BMW’s Entry-level Electric SUV Now In India, iX1 SUV Launched At Rs 66.90 Lakh

• BMW iX1 electric SUV launched at Rs 66.90 lakh

• The iX1 is based on the X1 SUV and shares its underpinnings, design and features with it.

• Dual floating display includes a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment system

• Other features include a wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory and massage functions

• Packs a 66.4kWh battery paired to a dual motor setup with an output of 313PS and 494Nm.

After taking care of its flagship electric sedan and SUV, BMW is now turning its focus to the lower end of the spectrum as the carmaker has just launched the iX1 electric SUV in India. It is the electric derivative of the X1 SUV with the same underpinnings, exterior design and interiors. But of course, it runs on pure electricity and as a result, is quicker and cleaner than its ICE-counterpart. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

Price

BMW has brought the iX1 to India in its top-spec xDrive30 guise, which is priced at Rs 66.90 lakh. In comparison to the top-spec X1, the iX1 commands a premium of Rs 15.30 lakh.

Design

The BMW iX1 mirrors the ICE-powered X1’s styling for the most part. Just like the top-spec X1, the iX1 benefits from the M Sport package. As a result, the massive kidney grille flanked by the LED headlights with the two-piece LED DRLs, the sharp creases and the bumper shape and style, are all similar. 

Unlike the international-spec model, the India-spec iX1 doesn’t get the blue accents on the bumper inserts to denote its electric nature, which makes it actually quite hard to set apart from the standard X1. 

The M Sport package brings a M logo on the front fender, while the rear bumper gets finished in high gloss black hue, just like the front bumper. 

Interior and features

The cabin too is identical to the BMW X1 with the dual screen layout for the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment system. The air vents feature metallic surrounds, and similar silver or metallic trim bits are placed all over the cabin. There is even a floating armrest with controls for the gear selector, driving modes, parking brake, audio volume and engine start/stop. You also get a rather generous storage space between the armrest and the AC vents. 

Apart from the aforementioned screens, the iX1 SUV packs wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats with memory and massage functions, dual zone climate control, and ambient lighting. 

ABS with Brake Assist, multiple airbags for the driver and passengers, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems make up its safety suite.

Electric powertrain

The BMW iX1 is powered by a dual electric motor setup, which is good for a combined output of 313PS and 494Nm. It is fed charge using a 66.4 kWh battery pack, which offers a WLTP-claimed range of up to 440 km.

Also Read: Exterior Sketches Of All-New Skoda Kodiaq Revealed Ahead Of October 4 Unveil

The setup is compatible with fast charging, so a 10-80% charge time takes only 29 minutes using a 130kW DC charger.

The BMW iX1 is BMW’s only second electric SUV after the iX in India. It is sold alongside its ICE-counterpart and will rival the Volvo XC40 Recharge, while being an alternative to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.