BMW expands iX1 electric SUV line-up with longer-range entry model
BMW has introduced a new front-wheel drive variant to its iX1 electric SUV line-up, delivering more range and lower pricing.
On sale now, the iX1 eDrive20 joins the all-wheel drive xDrive30 iX1, which launched last year and marked both the first-ever fully electric version of the X1 compact SUV and an indirect replacement to the i3.
The new entry-level eDrive20 uses the same fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology as the 313hp xDrive30 but loses the motor on the rear axle to gain extra range.
The single motor outputs 204hp with a temporary boost function, making it good for 0-62mph acceleration in 8.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 106mph.
The 64.7kWh battery is carried over, providing a range of up to 296 miles under provisional WLTP values, versus the 270 miles for the xDrive30. It accepts AC charging up to 11kW, giving a 0 to 100% charge in six hours 30 minutes. Three-phase AC charging up to 22kW is an option, cutting charging time to three hours 45 minutes. The battery can also be charged at up to 130kW DC, giving a 10-80% charge in some 29 minutes at a rapid charger.
It’s available in three trims; the entry-level Sport starts at £46,560, rising to £46,560 for the mid-spec xLine and £49,310 for the M Sport. This compares to £53,295 for the xDrive30 X Line.
Standard equipment includes sat nav, dual-zone automatic air con, parking assist with reversing camera and a range of driver assistance features.
BMW’s Curved Display provides a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen under a single glass surface, while the new iDrive with ‘QuickSelect’ and the brand’s latest Operating System 9 are also standard; the latter brings a wider range of infotainment and entertainment content, faster update cycles for over-the-air content and access to online services such as third-party apps, plus enhanced navigation and parking services.
The new arrival will be manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Regensburg alongside the xDrive30.
Deliveries of the iX1 eDrive20 start in November.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
