BMW iX1 engines, drive and performance
- Currently only one power level
- Twin motor four-wheel drive
- Rapid acceleration, decent range
Electric power
There’s a choice of two power levels in the iX1. The entry point is the single-motor 20e that delivers 204hp to the front wheels. It’s your only option on base Sport trim, but is also available in rugged-looking xLine and racier M Sport. The 0-62mph time of 8.6-seconds is respectable and plenty for day to day driving, although other single motor rivals such as the Tesla Model Y are punchier and cost less.
The twin motor 30e has a much livelier 5.6-second 0-62mph time thanks to twin motors, four-wheel drive and 272hp. Again, this is down on some rivals but we’d argue it matters even less here. Where something like a Smart #1 Brabus can feel a bit overpowered at times, the 30e feels fast enough without overwhelming the chassis.
What’s it like to drive?
- Easy to get to grips with
- Pretty comfortable
- M Sport models get different suspension
With some EVs (such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG 5) the instant electric power comes on, there’s a bit of wheelspin, then the traction control mutes movement. But the iX1 feels much more sophisticated. The front-wheel drive 20e rarely struggles to put its power down, and the 30e is even more fuss-free. If you’re really in a rush, there’s a Boost paddle on the steering which gives you extra punch for 10 seconds.
The ride is a bit choppy at low speeds, the iX1 proving less comfortable than a Volvo EX40. Around town you can feel the road’s imperfections beneath you through the seat and the steering wheel, but it settles once up to B-road speeds with good body control for a heavy electric car. In other words, if you like how a BMW feels you’ll probably like the iX1.
It’s a similar story with the handling. The steering feels meaty and precise and body roll is minimal given the elevated seating position. Grip levels are high and the handling is well balanced, resisting understeer well. Slacken the stability control and the 30e will even let keen drivers have a little bit of fun on the exit of tight bends. It’s certainly more entertaining than most of its direct rivals, although you might also want to try the MINI Countryman Electric.
It’s quiet too. Most electric cars are hushed, but there’s always a faint whir from the motor. The iX1 manages to nearly eradicate this, but there is still a bit of wind and road noise. There are a couple of regenerative braking levels available but no one-pedal driving mode. The brakes themselves are easy to modulate unlike many rivals.
