BMW iX1 road test: Is BMW’s cheapest EV also its best?

Despite being worlds apart from the electric i3 supermini it replaces, BMW’s new iX1 E-SUV is just as intriguing. Get the full DriverReviews verdict, below.

The terms “entry level” and “affordable” are always relative, of course, but at £46,000 basic, BMW’s new iX1 won’t scream bargain to many. Nonetheless, the X1’s EV comrade is now the cheapest route to all-electric BMW ownership. 

Helping to establish exactly what you’re getting for your money, Vicki Butler-Henderson takes a fine-tooth comb to Bavaria’s latest offering and (spoiler alert), first impressions are mostly positive. 

She’s particularly fond of the iX1’s exterior styling. At the front, slim wraparound headlights and an upright radar sensor disguised as a grille — as first seen on the flagship iX SUV — offer a fresh-faced look and differentiate the iX1 from its combustion-powered alternative. However, it’s the rear end’s protruding taillights and aggressive spoiler that Vicki takes the biggest shine to.

Inside, it’s more of a mixed bag. While the blend of vibrant colours and unusual shapes (floating centre console included) receive praise, Vicki is less impressed with the excessively chunky wheel design, stating “it feels like a pumped-up life buoy.” Plus, a lack of seat adjustment and poor rear visibility are further blots on the iX1’s copybook.

Thankfully, if you can look past a few gremlins in the ergonomics, the electric X1 lives up to the brand’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra. Despite being the least powerful iX1 e-Drive 20 variant, there’s enough instantaneous grunt to keep the DriverReviews ambassador entertained on motorways and backroads.  

As expected, the chassis also reveals a taut and sporty edge when pushing on, with agility further enhanced by standard Hankook S1 Evo 3 rubber — voted Best Small SUV Tyre in the DriverReviews customer choice awards. Interestingly, though, Vicki does note the presence of some torque steer under hard acceleration, although this is likely an issue exclusive to front-wheel drive variants of the iX1. 

Compared to its i3 predecessor, range is also vastly improved, at just shy of 300 miles. What’s more, 0 to 62 miles of range can be achieved from a fast charger in just 8 minutes, while the 0-62 mph dash is completed in a respectable 8 seconds.  

But what about practicality, storage capacity, and the enormous range of high-tech features? All you need to know about the iX1 is just a click away.