BMW iX1 price increase: 2023 model up $2000, some features become costly options

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BMW Australia has increased the price of its iX1 electric small SUV by $2000 even before the Volvo XC40 EV rival hits dealerships.

Pricing for BMW’s entry-level electric model now starts at $84,900 before on-road costs for the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge competitor. 

Additionally, several desirable features that were previously standard equipment – a sunroof, premium Harman-Kardon stereo, seat lumbar support and metallic paint – have been shifted into a $4700 enhancement package.

According to BMW Australia, the SUV’s initial price of $82,900 was an introductory offer that was only intended to apply to iX1s ordered before January 2023.

The temporary nature of that lower price – and more generous feature-set – was not disclosed when BMW launched iX1 pricing for Australia in October 2022.

BMW Australia has confirmed to Chasing Cars that iX1 orders placed before January 1, 2023 have been protected at the previous price.

However, BMW dealers have been informing customers that missed this deadline that they will now be asked to pay the new price.

Is it still possible to buy an iX1 below the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold?

The iX1’s launch price of $82,900 was desirable as it qualified for a waiver of fringe benefit tax for buyers utilising a novated lease because of a new federal government tax break that waives FBT on electric vehicles with an on-road price that falls under the efficient luxury car tax threshold of $84,916.

While the new price of $84,900 still falls beneath that threshold, it will require buyers to negotiate a dealer delivery fee of $15 or less in order to qualify for the fringe benefit tax waiver – a tall order for customers when demand for the new vehicle is said to be high.

Even then, the FBT waiver would likely only apply for an unoptioned iX1 in the no-cost alpine white paint colour – and buyers seeking this windfall must forgo the $4700 enhancement pack, meaning no premium audio, sunroof or lumbar adjustment.

230kW dual-motor AWD and long feature list remains in place

The BMW iX1 SUV features a dual-motor AWD electric powertrain that produces 230kW/494Nm on overboost and can sprint to 100km/h in roughly 5.6 seconds. 

Even with the specification change announced today, the iX1 still includes a range of premium features, including:

• Adaptive M Sport suspension (adaptive dampers)
• 19-inch wheels
• Sensatec imitation leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Satellite navigation with an augmented reality (AR) function
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power tailgate
• Comfort access and push-button start
• Head-up display
• Sensatec imitation leather dashboard trim
• Remote software updates

The model is set to arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2023. 

BMW X1 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• X1 sDrive18i: $53,900
• X1 xDrive20i: $65,900
• X1 xDrive20i M Sport: $68,900
• iX1 xDrive30 (electric): $84,900 (+$2000)