Want a compact sports activity vehicle with electric drive and loads of kit? This is the One. By John Challen.

The battery-powered iX1 is expected to account for two-thirds of all orders for the third-generation X1

Full disclosure: the iX1 driven here was, we were told by BMW, a prototype. However, poking around both the inside and outside of Munich’s latest EV, we were hard-pushed to find any signs of pre-production-ness. But erring on the side of caution is understandable for a car that should provide a new platform to build on X1 sales. So while some finer details might be subject to change, the iX1 sampled was effectively the real deal.

The standard X1 has proved a big success for BMW since it was introduced 2009, amassing 119,000 UK sales in that time. For this, the third generation of the model series, the battery-powered iX1 is expected to account for two-thirds of all X1 orders. Designed to offer an entry point for drivers looking to test the EV water, the iX1 does plenty of things right. Like its bigger sibling, the iX3, the car retains its ‘traditional’ looks inside and out, albeit with subtle blue ‘electric’ touches that help it stand out from its ICE counterpart. Like the iX3, it’s not revolutionary, preferring to stick with a conventional EV offering, which will no doubt be appreciated by more conservative drivers.

Evolutionary, then, which means more standard spec, increased interior space – it’s longer and higher than the outgoing model – and an infotainment makeover. BMW has introduced a two-screen setup that creates a neat curved display.

The iX1 employs BMW’s Operating System 8, which links up those screens, voice control, head-up display (offered in the Technology Plus pack) and multifunction steering wheel buttons. While it sounds like a lot of tech in one place, it’s pretty straightforward to use, with sensible menus and good responsiveness to the inputs, both be they by touch or voice.

There’s one option for the iX1 – the xDrive30 – with two grades: xLine and M Sport. It is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. There’s 313hp available and 494Nm of torque, which enables a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Drive more sedately, however, and a theoretical range of 270 miles can be covered. The car’s 64.7kWh battery ensuring that big distances can completed on a single charge, further helping the iX1’s cause as a credible alternative to its ICE sister-product.

Talking of charging, single- and three-phase AC charging is available up to 22kW, which allows the battery to be fully replenished from empty in under four hours. Hook up to a DC fast-charger (at up to 130kW) and the battery gets boosted from 10 to 80% in less than half an hour. In other words, 10 minutes charging will provide an extra 75 miles of range.

One clever and intuitive feature is the adaptive energy recuperation while on the move – which uses data from the sat-nav and driver assistance systems to calculate the optimum levels of reservation and decelerates accordingly. For something that could be setup to be intrusive, it’s a subtle and effective feature that adds keeps that all-important range topped up.

Elsewhere on the road, the iX1 is, as expected, great to drive. The steering is direct and nicely weighted, there’s plenty of power available and a wide selection of ‘engine’ notes to choose from, should you feel inclined.

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT?  Premium SAV

HOW MUCH?  from £52,255

RANGE?  270 miles

CHARGE TO 80%?  30min (130kW)

Key fleet model: xDrive30

Pros: Great to drive; intelligent recuperation

Cons: Firm ride; price

7-word summary: Brilliant, battery-powered BMW – with price premium

Also consider  Audi Q4 e-tron / Mercedes-Benz EQA / Volvo XC40