BMW iX1 road test review finds capable family SUV

The most popular model in BMW’s Australian range is the X1, and there is an electric version that boasts more than 400km of range from one charge.

When it comes to popularity contests, BMW’s small SUV is the brand’s darling.

Last year, the propeller badge topped the big Germans in Australian sales for the first time and the X1 was pivotal in achieving that success.

So far the trajectory shows no sign of slowing, with the compact SUV pacing ahead of the mid-size X3 and large X5.

Electric versions of the X1 have also been going strong. BMW has been pushing its green credentials and the fact it falls below the government’s Luxury Car Tax threshold of $89,332.

An onslaught of 12 electric and hybrid models from BMW has seen battery vehicle sales improve more than 200 per cent during the first quarter of this year.

Our family managed to secure the iX3 xDrive30 to see what’s enticing buyers to the realm.

What do you get?

While there is a less powerful front-wheel drive called the eDrive20 for about $6000 less, the xDrive30 has motors on both axles for extra acceleration punch.

The range is about 440km, but our real-world activities saw it closer to 400km.

There are two trims available that have simple variations, M Sport and the one we sampled, xLine. Both come with adaptive M suspension, man-made leather trim, twin curved screens, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless phone charging and an electric tailgate.

Initially on the standard gear list, a panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon stereo and massaging front seats are now in an optional equipment package for $3616.

Metallic paint doesn’t cost extra with variations of white, black, silver, blue, green and orange.

Only “frozen pure grey” metallic attracts a $3200 premium.

Use a DC (direct current) fast charger and the Beemer can only accept up to 130kW. Many competitors can handle up to 350kW. It can still add about 120km of range in 10 minutes.

All iX1s come with a three-year Chargefox subscription as part of the deal. Yet most will charge in the garage, and for about $1200 plus installation, a 22kW BMW home charger can replenish the battery in 2.5 hours.

As tested with the optional pack, that pushed the price beyond the Luxury Car Tax threshold, which meant giving $500 to the government coffers with a total drive-away price nearing $95k.

That makes the iX1 still a costly investment up against the Tesla Model Y Performance ($87,154 drive-away) that is faster and has a range surpassing 500km, or a less powerful Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+ ($87,316) or EQB 250+ ($91,500). Then there’s the Volvo XC40 Ultimate that has a similar price but a range of more than 640km, or the Kia EV6 GT-Line for $92,200.

BMW's battery electric iX1 xDrive30 in XLine specification.

How was the drive?

Well manned and quiet, the iX3 was a smooth mover across wide-ranging terrains.

Typically electric-quick off the mark, with a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.6 seconds, the compact SUV shifts nicely and has a well-weighted feel through the steering.

Batteries stored under the floor help maintain a low centre of gravity, although the bulk and ride height can’t be completely maintained with some body roll following changes in direction if the driver becomes too enthusiastic.

Remain behaved and the Beemer SUV rides beautifully and without fanfare.

While there are drive modes to suit your mood, efficient for keeping things under control and sport for more exciting times, the iX3 remains unflustered and a solid family companion.

Surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV, there is reasonable leg, knee and headroom for adults in the back seat. An added bonus is 490L of boot space – which is only 10L less than its petrol-powered sibling. It feels more like a mid-size SUV.

Our average consumption was 17.3kWh/100km, which proved thriftier than the official figure from BMW.

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 starts from about $90,000 drive-away.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Everything was easy in the iX3. I really enjoy driving electric cars and I particularly like the BMW’s size and ease of operation. Having all the aircon controls within the touchscreen was annoying on occasions as was trying to access the seat massage function. Given the BMW prestige and overall package, I could probably be convinced to invest.

Grant: Where the iX3 becomes super appealing is via novated leasing. Getting behind the wheel can mean a weekly cost of less than $150 a week – but prospective owners need to fully investigate the fine print. The outlay remains a reasonable whack, but the brand cachet is far superior to a Tesla, while it also trumps Hyundai or Kia, and the faster charging at home is a big bonus. I’d take one as a great family chariot if the leasing arrangement stacked up.