BMW iX1 electric SUV and X1 facelift SUV with mild-hybrid technology: Highlights – Times of India

BMW iX1 Electric Hybrid variants of the SUV and the X1 facelift SUV have been revealed. The pure-electric version, the badged iX1 xDrive30e, has two electric motors with a combined maximum output of 312 horsepower and 494 Nm of torque. BMW reports that power is delivered to all four wheels, giving the iX1 a 0-100 kmph time of less than 6 seconds and a top speed of 180 kmph.

The IX1 will be equipped with a 64.7kWh battery pack that will reportedly give a range of between 410 to 438 kms as per WLTP Cycles. The electric SUV will also support charging up to 130kW which can deliver 10 to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes or 120km range in just 10 minutes. The standard 11kW AC charger will be able to fully charge the iX1 in 6.5 hours. Buyers will also have the option to upgrade to an 11kW on-board unit which further reduces the charging time to 3 hours 45 minutes.

In terms of cosmetic changes, the iX1 will look almost identical to its mild-hybrid and diesel counterparts. With the exception of minor aerodynamic changes and blue highlights that indicate its pure-electric nature. It remains to be seen whether BMW will bring the iX1 to India alongside the third-generation X1. The global launch of the SUV has been announced for October 2022, with a launch in India expected soon. The new X1 range gets sharper LED headlights, revised front grille and updated bumper design.

The 2023 X1 range and iX1 will have new seats covered in perforated leather. However, the bulk of the upgrade comes from the 10.25-inch curved infotainment display and 10.7-inch driver display in the cockpit, similar to the one we recently saw on the BMW i4. It will run BMW’s latest iDrive 8 OS which is also 5G capable.

Overall, the X1 will come in two petrol engine options that will be equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system. A diesel option and then the pure-electric iX1. The top spec 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a mild-hybrid system is reported to produce 211 horsepower and 360Nm of torque. While the diesel will produce 210hp and 400Nm. I would be interested to see how the X1 and iX1 fair against the current competition in the Indian market such as the Volvo XC40 and XC40 Recharge.