2023 BMW iX1 detailed! New electric SUV helps X1 take fight to Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Lexus UX 300e

As part of its reveal of the third-generation X1 small SUV, BMW has revealed its first fully electric small SUV, the range-topping iX1.

The iX1 arrives internationally in a high-spec xDrive30 grade, offering dual-motor all-wheel drive from the get-go.

The two electric drive units produce a peak of 230kW/494Nm, making it the most powerful X1 in the lineup by some margin. BMW says the iX1 will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

Packing a relatively large 64.7kWh battery pack, the iX1 xDrive30 is able to travel up to an estimated 438km on a single charge, based on preliminary WLTP figures.

The iX1 will include the brand’s latest software array, with improvements to charging software said to be derived from the incoming i7 electric saloon, which is yet to launch. It will use a European-standard Type 2 CCS charging port like all other BMW models, and be able to charge at a max speed of 130kW on DC and 11kW on AC, which can be optionally boosted to 22kW.

Official energy consumption is said to be 18.4kWh/100km on the WLTP standard.

The iX1 appears to offer a large battery, signature driving dynamics, and fast charging.

Standard features across the third-generation X1 range include LED headlights, a dual-screen curved display consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen, built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-C ports in the cabin, dual-zone climate control, a leather sports steering wheel, keyless entry and push-start ignition, and an improved active safety suite.

The X1 has increased in dimensions for its third generation, and new styling elements for the fully electric iX1 include subtle blue highlights, and a more blanked-out version of the enlarged ‘kidney’ grille design. Interestingly, the iX1 is not available with the option to have the second row on rails like combustion variants, and its boot capacity is down slightly to a total of 490L with the second row up.

The interior brings familiar innovations from the iX range.

The iX1 xDrive30 will launch internationally before the end of the year and BMW Australia has confirmed it will arrive Down Under in Q1 of 2023, a short time later than the combustion variants. It will go into battle with notable fully electric rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX300e and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.