BMW released the iX1 xDrive30 in Europe, promising a new perspective on the crossover’s appearance and functional versatility that “embody an authentic experience of freedom and independence in day-to-day driving and on longer journeys” and at the same time offering the added bonus of emission-free mobility.
In October 2021, the X1 series released included a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. These will link up with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with the double clutch as standard, and their drive power will be channeled to the road via either the front wheels or the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, depending on the model.
This starting quartet now includes the all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30 (electric power consumption, combined in the WLTP cycle: 18.4—17.3 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; figures in NEDC cycle: —; estimates based on the car’s current development stage) as well as by a pair of plug-in hybrid models and another two conventionally powered variants with 48V mild-hybrid technology. The new BMW X1 will be built at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, where models with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems, and all-electric drive will all roll off a single assembly line for the first time.
The BMW iX1 will bring the experience of “emission-free driving pleasure to a vehicle segment enjoying worldwide growth,” thus making it accessible to a very wide target audience. The compact SAV, powered with the latest BMW eDrive technology, is expected to accelerate electric mobility globally because of the improvements it has in terms of in sustainability. This can be partly attributed to the wide-ranging electrification measures, but also the increased use of green energy, both for production and in the supply chain, and the greater quantities of secondary raw materials and natural materials used.
It is the first all-wheel-drive electric car introduced by the brand in the premium compact segment. Two highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles deliver a combined output of 230 kW/313 hp (taking the temporary boost effect into account), and post overall torque of 494 Nm (364 lb-ft). The electric all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction and directional stability in all situations. The BMW iX1 xDrive30 completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology additionally comprises the car’s highly efficient charging technology, including the improved charging software also found in the BMW i7, and a high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody, whose high energy density gives the car a range of 413 to 438 kilometers (257 to 272 miles). (According to BMW these figures–relating to output, performance, energy consumption, and range for the BMW iX1 xDrive30–are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is also employed in the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW X1, which means significant advances over the preceding generation in terms of sporting prowess, efficiency and charging capacity. There has also been a substantial increase in electric range.
The new BMW X1 will be launched with a choice of conventional combustion engines featuring two petrol and two diesel units from the BMW Group’s new modular generation of Efficient Dynamics engines. Second-generation 48V mild hybrid technology with an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed Steptronic transmission is on hand to help boost both efficiency and power delivery in the two most powerful engines.
Irrespective of the drive system fitted, all new BMW X1 models offer well-resolved handling characteristics in any situation and deliver the driving experience for which the brand is renowned. The compact all-rounder’s sophisticated chassis technology produces a perfectly harmonious balance between sporty, agile handling on the one hand and long-distance comfort on the other. All the tools required here are provided by a body construction that reduces weight while increasing rigidity, a long wheelbase, wider tracks than the predecessor model, and targeted upgrades to the single-joint spring strut axle at the front and the three-link rear axle.
Near-actuator wheel slip limitation is fitted as standard in the new BMW X1, benefiting both traction and directional stability. Other new features include the integrated braking system and the extra, lift-related damping at the front axle. The optional adaptive M suspension features frequency-selective damping, sport steering and a 15-millimetre drop in ride height.
The technological advances made in the new BMW X1 compared with the outgoing model are also evident in the far greater variety of automated driving and parking systems available to use. Standard features include Cruise Control with brake function and the front-collision warning system, which is now also capable of detecting oncoming traffic when turning left (in countries where vehicles drive on the right) and pedestrians and cyclists when turning right. The Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant also forms part of the standard equipment roster.
The list of optional features, meanwhile, includes the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Active Navigation, exit warning function and BMW Head-Up Display, as well as the Surround View, Remote 3D View, BMW Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder functions. Existing functions can be upgraded by means of the Remote Software Upgrades facility, which also makes it possible to add new functions (availability depends on the hardware fitted in the vehicle and the market conditions).
The new BMW X1 also treats its occupants to the latest-generation BMW iDrive multi-sensory vehicle experience in the form of the standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Based on BMW Operating System 8, it comprises the BMW Curved Display with its state-of-the-art graphics and menu structure along with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that has now gained additional skills. The fully digital screen grouping is formed by the 10.25-inch information display and the control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The new BMW iDrive is geared purposefully to providing intuitive touch and voice control. The broad-based digitalisation of the interior enables the number of physical buttons, controls and switches required for operation to be significantly reduced.
The new “My Modes” combine individually selectable vehicle settings with matching experience worlds for the interior. The Augmented View function is available as an optional add-on for the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. An interior camera makes it possible to take snapshots of the occupants or have images of the interior sent to the customer’s smartphone. In addition to this, a Personal eSIM designed for 5G mobile technology, the BMW Digital Key Plus, the BMW ID functionality and smartphone integration using both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also all available in the new BMW X1.
