PETALING JAYA: BMW Malaysia today unveiled the iX1 electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV/SUV) at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.
The electric addition to the X1 will arrive in the M Sport variant, priced at RM285,800 (on-the-road without insurance).
The iX1 produces peak output of 230kW /313 hp and a reasonable range of up to 440km (WLTP). High-power charging at rates of up to 130 kW reduces downtime by bringing the vehicle from 10% to 80% charge in 29 minutes.
BMW is quick to point out that the battery was made in a sutainable way, meaning the cobalt and lithium materials used are the result of responsible mining. The powertrain also does not use any rare earths.
The iX1 has an upright front and slender wrap-around adaptive LED headlights with high beam assistant and new daytime running lights, along with 3D taillights in a stylised L-shape with standard full-LED technology that adorn the rear.
Generously flared in size, the hallmark square wheel arch design of the new electric SAV also conveys the characteristic BMW X design language, complete with flush door handles that set it apart from all other powertrain variants.
Standard are flush door handles, welcome lights, front apron with air intake trims, and automatic tailgate operation.
The kidney grille surround is in Chrome, while the kidney grille front slats are in satinated aluminium.
Other variant-exclusive highlights include the M high-gloss Shadowline, M designation on both sides and 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 871M Bicolour.
In the cabin, the iX1 gets a driver-oriented BMW Curved Display which debuted in the all-electric iX and i4 models. Sitting atop the Luxury instrument panel is a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.7-inch control display, running the BMW Operating System 8 and fitted with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional as standard.
Drivers can control all vehicle functions via the central touchscreen Control Display, the buttons on the M Leather steering wheel featuring the Sport Boost shift paddle, or the voice-controlled Intelligent Personal Assistant.
A hand rest in front of the Control Display makes touchscreen operation even more convenient, while the new floating armrest feature frees up space for extra storage areas in the centre console and also houses the gear selector, volume control as well as the My Modes button, which include six modes for individualisation of the driving experience.
The M Headliner anthracite and standard slightly elevated front seats provide all-round visibility as well as maximum driving pleasure. The front and rear footwell lights also add to its roomy ambience.
Sport seats arrive as standard for the driver and front passenger, along with a host of functionalities for added comfort and convenience, such as electric adjustment with memory function for the driver.
Thanks to the standard inclusion of the interior and exterior mirror packages, drivers are aided on the road with automatic anti-dazzle functionality. Other standard kit are the Heads-Up Display, Harman Kardon Hi-Fi loudspeaker system as well as BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Augmented View.
Dual-zone climate control ensures comfort for both driver and passengers.
Like the i4 M50, the SAV is also equipped with BMW IconicSounds Electric, a set of artificial sounds to simulate the driving experience, as well as other sounds to warn pedestrians.
Because the high-voltage battery is positioned very low between the axles, this allows the iX1 to offer a 490-litre luggage capacity, which can further be expanded to 1,495 litres by folding the rear passenger seats. For added convenience, the comfort access system with BMW Digital Key Plus also arrives as standard to the SAV.
Each axle has an electric motor for all-drive ability. With overboost, these motors deliver an output of 230 kW/ 313 hp, along with 494 Nm of torque. The electric all-wheel drive accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100kph in just 5.6 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited at 180kph.
The first-generation BMW eDrive technology also includes charging hardware and high-voltage battery cells mounted flat in the floorpan, with a total battery capacity of 64.7 kWh – enabling the 440km range.
The iX1 is supplied witha Flexible Fast Charger as well as a Mode 3 charging cable – for AC charging at up to 11 kW or HPC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, that can charge the vehicle from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes.
Convenient charge management is offered via the My BMW App and Connected Charging – allowing owners to check the vehicle’s state of charge remotely and review all charging interactions through the BMW Charging Dashboard.
The suspension mirrors technology from the X1.
The SAV is fitted with Adaptive M Suspension, which automatically adapts to road conditions and drive styles for better ride comfort and improved long-distance capability.
Intelligent driver assistance systems include Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. Other standard features include the Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, Attentiveness Assistant, Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention. Front Collision Warning and Left Turn Warning – both with braking function, along with Speed Limit Info and Evasion Assistant.
In terms of connectivity, the iX1 is specified with Connected Package Professional, Connected Drive Services, Teleservices, Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging tray, Intelligent Emergency Call, and tyre pressure indicators. Digital services include Remote Software Upgrade, BMW Connective Drive Upgrades, as well as BMW Maps.
Exterior colour offerings are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Cape York Green, M Portimao Blue, Storm Bay and Space Silver. Interior upholstery is available in either Alcantara Black with Blue Contrast Stitching, Leather Vernasca Black or Leather Vernasca Mocha.
Keyword: All-electric BMW iX1 launches at RM285,800