Say hello to…
…the BMW iX1 is all-electric version of the latest X1 small SUV which is also available as a petrol or plug-in hybrid.
The new X1 and iX1 is bigger and more luxurious than before and designed with an all-electric powertrain in mind.
The iX1 is available in two trim levels:
- xLine
- M Sport
xLine includes 18-inch alloys, LED lights, powered tailgate, two-zone climate control, sport leather steering wheel, 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats, drive modes, park assist, reversing camera, cruise control with brake function and heated front seats.
M Sport adds 19-inch alloys, alcantara seat trim, wireless phone charging, puddle lighting, adaptive LED headlights and adaptive suspension.
Is The BMW iX1 Suitable For My Fleet
Electric cars from premium brands are always hot property in fleet and the new iX1 is no exception. This is no surprise because as well as having a BMW badge it also has all the right ingredients for fleet such as a high 130kW maximum charge speed, an official range of more than 250 miles and a surprisingly practical interior.
Talking about the insides of the iX1, the boot is an impressive 490 litres and there’s under-floor storage for cables too. Working your way forward, there’s 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats. The seats themselves have enough leg and headroom for taller adults and there’s two USB charge points for rear seat occupants too.
In terms of efficiency, the indicated range during our test was 218 miles at 100% and it seemed to correlate with rate of decline.
Interestingly, the trip computer said consumption was 2.6m/kWh. And if you do the maths, 2.6 x 64.7kW equals a range of 168 miles. So something doesn’t seem correct, until you add back in the regeneration figure of 16.8kW (x2.6) then the range goes back up to 212 miles.
Leasing A BMW iX1
While the iX1 has a fairly hefty list price of nearly £55,000, strong BMW residuals mean the electric car can be leased from £699 a month from Intelligent Car Leasing on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Gensen Reports forecasts the running costs will be a reasonable £42 a month too.
Driving A BMW iX1
Against other electric cars, even premium ones, BMW appears to be consistently producing vehicles that feel a level above rivals and in the process justifying the EV premium. In the iX1’s case, the same specification although less powerful X1 xLine 23i is only £556 a month.
Like almost all EVs, the iX1 has that useful and slightly addictive instant shove when you press the accelerator. The iX1 is a quick car. It has more torque than an i4 eDrive40 and as a result it’s also quicker to 60mph with a time of 5.6 seconds. The iX1 is also all-wheel drive which not only helps the 0-60mph time, but also makes the iX1 feel very surefooted on damp roads.
Apart from being a quick car, when you want it to be, the iX1 is very easy to drive more gently and from an overall view is incredibly easy to live with. The steering is well weighted and gives a feeling of solidity and the suspension, while firm, is not overly so.
The only real negative to the way the car feels is the thickness of the steering wheel which is surprisingly fat and takes some getting used to.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The BMW iX1
One of those cars that’s far better than it needs to be and completely justifies the price.
BMW iX1
- Model: iX1 xDrive30e xLine
- Power: 313hp
- Torque: 494Nm
- Max speed: 118mph
- 0-62mph: 5.6s
- Official range: 266 miles
- Test range: 212 miles*
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2022/23: 2%
* Ambient temp 0degC
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