The all-electric version of the X1 SUV is well equipped and looks the part

P11d: £53,240 BiK: 2% Range: 270 miles On fleet range: N/A  Efficiency: N/A

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I write these words without even having set foot inside our latest long-termer – a ‘Black Sapphire’ BMW iX1.

However, there’s plenty I can tell you about the car without getting behind the wheel. We drove the iX1 in a ‘near production’ form late last year and came away pretty impressed with its powertrain installation, performance and overall quality. What’s more, the iX1 is not that much smaller than the iX3 – a former member of the FW Fleet that is still fondly remembered and greatly missed!

But back to this iX1, which comes equipped with Technology Plus Pack (£2,750) and Comfort Pack (£1,050) which bring a whole host of additions to an already pretty impressive spec.

The claimed driving range of 270 miles is plenty and, in my previous experience of electric BMWs, likely to be pretty accurate, which is more than can be said for some other models on the market. It’s helped by the addition of a heat pump, which comes as standard. Charging times, even at home, appear to be pretty decent too – AC charging up to 22kW enables the battery to be fully replenished from empty in under four hours.

Away from the cost and efficiency stuff, however, I was drawn to the car’s wheels. The 20-inch multi-spoke bad boys (a £1,390 option) look stunning, but I’ll reserve judgement about the subsequent ride quality until next time.