Our cars
Big and small
First thoughts as our i4 is replaced by BMW’s smallest EV, the iX1.
Martyn Collins
To lessen the blow of our much-admired i4 40 M Sport returning to them, BMW kindly offered us a replacement in the form of the latest member of its ‘i’ electric range – the iX1.
We’ve already had some experience with the iX1, after driving a late prototype at the UK launch for the X1 late last year and then spending a week with a UK production car in the spring – also in XLine trim.
Also available in a sportier M Sport flavour, in an interview with new general manager of corporate sales Matt Collins (see P32-33 of this issue), he revealed that the iX1 had performed above their expectations and was strongly pre-sold. More interesting, considering we have the XLine trim, is that the M Sport is proving to be more popular.
With all the aluminium details, and optional 19in V-spoke alloys, our iX1 looks every bit the off-roader – which sits well with the fact that this SUV has twin motors equalling four-wheel drive. Not that we think this BMW is capable of proper mud-plugging! Still, all the aluminium is set off well against the also optional Phytonic Blue colour. The interior of this BMW feels sophisticated with the contrasting Oyster Vernasca Leather. We’ve also benefited
from quite a few options, with the Technology and Comfort packs, adding niceties such as a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, electric memory seats and more. Other welcome goodies include the sunroof and punchy Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System. However, with all these options added, the result is a very big £59,695 price – it will be interesting to see over the course of the next five months which we think are worth the money and which are the ones we could do without.
As we write, the BMW has only been with us a matter of days – so we haven’t
Standard equipment on the XLine trim: Aluminium exterior trim, Aluminium roof rails, high-gloss black interior trim, heated front sports seats, DAB radio.
been very far. However, our thoughts remain the same as they did from the launch and first drive. With 313hp and 494Nm of torque, the iX1 feels more rapid than you perhaps expect. Elsewhere, the steering is precise but lacking in feel and after the i4, the iX1 is taller with more body roll – but with four- wheel drive, all-round grip is excellent. Early niggles revolve around the iX1’s switchgear and set-up. There’s no wheel to control the latest iDrive 9 operating system, so this BMW’s 10.7in touchscreen, it seems is going to get covered in fingerprints quickly. Plus, whilst the iX1 has Sport, Expressive and Relax driving modes, unlike the i4, it seems you must set the drive mode every time you set off! It is early days but has resulted in this BMW not being in the most efficient mode sometimes – not good if you’re watching the range! Talking of the iX1’s range, BMW are claiming 270 miles, which although a bit down on the i4, is perfectly respectable. Also, the iX1’s combined unit allows
WEBSITE Please visit
www.businesscar.co.uk/tests/long-term-test/ for previous reports on our fleet
BMW iX1 xDrive 30 XLine
P11D price £53,240 As tested £59,695 Official range 270 miles Our average consumption N/A Mileage 2,570
single- and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW. As such, the battery can be fully recharged from empty to full in 6.5 hours, or from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes, and the range can be increased by 75 miles in an incredible 10 minutes. All the range and charging details will be important for this BMW’s first test with us, taking the family plus our dog on our family holiday to Devon. More on that in the next report.
Why we’re running it
To see what BMW’s smallest EV SUV can offer fleet buyers.
www.businesscar.co.uk | August 2023 | 43
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