The iX1 is set to be BMW’s best-selling electric car for years to come. Now, the Germans present in society the access version with good range and a lower price. BMW has high hopes for its I family. The electrical division is taking center stage in a strategy that over the next few years will add units to the cause. Within the current fleet, the iX1 is called to lead the sales of electric cars in the house. A very interesting compact SUV that now receives the cheapest version you can buy, is the BMW iX1 eDrive20. It has just been presented at the Munich Motor Show, although it will still take a few months to reach dealers.
That BMW was going to have a 100% electric unit of its flagship product, the BMW X1, is something that had been known for a long time. The official reveal took place in the summer of last year, although it wasn’t until late 2022 that production began. We have already been able to get to know it briefly and from the beginning, we have highlighted its many qualities to become one of the benchmark electric SUVs on the market. Among its rivals are illustrious names, including the successful Tesla Model Y.
As usual at BMW, the Germans began the commercial launch with an intermediate version called xDrive30. Two electric motors capable of generating a combined power of 233 kW (313 hp). Coupled, with a 64.8 kWh net capacity battery that achieves an approved range of 436 kilometers. In Spain, this version has a starting price of 56,400 euros, without offers or promotions. A rate considerably higher than that offered by Tesla for its Access Model Y with 455 kilometers of range and a minimum price of 46,490 euros.
To counter the strength of the American brand, BMW is now launching the most interesting version of the entire iX1 range. Predictably, it will be the best-selling unit of all because it offers more range at a lower price. Officially called the BMW iX1 eDrive20, it is powered by a single electric motor installed on the front axle with 152 kW (204 hp) of power. It is associated with the same 64.8 kWh net capacity battery that allows it to certify a range of 475 kilometers under the WLTP protocol. The estimated average consumption is just 15.4 kWh per 100 kilometers traveled.
The combined charging unit of the new BMW iX1 eDrive20 enables AC power of up to 11 kW. This allows the high-voltage battery to be charged from zero to 100% capacity in 6.5 hours. Optionally, three-phase alternating current charging with a power of up to 22 kW will be available. This will reduce the charging time to 3:45 hours. In direct current, a maximum power of 130 kW is established. As for the rest of the benefits, BMW announces an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.
At the equipment level, the iX1 eDrive20 will partially reduce its technological offer. Despite this, it will have elements such as the double panel of the dashboard operated under the latest operating system of the house. The commercial launch will soon start in Germany to do the same in Spain in a few months. At the moment, there are no fixed rates for our market, although there are for the German one which has been announced with a minimum price of 47,900 euros, without promotions that bring it much closer to the Model Y.
