The all-electric BMW iX1 hasn’t even hit Australia yet, but the one-variant range at launch looks set to be bolstered by an additional version in the not-so-distant future – according to the brand’s local product planning boss.
Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch for the all-new 7 Series and i7 limousines, head of product and market planning for BMW Australia, Brendan Michel, said the local X1 and iX1 line-up will see “more additions”.
“We see on all of our models, we don’t get [all] the offerings from the factory straight up,” Mr Michel said.
“There will be more additions to the X1 line-up – including possibly a variant of a fully-electric model. There’s more to come”
Overseas model shown
Currently the only version of the iX1 on offer globally is the xDrive30, which features a dual-motor electric drive system good for system outputs of 230kW and 494Nm.
It’s due in Australia during March, and is priced from $82,900 before on-road costs. It’ll offer both xLine and M Sport variants, and compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
BMW quotes a WLTP-tested driving range of up to 440 kilometres from the iX1’s 65kWh lithium-ion battery, as well as a brisk 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds.
From a charging perspective, the iX1 can take DC charging at up to 130kW, which helps it go from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 29 minutes. BMW also provides a three-year free subscription to the Chargefox public charger network.
Overseas model shown
BMW is yet to detail a single-motor version of the iX1 globally, though looking at the specification sheet could offer some clues.
While the brand’s general communications around the EV model quotes system outputs, the iX1 xDrive30 runs twin 140kW/247Nm electric motors; one on each axle.
Therefore, it’s a logical assumption that an additional variant of this electric compact SUV will be powered by one of said motors – whether it’ll be front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive remains to be seen.
CarExpert expects this variant to be called eDrive20, as its outputs are in a similar ballpark to the petrol-fired X1 xDrive20i (150kW/300Nm).
Overseas model shown
Mr Michel didn’t offer much further detail on the expansion plans for the wider X1 line-up, making it unclear whether the BMW’s local division is planning to bring the plug-in hybrid and turbo-diesel models offered overseas.
So far, BMW Australia has confirmed its 2023 launches will include the all-new iX1 and updated Z4 in March, along with the go-fast M2 Coupe, M3 Touring wagon and XM plug-in hybrid SUV in April. There will be further announcements in due course.
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