level CUV Lineup

The new X1 will introduce a fully electric model to BMW’s entry-level CUV lineup for the first time in the form of the iX1.

Set to become BMW’s least-expensive electric model following the recent discontinuation of the quirky 9-year-old i3 hatchback, the iX1 initially will be offered with a single drivetrain option – a dual-motor set-up developing 308 hp in the all-wheel-drive iX1 xDrive30.

Revealed ahead of a planned start to North American sales later this year, the third-generation X1 is based on BMW’s FAAR platform, which also underpins the 1-Series hatchback as well as the 2-Series GranCoupe and 2-Series Active Tourer.

Along with the electric drivetrain of the iX1, it will be sold with a limited range of internal-combustion engines, including both mild- and plug-in hybrid units in selected markets.

The new BMW model receives evolutionary exterior styling, with a larger kidney grille (pictured, below), more angular headlamps and tauter surfacing treatment throughout the body among the key differences from the second-generation X1 introduced in 2015.

BMW iX1 grille closeup

Because BMW believes electric cars will become a natural part of each model line, the only features that distinguish the iX1 from more conventional X1 models are blue highlights within the front and rear bumpers and along the sills beneath the doors.

At 117.2 ins. (2,977 mm) long, the new X1 is 2.4 ins. (61 mm) longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase is 0.9 in. (23 mm) longer than the second-generation X1 at 108.0 ins. (2,743 mm).

All new X1 models come as standard with 17-in. wheels, with 18-, 19- and, for the first time, 20-in., wheels available as an option.

Inside, the X1 receives a cabin similar in design and finish to that of the 2-Series Active Tourer (pictured, below). The longer wheelbase is claimed to provide increased rear-seat legroom, while trunk space has been boosted by 1.2 cu.-ft. (34 L) to a nominal 19.1 cu.-ft. (541 L) underneath the cargo blind at the rear.  

BMW iX1 cockpit

The 2023 X1 will be produced with a new range of gasoline and diesel internal-combustion engines in combination with a standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and either front- or all-wheel drive.

 The price leader in many markets will be the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive18i. It receives a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline 3-cyl. with 134 hp.

Next up is the all-wheel drive X1 xDrive23i with a new mild-hybrid version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0L gasoline 4-cyl. in combination with an electric starter motor for a combined output of 215 hp.

The diesels include the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive18d running a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. with 147 hp and an all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive23d with a more heavily tuned version of BMW’s turbocharged 2.0L diesel 4-cyl. working in combination with an electric starter motor for a combined 208 hp.

Details to the North American engine lineup are yet to be revealed, though tradition dictates the more powerful gasoline unit is likely to underpin U.S. imports of the new X1.

Alongside the more conventional internal-combustion engines, BMW will offer its new CUV with a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain in selected markets. It mates a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline 3-cyl. engine powering the front wheels with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor providing drive to the rear wheels – a combination already seen in the BMW 225xe ActiveTourer. BMW quotes a combined output of 241 hp for the X1 xDrive25e and 322 hp for the X1 xDrive30e.

The electric-powered iX1 xDrive30 uses two electric motors, one at the front and another at the rear in what BMW describes as a fifth-generation system, with a combined power output of 308 hp.

Drive is channeled to all four wheels to provide the Audi Q4, Mercedes-Benz EQA and Tesla Model Y rival with a claimed 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.7 seconds and limited 112 mph (180 km/h) top speed.

Electric energy is provided by a 64.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. BMW quotes a range of between 257 and 275 miles (414 and 443 km) on the WLTP test cycle.

External charging of the battery can be achieved at up to 22kW on a three-phase AC system, or at up to 130kW using a DC system. A 10%-80% charge is claimed to be possible within 29 minutes, according to BMW.

The new X1, including the iX1, will be produced at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany.

BMW iX1 rear 3.4