This is a Press release provided by BMW not written by the AA. 

BMW New Zealand will launch the fully electric BMW iX1 model to the local market in Q1 2023, bringing a compelling new entry point to the rapidly expanding world of fully electric BMW models.

The iX1 xDrive30 will also grow BMW Group New Zealand’s portfolio of electrified (fully electric and plug-in hybrid) models to 10, which is among the most of any manufacturer represented in the country.

The new model will be offered in two grade levels, xLine and M Sport, with pricing for both to be confirmed closer to launch.

Arrival of the new iX1 follow next month’s launch of the new TwinPower Turbo-driven X1 sDrive18i.

Modern surface treatments, strong presence and distinctive character via xLine and M Sport

The surface treatment, lines and exterior design details of the BMW iX1 display its Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) identity in bold, confident fashion.

Characterful design features include powerful proportions, almost square wheel arch contours and signature BMW X model styling for both the front and rear.

The upright front end gives it strong presence, with slim LED headlights, a large, almost square BMW kidney grille, X-shaped lines radiating out to the sides and chrome strips in the lower air intake.

Adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam, pulsating turn indicators and variable light distribution add to the new styling touches.

Expressively sculpted surfaces and a long roofline are the distinguishing features of the new model’s dynamically stretched silhouette. When viewed from the rear, the slim tailgate window, horizontal lines, striking LED lights and flared wheel arches provide a contemporary and commanding appearance.

The robust character of the new BMW iX1 is amplified to prominent effect with the specific design elements of the xLine model.

This includes satin aluminium finish for the roof rails and window décor, pearl chrome finish for the kidney grille and glacier silver finish for the exterior mirror covers. Underride protection in pearl chrome complements the overall styling package with an elegant touch.

The M Sport model places the focus on dynamic driving pleasure with features such as large cooling air inlets at the front and a striking diffuser at the rear.

The dimensions of the third generation BMW X1, which form the basis of the iX1, aid in offering elevated levels of space, ride comfort and road presence.

The new X1, at 4500mm in length, is 53mm longer than its predecessor. Its width of 1845mm has increased by 24mm, its height of 1642mm grown by 44mm, and its wheelbase at 2692mm expanded by 22mm.

Enhanced driver and parking assistance technology offering puts iX1 at the head of the pack

As with its petrol-powered stablemates, the iX1 meets the increasing demands for automated driving technologies with the most comprehensive and advanced suite of driver and parking assistance systems currently available in the segment.

Driving assistance features are vast with standout items including Adaptive LED headlights, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Head-Up Display, Navigation system with augmented reality view and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control that integrates Stop&Go functionality.

The iX1 xDrive30 additionally offers the BMW electric xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Parking assistant features comprise Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View cameras, Remote 3D view, Reversing Assistant, Drive Recorder, Mirror Package with anti-dazzle function and auto-dipping function and Reversing Camera.

A sport leather steering wheel, panorama glass sunroof, harmon/kardon surround sound system, intelligent two-zone automatic climate control and a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation all come as standard in the new BMW iX1, as do four USB-C ports and two 12-volt power sockets.

Interior combines contemporary design flair and elevated digital services

The interior of the new BMW iX1, with its new materials, layout, generous amounts of space and cutting-edge functionality, bring an entirely new experience for the driver and occupants.

The design focuses squarely on assured driving pleasure and versatility, while its geometry and details take their cues from the interior concept of the BMW iX flagship that launched in New Zealand last year.

Standout features are as follows:

• BMW Curved Display with high resolution 10.7-inch Control Display and 10.25-inch instrument cluster
• BMW Operating System 8 new generation software interface
• New rocker switch style gear selector
• Newly developed seats with increased comfort and support
• New upholstery styles with perforated Sensatec and Alcantara
• Floating armrest design with control panel and My Modes experience switch
• Wireless smartphone charging in portrait style cradle
• Redesigned sports steering wheel
• Touchscreen climate control interface

Powertrain: all-rounder offers optimum blend of EV agility and refinement

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by a compact, electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) on each axle.

With overboost, the motors combine to deliver an impressive output of 230kW, which combines with 494Nm of instant torque. The electric xDrive all-wheel-drive system helps to deliver a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.6-seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 180km/h.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology integrates charging hardware and high-voltage battery cells mounted flat in the floorpan of the iX1, with a net total energy content of 65kWh. The high energy density of the battery in the BMW iX1 xDrive30 enables a driving range of up to 440km on the WLTP cycle.

Sustainability plays a key role in the BMW iX1, which is in line with the BMW Group’s all-encompassing approach to the topic. The cobalt and lithium materials used in the high-voltage battery of the new BMW iX1 are sourced from responsible mining and the powertrain of the iX1 avoids any type of rare earths.

Flexible platform delivers exceptional space and electric driving dynamics

The BMW iX1 is the first compact model from BMW based on its flexible front-wheel drive architecture to feature an all-electric powertrain.

The flexible architecture and compact BMW eDrive components mean the high-voltage battery can be positioned exceptionally low in the vehicle floor between the axles, thus saving considerable space. This helps to deliver a voluminous cargo capacity of 490 litres, putting the capacity of the iX1 just 10 litres lower than that of the BMW iX.

Placement of the battery units additionally enables a low centre of gravity, providing the iX1 a balanced weight distribution between front and rear and thereby delivering high levels of handling agility.

The iX1 suspension set-up uses components from the petrol-driven X1 models, providing the ideal basis for comfort and dynamic potential. It is also fitted with adaptive M suspension, which automatically adapts to the road conditions and personal driving styles to deliver an optimum balance of roadholding and ride compliance. The damping of the purely mechanical system firms when driving in a sporty manner and as movements of the vehicle body increase, improving driving precision and stability when cornering at high speed.

The adaptive suspension combines with M Sport steering, which provides high levels of response to add further character to the driving experience of the iX1.

Charging: the most comprehensive offering in the segment

The BMW iX1 features cutting-edge charging technology to quickly replenish its high-voltage battery in any situation. Its system can accommodate either Wallboxes at home or work, public charging points and High-Power Charging (HPC) stations located on freeways and in remote destinations.

It comes with the Flexible Fast Charger for charging at home sockets, as well as a Mode 3 charging cable and membership to ChargeNow with it’s extensive network of Ultra-Rapid and fast DC chargers.

Using AC power via a Wallbox or public charging station, the BMW iX1 can be charged at up to 22kW, which sets a new standard in the segment. DC or HPC stations enable the battery to be recharged at up to 130kW. When charging at this rate, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 29 minutes.

Use of the complimentary My BMW App complements vehicle charging with the ability to schedule and start charging processes, monitor the state of charge, activate control climate control in time for departure and plan routes for destinations with charging solutions along the way.

Local specification and pricing

The new BMW iX1 brings a host of new features to the segment and carries a high level of specification.

Key standard specification aspects of the iX1 xDrive30 xLine are as follows with features in bold denoting those that are fitted above and beyond those of the X1 sDrive18i xLine.

• Metallic paintwork
• Panorama Glass Sunroof
• BMW IconicSounds Electric
• Active Sport Seats featuring lumbar support and massage function
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Adaptive M Suspension
• harmon/kardon Surround Sound System
• Sensatec upholstery (new generation, perforated)
• Seat heating, front
• DAB Digital Radio
• Navigation system with augmented reality technology
• Reversing camera
• Sport leather steering wheel
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• xLine styling inc. roof rails
• Two-zone automatic climate control
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Automatic tailgate
• BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
• Comfort Access and Digital Key
• Connected Package Professional
• BMW Head-Up Display
• Instrument panel in Sensatec
• M headliner in Anthracite
• Mirror package inc. anti-dazzle function
• Remote Software Updates
• Driving Assistant Professional inc. Steering and Lane Control System, Active Cruise Control inc. Stop&Go and Blind Spot Monitor
• Parking Assistant Plus with Surround view camera, Reversing Assistant and Drive Recorder
• BMW electric xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system

Charging features

• 22kW AC onboard charging capability
• 130kW DC onboard charging capability
• Flexible Fast Charge Cable (Mode 2)
• Public Charging Cable (Mode 3)
• Complimentary ChargeNow membership with 10% discount on charging

Exterior finishes
A wide array of paint finishes is available for the iX1 as per the below:

Non-metallic (no cost option)

• Alpine White

Metallic (all no cost options)

• Mineral White
• Black Sapphire
• Space Silver
• Phytonic Blue^
• M Portimao Blue
• Sanremo Green^
• Cape York Green
• Utah Orange^

BMW Individual

• BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic: $3200

^Not available with M Sport

Alloy wheels

• 19" light alloy wheels V-spoke style 867 Bicolour (standard on xLine)
• 19" light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 871 M Bicolour (standard on M Sport)
• 20" BMW Individual light alloy wheels Multispoke style 869

Upholstery

• Sensatec, Black (No cost option)
• Sensatec, Oyster (No cost option)
• Sensatec, Mocha (No cost option)
• Alcantara/Sensatec combination, Black contrast stitching in blue (M Sport only)

Interior trims

• Fine wood trim Eucalyptus open-pored (No cost option)
• Interior trim finishers Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’ (No cost option)
• Interior trim finishers Aluminium Hexacube dark (M Sport only)