mReview: BMW iX1 Electric eDrive20 xLine – Fit For The Family

The iX1 may be the baby of the BMW SUV model range but it might actually be my favourite one. I also think the EV is better than its petrol-powered sibling, continuing a trend I’ve noticed in other new BMWs. 

This is the first-ever BMW iX1, an all-electric version of the X1 compact SUV, sorry, SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW calls it. It’s also a Singapore special, the iX1 spec we get here has been specially tuned to produce exactly enough power to sneak it into the Category A COE bracket to make it a little more affordable and open itself up to a larger customer base.

In terms of looks, unless you’re an ace at spot-the-difference, you’d be hard pressed to find any differences between the iX1 and the combustion-engined X1. It’s essentially identical in appearance save for some blue accents and a covered-up front grille. That of course means that the iX1 still looks pretty good, with a strong road presence to boot. 

Thanks to ISOFIX anchors, both adults and children can chill out in style back here. 

The interior has also been updated with new materials and BMW’s Operating System 9. The software improvements now include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is controlled through a combination of the curved 10.25-inch Information Display and 10.7-inch Control Display. 

I do so like this green paint it has, this car doesn't drink any gas.

Living with the iX1’s interior is also not nearly as convoluted as in some of their other models. While a large proportion of the car’s controls are still operated through the screens, there is a good number of buttons (especially those on the wheel) that are proper physical controls. The air-con vents are also conventional, a far superior option to the ones on some other BMWs.

Though the (i)X1 platform is the smallest of BMW’s SUV range, there is still no lack of space in the rear for incredible passenger comfort. The boot is also very sizeable and will be able to fit bags, dogs, and/or prams without a sweat, perfect for the young family. 

Dynamically, the iX1 is a safe bet with its electric powertrain providing enough zippiness to flit through city streets and enough grunt to comfortably cruise on the highway. The iX1 is fitted with a 64.8kWh battery and a single electric motor linked to the front wheels. As a Category A COE car, the iX1 produces the maximum allowed 110kW along with 250Nm of torque to provide the aforementioned zippiness and grunt. 

There are wireless charging and many USB Type-C ports aplenty.I managed to eke out an average consumption of 15.7kWh/100km which works out to about 412km of range on a full charge. This is slightly less than the WLTP claimed maximum range of 474km but I think with some gentler driving I’d be able to get pretty close. It can also be recharged at up to 130kW from a compatible DC fast charger, meaning juicing back up from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.

Driving the iX1 is one of the easiest tasks you’ll ever find, with its light steering making steering and manoeuvring a cinch. The cushy suspension also smooths out most imperfections in the road for a calm and unintrusive drive befitting your premium household.

The iX1 is one of the best BMWs I’ve tested in recent times, with what’s in my opinion, the perfect blend of tech, performance, driving dynamics, and amenities for the average consumer. This is a brilliant electric city runabout and I have no doubt that customers will agree. 

Read More: mReview: BMW i5 eDrive40 – Electing For Electric

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