On the road that leads to EVs, the comparison between two exceptional offerings from BMW, the iX1 and the iX, captivates enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike. This blog jumps into the intricate details of these electric marvels, highlighting their unique attributes, performance prowess and distinct features.
As we pit the iX1 against the iX, get ready to explore a world of BMW electric cars where innovation, design and sustainability converge in the automotive landscape.
DESIGN
The BMW iX1
The BMW iX1, the latest addition to BMW’s lineup of electric vehicles, presents a captivating design that is arguably the most appealing among the brand’s current SUV offerings. Visually, it bears striking resemblance to its conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the X1 U11, making it a seamless transition for fans of the traditional BMW electric cars. To differentiate the iX1, one can spot subtle blue accents both inside and outside the vehicle, along with additional digital elements within the cabin. Despite sharing a new platform with the ICE X1 that has led to increased dimensions, the iX1 showcases a slightly lower stance, enhancing its sporty aesthetic.
The BMW iX
BMW’s iX M60 is not just another all-electric SUV from the brand; it’s a statement piece that has ignited both excitement and debate. Its distinctive feature is the vertical orientation of the grille, often described as having a “toothy” appearance, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
PRACTICALITY
The BMW iX1
Talking about iX1, BMW takes pride in its interior spaciousness, positioning it almost on par with the roominess of the larger X3. The vehicle’s generously sized doors facilitate easy entry and exit, welcoming occupants to plush front seats designed to provide outstanding comfort even during extended journeys. While the backrests of the rear seats adopt a 40/20/40-split configuration and offer a slight recline, they lack the sliding functionality present in the ICE X1, which many consider a desirable feature. However, the iX1 does sacrifice some cargo capacity due to the allocation of space required for the rear-axle-mounted electric motor and battery pack. Consequently, the cargo volume ranges from 490 to 1495 liters, falling short of the ICE X1’s 540 to 1527 liters.
The BMW iX
The iX M60 commands attention with its substantial dimensions. Stretching nearly five meters in length, boasting a width of 1967mm, and standing at 1696mm in height, this SUV is a true presence on the road. However, the most impactful dimension for this BMW electric car is its three-meter-long wheelbase, which lays the foundation for a spacious and expansive interior, making it a family-friendly option.
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PRICE AND FEATURES
The BMW iX1
Currently, the iX1 is offered in a single trim level known as the xDrive30, starting at an estimated price of ₹60 lakhs. Buyers have shown a preference for the sportier ‘M Sport’ package, which incurs no extra cost, over the more conservatively styled ‘xLine’ package. The xDrive30 comes equipped with notable features such as twin-motor all-wheel drive, a 67 kWh battery, 22 kW AC charging capability, variable-ratio steering, and adaptive dampers as standard. BMW offers additional bundles for customization, including a 22 kW BMW AC Wallbox for home charging, which significantly reduces charging times. Enthusiasts of BMW’s extensive customization options will also find a plethora of choices to further personalize their iX1. Notably, unlike some competitors in the electric vehicle market, the iX1 does not feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
The BMW iX
The 2023 BMW electric car – iX lineup offers four variants catering to different preferences, the entry-level xDrive40, the Sport trim of the same powertrain, a more potent xDrive50 Sport and situated at the summit of the iX range stands the M60, representing the pinnacle of performance and features, priced at ₹ 1.15 Crores (Ex-showroom).
POWER, PERFORMANCE & PROBABILITIES
The BMW iX1
Under the bonnet, the iX1 boasts BMW’s fresh fifth-generation EV drive system, eDrive 5.0 (M170SF). Power is delivered by two electric motors, each positioned on an axle to provide all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive configuration is the default setting, with the rear motor engaging to deliver extra traction when necessary. The combined output of these motors, along with an overboost function, translates to an impressive 230 kW of power and 494 Nm of torque. The powertrain setup of this BMW electric car propels the iX1 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 180 km/h. Despite a weight of 2010 kg, the xDrive30 maintains a commendable power-to-weight ratio of 114 kW per tonne. Suspension-wise, the iX1 employs MacPherson-style struts up front and an independent three-link design at the rear.
The BMW iX
The premium associated with the iX M60 can be attributed to its exceptional powertrain. Propelled by two electric motors that deliver power to all four wheels, the iX M60 boasts an astonishing 455kW of power and an incredible 1100Nm of torque. This translates to a lightning-fast 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. This level of performance is especially impressive for an SUV weighing 2.5 tonnes, and it easily outperforms many traditional petrol-powered competitors.
EFFICIENCY AND RANGE
The BMW iX1
BMW claims that the xDrive30 achieves an average energy consumption of 18.3 kWh/100 km. Real-world driving conditions on the launch drive program showed a slightly higher consumption rate of 21.3 kWh/100 km, factoring in spirited highway and mountain road driving. Equipped with a 67 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (65 kWh usable capacity), the iX1 delivers an ADR 81/02-rated range of 400 km. Charging times vary, with a 50 kW DC public charger taking approximately 65 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, while a 150 kW charger reduces this time to about half an hour. Home charging using a regular power outlet takes around 34 hours for a full charge, but the 22 kW AC Wallbox reduces this to about 3.5 hours.
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The BMW iX
While the official energy consumption figure for the BMW iX M60 is rated at 26.5kWh per 100km, real-world usage tells a different story. During our week-long evaluation, the fresh BMW electric car showcased an average energy consumption of 25.6kWh/100km. This evaluation predominantly encompassed short inner-city trips, which favor electric vehicles. Notably, this level of efficiency surpasses models like the Taycan Turbo S, known for its energy consumption, and even outperforms more modest electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf.
SAFETY
While specific safety ratings for the iX1 are not yet available, the iX1 variants earned a five-star ANCAP rating based on the European NCAP result in 2022. The iX1 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist safety technologies, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, operational at speeds as low as 5.0 km/h. Lane support systems activate from 60 km/h, and the driver monitoring system engages from 70 km/h. Occupant protection is ensured through seven airbags, including side chest, side pelvis, and side head airbags, along with ISOFIX child-seat latches and top tethers for securing child seats. Not much of a difference between these two BMW electric cars, but the iX has the absence of rear automatic emergency braking (AEB). It is an unusual omission considering the vehicle’s otherwise extensive equipment offering.
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