The 2023 BMW iX1 was set to bring fully electric power to BMW’s popular compact X1 SUV for the first time, combining familiar BMW design with zero-tailpipe-emission driving.
Based on the third-generation BMW X1, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 was the first fully electric version of the compact Sports Activity Vehicle. It combined two electric motors with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, producing 313hp and 494Nm of torque.
When the new model was announced in June 2022, BMW said the iX1 would be available in the UK alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the X1. The electric model was due to arrive later in 2022, giving buyers a new zero-emission option in the premium compact SUV market.
The 2023 BMW iX1 shared the basic design of the third-generation X1 but introduced styling details designed to identify it as an electric model.
The new X1 was larger than its predecessor, measuring 4,500mm long, 1,845mm wide and 1,642mm high, with a 2,692mm wheelbase. Its more upright proportions gave the compact SUV a stronger road presence.
At the front was a large, almost square BMW kidney grille, joined by slim LED headlights. The grille was largely closed on the electric iX1 because the vehicle did not need the same airflow requirements as a conventional combustion engine.
The body also featured more defined wheel arches, a rising shoulder line and a longer roofline leading into a prominent rear spoiler.
BMW offered Sport, xLine and M Sport designations across the wider X1 range, with the iX1 available in selected specifications. Wheel sizes extended from 17 inches on the standard X1 Sport to larger options on higher-specification models.
The interior of the new X1 took inspiration from BMW’s larger electric models, particularly through its minimalist dashboard and curved display arrangement.
A BMW Curved Display formed the centrepiece of the dashboard, combining the driver’s information display with the central control screen.
The floating centre console incorporated the main transmission selector and other controls, while the raised seating position retained the practical feel expected from an SUV.
BMW also increased interior space compared with the previous-generation X1. The rear seats could be configured to provide additional flexibility, while the luggage area offered useful space for everyday family use.
Available equipment included features such as electric seat adjustment with memory functionality, premium upholstery options, a panoramic glass roof and a range of driver-assistance systems.
The 2023 BMW iX1 was designed around BMW’s latest digital technology, with BMW Operating System 8 and the new BMW iDrive system available as standard.
The BMW Curved Display provided a single visual interface for the driver information and infotainment systems.
BMW Maps was also integrated into the vehicle. In the iX1, the navigation system could calculate routes with charging requirements in mind, helping drivers plan longer journeys in an electric vehicle.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also available, while the My BMW App allowed owners to interact with various vehicle functions remotely.
The iX1 also featured a wide range of driver-assistance technology, including front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, cruise control and parking assistance.
The 2023 BMW iX1 was powered by two electric motors, with one driving the front wheels and the other driving the rear wheels.
Together, they produced 313hp, including temporary boost, and 494Nm of torque. This gave the iX1 the performance expected from a BMW while retaining the practicality of a compact SUV.
BMW quoted a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 112mph for the UK-market model.
The electric all-wheel-drive system could vary the distribution of power between the front and rear axles, helping provide traction in different road and weather conditions.
This made the iX1 considerably more than simply an efficient urban runabout. Its performance was strong enough to make it a genuine alternative to more powerful petrol versions of the X1.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 used a 64.7kWh high-voltage battery mounted within the vehicle floor.
BMW quoted an official WLTP range of between 259 and 270 miles for the UK model, depending on specification and equipment.
The battery’s position beneath the passenger compartment helped maintain the iX1’s low centre of gravity while making efficient use of the available space.
The 2023 BMW iX1 offered enough range for much more than short urban journeys. For many drivers, it could potentially cover several days of normal commuting without requiring a recharge every night.
As with any electric vehicle, real-world range would depend on factors including driving style, temperature, road conditions, speed, wheel and tyre specification and the use of heating or air conditioning.
The BMW iX1 supported AC charging at up to 11kW as standard, with 22kW three-phase AC charging available as an option.
Using a suitable DC rapid charger, the battery could accept up to 130kW. BMW stated that the battery could be charged from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes under suitable conditions.
BMW also introduced charging software designed to make the process more efficient. The system could manage the charging rate as the battery filled, while battery preconditioning could help prepare the battery for rapid charging.
For owners of the 2023 BMW iX1, access to rapid charging was one of the most important features for longer journeys.
The 2023 BMW iX1 was particularly well suited to urban driving because of the characteristics of its electric powertrain.
Electric motors provide instant torque, making the iX1 responsive when pulling away from traffic lights or joining busy roads.
The absence of a combustion engine also means quieter operation at low speeds, while regenerative braking can recover some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy and return it to the battery.
Its compact SUV dimensions also made it easier to live with than a larger electric SUV, while the elevated driving position provided the visibility many buyers want from a crossover.
However, the iX1 was not limited to city use. Its official range of up to 270 miles and rapid-charging capability also made it suitable for longer journeys.
When BMW announced the new model for the UK in June 2022, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 was priced from £52,255 on the road.
That positioned the iX1 towards the premium end of the compact electric SUV market.
The price reflected the combination of BMW’s premium positioning, all-wheel drive, 313hp electric powertrain and extensive standard technology.
As with other BMW models, optional equipment and specification choices could increase the final purchase price.
The 2023 BMW iX1 represented an important step for BMW because it brought a fully electric powertrain to the company’s compact X1 range for the first time.
With 313hp, 494Nm of torque, all-wheel drive and a WLTP range of up to 270 miles, it offered considerably more performance and capability than the typical city-focused electric car.
Its spacious interior, digital technology and SUV practicality also made it a compelling option for drivers who wanted to switch to electric power without moving into a much larger vehicle.
The combination of performance, practicality and electric range made the BMW iX1 one of the most significant additions to BMW’s compact SUV line-up for the 2023 model year.
For more information on the original model specifications, see the official BMW UK information on the BMW iX1.
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