BMW iX1 2023: Australian release date revealed for electric small SUV

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BMW has today unveiled the third-generation X1 small SUV and with it comes a fully-electric version known as the iX1. 

The iX1 is set to follow the launch of the regular X1 later this year and will arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2023 – putting its official delivery date somewhere between January and March.

Joining a growing field of premium small SUVs that offer both fully electric and conventionally powered drivetrains, the expanded X1 line-up is now on level footing with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40.

BMW iX1 range and charging

The iX1 xDrive30, as it is officially known, is armed with a lithium-ion battery with 64.7kWh of usable capacity that provides enough energy to propel the iX1 for up to 438km, according to the typically more realistic WLTP testing.  

BMW has implemented a dual-motor set-up, with one motor on each axle to create an all-wheel-drive system. Combined, the pair develop up to 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque – enough to slingshot the iX1 from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Once the battery is flat, drivers can charge the iX1 using a DC charger at speeds of up to 130kW which should top up the car from 10-80 percent in 29 minutes.

Alternatively, they can simply plug the iX1 into an AC charger at home, with speeds of up to 22kW allowing the battery to be charged in under five hours.

Modernised interior design

BMW has equipped the iX1 with the same curved screen displays it has rolled out across a range of models including the i4 sedan and facelifted 3 Series sedan and wagon.

The version of this design in the iX1 is slightly smaller, with a 10.25-inch display acting as the digital instrument cluster while a secondary 10.7-inch unit serves as the touchscreen multimedia display. 

A Harmon-Kardon sound system is being offered on high-specification X1s and will likely make an appearance on the fully-electric model, though the official Australian specifications are yet to be revealed. 

The boot of the iX1 measures 490 litres with the rear seats up, and 1495 litres with them down (compared to 540 and 1600 litres in the petrol version), thanks to the large battery packs under the floor.

More details on the local pricing and specifications for the BMW iX1 will be revealed closer to its launch date during the first quarter of 2023.