BAVARIAN BOOST

The BMW iX1 offers thrilling performance and luxurious comfort in a compelling all-electric package

- Kurt Morris

Right from the trailblazing i7 sedan to the imposing iX SUV, BMW has been steadily electrifying its entire lineup, and the wave continues with the arrival of the iX1. This new offering isn’t just any electric vehicle; it’s the brand’s first foray into the compact luxury EV segment, built upon the popular X1 platform.

The iX1 positions itself as the entry point into BMW’s world of electric SUVs, offering a compelling proposition for urban explorers seeking eco–conscious mobility and an SUV’s inherent advantages. But more importantly, the iX1 embodies BMW’s commitment to retaining its core driving experience even in EVs.

Does it succeed in living up to the brand’s legendary ‘ultimate driving machine’ ethos? We get into the details and discover whether the iX1 carves a distinct niche in the burgeoning electric SUV landscape.

The iX1 transcends a simple badge swap from its ICE counterpart, the X1. While the overall silhouette retains a familiar charm, the electric variant boasts design cues that subtly telegraph its cutting-edge powertrain.

One of the most striking elements is the evolution of the iconic kidney grille. Thankfully, the iX1 avoids the massive ‘bunny teeth’ grille seen on some of its electric siblings. Here, the grille retains a bold presence, maintaining the recognisable BMW facial identity but with a more closed–off design, hinting at the electric power lurking beneath.