Overview

With SUVs proving ever more popular and electric cars an inevitability, the BMW iX1 electric SUV seems a pretty safe bet for the brand. Initially available with twin motors and four-wheel drive only, it’s a pricier option than many rivals that offer slower single motor versions as well.

For the moment, the iX1 30e develops 272hp in total, giving a 5.6-second 0-62mph time. That’s certainly not slow, but there are plenty of rivals that can knock a second or even two off that time for similar money. Whether or not your nearest and dearest will appreciate being catapulted from a standstill is another matter entirely.

Unlike some rivals that try exceedingly hard to distance themselves from conventional petrol and diesel SUVs, the iX1 is far more subtle. As the name suggests, it’s based on the BMW X1 SUV with a few small styling tweaks such as blue detailing and a different grille. For those ready to make the jump to electric but don’t want to shout about it, the iX1 is ideal.

The most obvious rival for the iX1 is the Mercedes EQA, the GLA’s electric sibling, with the slightly larger and more practical seven-seat EQB also worth considering. There’s also the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Audi Q4 e-Tron if you must have a premium badge. Oh, and of course there’s the Tesla Model Y tempting you with its lower prices, longer range and even punchier performance.

To find out exactly what this little electric SUV is like, keep with us over the next few pages of our BMW iX1 review. We’ll cover off how much space there is for people and their luggage, how plush it feels inside, what it’s like to drive and what sort of bills you can expect. If you’re still unsure as to what the best electric SUV is for your needs, we’ve got plenty of best of lists to help you out elsewhere on the site.