BMW has detailed pricing and specs for its new entry-level EV, based on the next-generation X1 small SUV.

    The 2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 will be priced from $84,900 before on-road costs when it hits Australia in the first quarter of 2023 – in either xLine and M Sport trim levels.

    UPDATE, 15/3/23: BMW Australia has confirmed a $2000 price increase for the iX1 xDrive30 ahead of its arrival in April, with some minor spec adjustments. Full story here

    It will line up against competitors including the Tesla Model Y ($72,300 to $96,700), Mercedes-Benz EQA ($78,500 to $96,900), and Volvo XC40 Recharge ($72,990 to $79,490).

    Stylistically the iX1 stands apart from the regular X1 petrol range with its distinctive take on the now-unnecessary kidney grille, and bright blue highlights on the bumpers and side skirts.

    Pricing

    BMW X1

    • 2023 BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine: $60,400
    • 2023 BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine: $70,400
    • 2023 BMW X1 xDrive20i M Sport: $73,400

    BMW iX1

    • 2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine: $84,900
    • 2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport: $84,900

    Prices exclude on-road costs

    Drivetrains

    The iX1 xDrive30 has dual-motor electric all-wheel drive, with combined maximum power and torque outputs across the two axles of 230kW and 494Nm respectively.

    The zero to 100km/h time is a claimed 5.6 seconds, and there is a distinctive electric soundtrack function called BMW IconicSounds Electric – created by the legendary Hans Zimmer.

    The fifth-generation BMW eDrive system places charging hardware and the 65kWh capacity battery flat in the floorpan.

    The cobalt and lithium materials used in the high-voltage battery of the new BMW iX1 are “sourced from responsible mining” and the powertrain lacks any type of rare earths.

    Efficiency and charging

    BMW claims a driving range of up to 440km on the WLTP cycle, based on energy consumption of 16.8-19.0kWh per 100km depending on the driving style.

    Its 22kW AC onboard charging capability means single- or three-phase AC chargers will work, while the DC charge ceiling is 130kW. When charging at this rate, the battery can be taken from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in a claimed 29 minutes.

    BMW provides a three-year free subscription to the growing Chargefox public charger network.

    The My BMW App lets you schedule and start charging, monitor the state of charge, activate climate control remotely etc.

    Dimensions and chassis

    The X1 range is 53mm longer than its predecessor at 4500mm. Its width of 1845mm has increased 24mm, its height of 1642mm by 44mm, and its wheelbase at 2692mm by 22mm.

    It is the first compact BMW-badged model on its front- or all-wheel drive architecture to get an all-electric powertrain. 

    Boot space is listed as 490 litres, 10 litres lower than that of the much bigger BMW iX. By contrast the petrol-powered BMW X1 models have 540L storage capacities.

    BMW claims placement of the battery units gives a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution for “high levels of handling agility”.

    MORE ON THAT: 2023 BMW iX1 review – European drive

    Servicing and Warranty

    The BMW X1 and iX1 are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    BMW has yet to announce service package pricing for the iX1

    Safety

    The regular petrol BMW X1 range has a 2022 five-star Euro NCAP rating, but the iX1 derivative is unrated.

    Safety features include:

    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Surround-view camera
    • Parking Assistant Plus
    • Reversing Assistant
    • Drive Recorder

    Standard Equipment

    The two spec grades are defined by design elements, including different 19-inch wheels.

    The xLine also has aluminium-finish roof rails and window sills, pearl chrome finish for the kidney ‘grille’, and glacier silver finish for the side mirror covers.

    The M Sport model tones down the shiny silver bits and adds larger cooling air inlets at the front, and a more striking diffuser at the rear.

    Those features in bold are what comes over and above the BMW X1 xDrive20i model.

    Outside

    • Tyre-pressure monitoring
    • Adaptive M Suspension
    • 19-inch alloy wheels
    • Adaptive LED headlights
    • Power tailgate
    • Keyless access and Digital Key
    • Roof rails

    Inside

    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Perforated Sensatec seats, dash panel
    • Front seat heating and massage functions
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Anthracite M headliner

    Tech

    • BMW Curved Display
      • 10.7-inch touchscreen
      • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
    • BMW Operating System 8
    • Satellite navigation with augmented reality
    • Digital radio
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay
    • Wireless Android Auto
    • Wireless phone charger
    • Four USB-C ports
    • Head-up display
    • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
    • BMW Live Cockpit Professional
    • Connected Package Professional
    • Remote OTA software updates

    Options

    Enhancement Package: $3616

    • Metallic paint
    • Active front seats (lumbar support)
    • 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio
    • Panoramic glass sunroof

    Wheels

    • 19-inch light alloy wheels, V-spoke style 867 Bicolour – standard on xLine
    • 19-inch light alloy wheels, Double-spoke style 871 M Bicolour – standard on M Sport
    • 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels, Multispoke style 869 – $1539

    Upholstery 

    • Sensatec in Black, Oyster or Mocha – all no-cost options
    • Alcantara and Sensatec combination, contrast stitching in blue – M Sport only

    Interior trims

    • Eucalyptus open-pored or aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ – no-cost options
    • Aluminium Hexacube dark – M Sport only

    Colours

    The 2023 BMW iX1 is available in the following exterior paint colours:

    • Alpine White
    • Mineral White
    • Black Sapphire
    • Space Silver
    • M Portimao Blue
    • Cape York Green
    • Phytonic Blue*
    • Sanremo Green*
    • Utah Orange*
    • BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey

    *xLine only

    All colours besides Alpine White cost an additional $1385, besides BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey which costs an additional $3847.

    MORE: Everything BMW iX1

    Mike Costello
    Mike Costello is a Senior Contributor at CarExpert.
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