Electric Avenue: Roadtripping in the BMW iX1 xDrive30

Introduced in 2013, the i3 marked BMW’s inaugural venture into the realm of electric vehicle motoring. Distinguished by a groundbreaking bespoke aluminium chassis fused with a passenger cell crafted from carbon fibre-reinforced polymers, it exhibited a futuristic exterior design that stood apart from both its contemporaries and even present-day BMW models. With its elevated body, modest hood, concise overhangs, and innovative rear-hinged clamshell doors, the i3 showcased a unique visual identity. Furthermore, it pioneered the use of sustainable materials within BMW’s interior, featuring elements such as wool, olive oil leaf-infused tanned leather, eucalyptus wood, and even hemp for the door panels.

The revolutionary thinking behind the development of the i3 naturally extended to its electric drivetrain, with careful thought going into weight distribution. The i3 also featured BMW’s first-ever implementation of single-pedal driving and even Bridgestone tires had a hand in the development of the i3, creating a special set of tires specifically made to reduce rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag.

While many of the i3’s features and qualities have endured on BMWs of today, it was this very car launched a decade ago that kickstarted BMW’s bold new step into the future – a future that has continued to this very day with my drive in the brand-new iX1.

Too busy to read everything? Here are the 5 key takeaways of the new BMW iX1.

1. The iX1 takes over the mantle from the i3, representing a new era in BMW’s electric vehicle entry-level lineup.
   
   
2. The X1/iX1 has matured into a stunning vehicle in its own right, boasting both a strong and appealing aesthetic and an enhanced, premium interior experience.
   
   
3. Its impressive driving dynamics are now complemented by a performance that befits its chassis. While retaining a slightly firm suspension setup for agile handling, ride comfort remains largely uncompromised.
   
   
4. At this moment, the iX1 features only a 65kWh battery variant powering twin electric motors positioned on both axles, resulting in a comprehensive power yield of 313bhp and 494Nm of torque. Double the sDrive16i. Allowing the iX1 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. Driving range is up to 440km and it can be recharged at speeds of up to 130kW, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge takes just 29 minutes.
   
   
5. Despite the anticipated higher price point, the iX1 justifies its premium with elevated power, an expanded array of features, and improved dynamics and ride qualities, rendering it a holistic and appealing package that makes it the most complete car in its segment.
   

Now, I mentioned the i3 not just because it pioneered BMW’s EV revolution, but because after nine years of production, 250,000 cars, and multiple awards, it has been discontinued with no successor planned. This means the iX3 is now the entry-level EV for our favourite Bavarian marque.

With my introduction complete, let me welcome you to the beautiful roads of Bavaria, where we will spend the next day or two behind the wheel of two brand-new iX1s. Los geht’s!

For those who have been following our driving escapades, you would have already read about our previous drive of the X1 on local roads. While we love its beautifully chunky styling, larger size, premium build quality, and dynamic handling, its detuned 1.5-litre powerplant left us wanting more – more power, that is. Enter the iX1.

There is currently only one single drivetrain model available for the iX1, the (up to) 440km ranged xDrive30, which means, yes you’re right, two electric motors, one mounted on each axle for all-wheel drive and plugged into a 65 kWh battery. All good for a healthy 313 bhp and 494 Nm of torque. More than double the amount of oomph from its Category A-sized sibling (121 bhp, 230 Nm) back home.

As you would expect, this significant power increase has transformed the iX1’s character, propelling it to 100 km/h in a cheerful 5.7 seconds. The car now feels lighter on its feet, despite being heavier by 500 kilos. It responds much better to throttle inputs and delivers a more enjoyable and eager drive, matching its damping characteristics.

Unfortunately, while straight-line acceleration has notably improved, the additional weight on our tires causes the iX1 to slightly plough outwards before the car’s intelligent computers and electronics step in to correct the trajectory.

That said, as we dialled back our exuberance slightly and pushed on with smoother inputs, the iX1 settled neatly into a controlled flow of progress as it perfectly threaded the beautiful rolling hills of Bavaria with little to no complaint. While I would have preferred it if the steering communicated better with more feedback (a common issue I know), there’s little to complain about with how direct it feels and its ability to make light work of the tighter confines in built-up cities. On vast open stretches of the Autobahns though, the iX1’s oodles of electric torque allows it to Hans-Zimmer itself up to 180km/h limited top speed with little fuss.

That Hans-Zimmer tune is selectable too, with up to 6(ish) different driving modes. The first three are straightforward and have a direct impact on the car’s performance: Personal, Sport, and Efficient. The following three, namely ‘Expressive,’ ‘Relax,’ and ‘Digital Art,’ are a bit more intricate to elucidate. Consider them as toggles for “moods” rather than “modes,” as they instead alter the visual and sensory ambience of your driving environment.

Speaking of tactile experiences, when it comes to comfort levels, it’s worth noting that the iX1 maintains a hint of firmness in its ride, seemingly tailored for a youthful audience. What’s intriguing is how the suspension settings excel in the iX1 compared to the sDrive16i, allowing the chassis and dampers to effectively absorb minor ruts and imperfections that could have unsettled its Singapore-tuned X1 counterpart.

Directing our attention to the interior, the iX1 impeccably upholds BMW’s high build quality, which even for an entry-level SUV (SAV), exudes robustness and premium appeal. Rear seat occupants are also in for a surprise, as the iX1 was engineered to accommodate both electric and internal combustion drivetrains. By eliminating the conventional challenge of an elevated floor concealing the battery pack, a uniform cabin layout is achieved across all models. Practically speaking, this translates to exceptional cabin space that transcends X1 and iX1 variations, ensuring a superb experience for both front and rear occupants.

However, there’s a caveat to consider – the matter of boot space. On the iX1, the cargo area in the rear has undergone a reduction of 50 litres. Although this decrease is not particularly significant, given the overall expansion of space on this new platform (it’s worth noting that it still maintains the previous generation’s 490-litre capacity), it remains a detail worth acknowledging.

Another detail worth acknowledging. is the fact that the iX1 also inherits the base-level Drive setup as every other “1” car in the range. This, unfortunately, eliminates the wonderfully tactile controller knob, compelling users to interact with features and controls solely through touch. Until BMW designs a dedicated user interface that focuses on a touch-centric approach, it does introduce a slight flaw in an otherwise excellent interior experience. (Save for the arm-rest storage cover that opens on the wrong side for right-hand-drive cars).

Externally, the iX1 does little to veer away from its ICE sibling’s handsome, strong aesthetics with only minimal changes to improve airflow and set itself apart. While the iX1 and X1 are the babies of BMW’s X-cars, their current design is in my opinion among the most compelling. Featuring strong sturdy lines, chunky surfaces and beautiful proportions.

As always, there will be two trim levels to choose from, xLine and M Sport. While we do not have word yet on which will make it to Singapore, the good news is that even on the xLine, equipment levels and aesthetic appeal both remain high.

Considering the inevitable price premium associated with the iX1, its substantial enhancements in power, drivability, ride comfort, and equipment levels position it not just as the most comprehensive option within the X1 lineup, but truly the sole contender deserving of consideration. Volvo will need to significantly elevate their game with the next XC40 Recharge. The iX1 should arrive in Singapore soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

What do we love? Great looks and solid build quality.

What are we not too sure about? Final spec and pricing in Singapore.

What can be improved? Brake pedal modulation isn’t great and requires some getting used to.