BMW expanded the already wide lineup of the X1/iX1 compact SUV in Europe with a new entry-level BEV offering. The iX1 eDrive20 comes with a single electric motor, as a more affordable alternative to the dual-motor iX1 eDrive30 that debuted last year.
The front-mounted electric motor produces up to 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) with a temporary boost and 247 Nm (182 lb-ft) of torque which is constantly available. The same powertrain is used by the closely related Mini Countryman E which has just debuted in Munich.
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The 64.7 kWh battery pack is the same as in the more powerful iX1 eDrive30, but the lower energy consumption of the eDrive20 results in a slightly longer range estimated between 430-475 km (267-295 miles) in the WLTP cycle. As expected, performance figures are worse, with the FWD model completing the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 8.6″ (-2.9″ slower) and its top speed being electronically limited to 170 km/h (106 mph). A more detailed comparison between the two electric SUVs can be seen in the table below:
A full charge of the battery requires 6:30 hours via the standard 11 kW charger, or 3:45 hours via the optional 22 kW charger. In a DC charging station, the electric SUV can charge with a rate of up to 130 kW, going from 10-80% in 29 minutes. For optimum thermal management, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop using data from the navigation system, something that can also be done manually.
Despite being BMW’s entry-level EV offering, the iX1 eDrive20 has a generous standard kit including dual-zone automatic air conditioning and various ADAS like the Parking Assistant and reverse camera. The digital cockpit (BMW Curved Display) with dual screens measuring 10.25-inch and 10.7-inch is running on the latest BMW Operating System 9 and features the “QuickSelect” menu for the iDrive.
Visually, the iX1 eDrive20 is distinguished from other X1 variants by the new pattern for the covered kidney grille which is different from the vertical slits of the iX1 eDrive30. The model will likely be available in standard, xLine, and M Sport forms featuring different bodykits, alloy wheels, and equipment features at an extra cost.
The BMW iX1 eDrive20 will be available in Europe from November 2023, starting at €47,900 ($51,308). This makes it a full €7,100 ($7,606) cheaper than the dual-motor BMW iX1 eDrive30 which starts from €55,000 ($58,913) in Germany. Production of both EVs takes place at the BMW Group plant in Regensburg.
