BMW has updated its X1 compact SUV and will launch an all-electric variant. The new iX1 xDrive30 is the company’s latest EV choice, built on the same fifth-generation eDrive architecture as the new BMW i4. Unfortunately, BMW spokesperson Jay Hanson tells The Verge that the iX1 will not be available in the United States at this time.
The new X1s will be manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, where gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and all-electric models will be produced on a single assembly line. BMW is referring to the updated X1 vehicles as compact SAVs, or “Sports Activity Vehicles,” in an effort to differentiate them from the rest of the X series. A bigger and more angular grille, slimmer LED headlights, flush door handles, and narrower rear windows with a more angular and squared rear design are among the noticeable improvements in the revised X1 design.
The all-electric iX1 xDrive30 comes standard with a dual-motor system that can produce 230kW combined (up to 313 horsepower) and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (0–62mph) in 5.7 seconds. It has a 64.7kWh (usable) battery pack that can go 257–272 miles (European WLTP) on a single charge. It has a quick charge capacity of up to 130kW, which BMW claims can add up to 75 miles in 10 minutes.
BMW’s new Operating System 8 with enhanced voice assistant functions will be included on all new X1 variants. A new 10.25-inch curved and continuous instrument screen blends into a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. You get 5G connectivity built-in, as well as BMW’s mapping system and, of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system may customize car settings and themes to meet various modes such as “Expressive” or “Relaxed.” In terms of driver assistance features, the X1 can automatically handle stop-and-go traffic and includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance.
The new BMW X1 series will go on sale in October for the combustion versions, with the all-electric iX1 and plug-in hybrid X1 XDrive25e following in November. If you enjoy the X1’s look and size and live in the United States, you have only one trim option: the X1 xDrive28i combustion model.
BMW’s all-electric alternatives have remained anemic since the quirky i3 EV was withdrawn from the lineup last year, but the iX1 demonstrates that the carmaker is getting back on track with electrification with this new entry-level EV. If you like electric sedans, BMW has you covered with the i4 and the more luxury i7. There’s also the iX and the sportier iX M60 if you want something more like Tesla’s Model X.
