2023 BMW iX1 new car review

This luxury German brand is rapidly expanding its electric car line-up and its newest arrival has class and performance in spades.

2023 BMW iX1 M Sport.

BMW’s new fully electric iX1 is hiding in plain sight.

There is little to differentiate the zero-emission version from its petrol-powered sibling.

A closed off grille, slightly altered headlights, a slightly lower roofline and minimalist badging are the only markers of electric propulsion.

BMW has launched its new iX1 small electric SUV.

The subtle differences mask some big changes, though.

Out is the turbo petrol engine and dual-clutch auto from the X1 and in its place is a 64.7kWh battery and two electric motors providing all-wheel drive grip and 230kW/494Nm of grunt.

It’s fast, too, completing the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds, half a second quicker than the bigger iX3.

The trade-off is more than 400kg of extra weight and a starting price of $84,900 (before on-road costs), which is about $15,000 more than the all-wheel drive X1 20i.

It has two electric motors providing all-wheel drive.

The battery can accept a maximum charge rate of 130kW, well below the 350kW offered by Kia, Hyundai and others. BMW says it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes or add 120km of range in 10 minutes.

A complimentary three-year Chargefox subscription gives owners access to one of the biggest charging networks in the country, while BMW will also sell you for a home charger for $1199 plus installation. The home charger has a class-leading charge rate of 22kW, allowing you to fill up to 80 per cent in roughly two and a half hours.

Buyers can choose between M Sport or X Line trims, which are identically priced and bring a range of styling and equipment tweaks.

The cabin is classy.

There are different 19-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather upholstery and different interior surface finishes.

The M Sport dials up the theatre with gloss black finishes, a sporty leather steering wheel and dark grey roof trim.

The X Line package is more subtle, with chrome and aluminium exterior highlights.

Soft-touch finishes and premium materials cover nearly every surface inside and there is plenty of storage space thanks to a double-decker floating centre console.

Twin curved screens in the centre of the dash and in front of the driver add a touch of class, while tech includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a digital smartphone key and a head-up display.

The M Sport pack adds gloss black highlights.

The infotainment and vehicle settings are vast and complex and need time and patience to study and navigate but there are some handy functions, including a dashcam that automatically records when it detects an accident.

Other luxury items include heated front seats, wireless device charging, interior ambient lighting and adaptive LED headlights.

Those wanting a premium Harman Kardon stereo, panoramic sunroof, metallic paint and massaging front seats will need to pony up an extra $4700 for the Enhancement Pack. Metallic paint on its own costs $1800.

If you want a heated steering wheel, you can sign up for a subscription that costs $350 for a lifetime of use.

It’s got plenty of grunt and is an enjoyable car to steer.

Safety is comprehensive, too, thanks to seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

On the road the BMW is a capable performer.

The dual motors deliver ample shove off the mark and have plenty left in reserve for overtaking at speed.

The smartly calibrated all-wheel drive system delivers superb grip through corners and there is no wheel slip despite the amount of grunt on tap.

The steering is well weighted and predictable but isn’t as quick and responsive as one might expect from a BMW.

It holds its line through the corners well, displaying impressive body control.

There is no hiding the vehicle bulk, though. At times the ride is both floaty and jiggly, as the suspension struggles to keep the excess heft in check, a symptom afflicting nearly all electric vehicles.

Several driving modes – including “efficient”, “personal” and “sport” – alter the character of the car slightly.

Sport has the firmest suspension and makes the motors the most responsive. Efficient focuses on ride comfort and personal is somewhere in the middle.

BMW covers the iX1 with a five year/unlimited km warranty and the battery is guaranteed for eight years/160,000km. A prepaid six-year servicing pack can be bought for a very reasonable $1800.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Well rounded electric SUV that brings BMW’s classy drive experience, but it’s let down by some fiddly tech.

BMW iX1

PRICE $84,900 before on-road costs

MOTOR Dual electric motors, 230kW and 494Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1800 for six years

SAFETY 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, radar cruise control

BATTERY/RANGE 64.7kWh and 400km

SPARE Tyre repair kit

LUGGAGE 490L

Originally published as 2023 BMW iX1 new car review