I spy a quality compact SUV

BMW has a new entry level EV, the iX1, a compact SUV. It enters a highly competitive sector and Andrew Walker was delighted to get a chance to drive

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The iX1 is an electric version of the latest X1 SUV, built on the same platform as a number of other BMWs as well as the MINI Countryman. Unlike the i3, which was definitely quirky, the iX1 is a more conventional small SUV. It’s hard to tell that it’s not a petrol X1, save for the lack of an exhaust. It uses a 64.7kWh battery.

There are two options: xLine or M Sport. Price start at £53,000, so it’s not cheap. Standard equipment includes a 10.7″ touchscreen, 10.25″ drivers digital display, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, 18″ alloys, two-zone climate control, a reversing camera and an automatic tailgate.

Interior and cabin practicality

BMW builds top-notch quality and the inside of the iX1 is no different. It is perhaps a little safe compared to other electric cars, but customers will love the excellent finishes across the dash, doors, switchgear and upholstery.

The dashboard feature a slightly curved panel that incorporates the two displays – a bit like the one found in a Mercedes-Benz. The climate controls are built into the touchscreen, but work separately which is a plus and you also get some short cut buttons below these for options such as the park assist and the all-around camera.

The gear stick is a chrome lever which you pull back to engage. This sits in front of the Start/Stop button with the electric hand brake behind, plus a volume control. These sit on top of a floating centre console, meaning that you get some storage space below. In front of this sit two cup holders and a clever vertical wireless phone charging pad with a built in clip to stop your phone from moving.

Charging and range

You can top up the iX1 at a rate up to 130kW and on-board software ensures the usual charging speed tail off associated with a nearly full battery is less abrupt than in most EVs. At its fastest you can top up the 64.7kWh battery from 10-80% in 30 minutes. Using a 7.4kWh wall box at home, a full charge will take 10.5 hours. As ever, plug-in at night to keep the charging cost down

BMW claims a 270-mile range. We charged it up to full a couple of times and the range showed 241 miles when we climbed aboard. Utilising the Efficient Driving mode and the strongest regeneration level, 5, we were able to get a few miles back when out in the car, so 270 miles is achievable. In our week and 300 miles we were getting 3.3 miles per kW hour, helped no doubt by daytime temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius.

Engine

We were testing the iX1 with the ‘xDrive30’ powertrain. It uses two electric motors so you get AWD. Together, they produce 313bhp and 494Nm of torque so it doesn’t hang around. Even if it does weigh in at over 2 tonnes, the power on tap makes this wholly irrelevant.

Driving

The first thing to say here is that the iX1 offers a surprisingly compliant ride. EVs can be fidgety and poor road surfaces can make riding in one a little uncomfortable. Not so in the BMW. Urban driving is very pleasant, with the quiet, airy, well insulated cabin a plus. On local country roads, with four adults on board, the iX1 handled really well. It stays flat into and out of corners, and there’s not much body roll. The brakes are a tad too sensitive, so we utilised the brake regeneration to slow the car down where we could.

Overall it’s an engaging car to drive, despite its weight.

Pros

A comfortable and practical family SUV. Build quality is first rate. BIK is only 2%. Handles really well and offers decent acceleration when required. BMW’s infotainment is classy.

Cons

Expensive to buy, so better to lease. A little bland to look at. Range is middling. Surely Adaptive Cruise Control should be standard on a 50k car?

CC&V VERDICT

BMW has played it a bit safe, but then again, UK customers are not famed for their love of quirkiness, so the looks should not sway anyone either way. Surprisingly quick and handles well. Range is slightly disappointing, and BMW should stop making people pay for extras that are standard elsewhere. CC&V