BMW Group NZ says it will launch the fully electric BMW iX1 model to the local market in Q1 2023, bringing a new entry point to its family of electric vehicles.
The arrival of the iX1 xDrive30 grows the brands portfolio of electrified models to 10 vehicles in the New Zealand market.
The iX1 xDrive30 will be offered in two grade levels, xLine and M Sport, with pricing for both to be confirmed closer to launch says the manufacturer.
Before the new iX1 arrives in the first quarter of 2023, BMW will launch its petrol driven X1 sDrive18i sibling in November 2022.
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.
As with its petrol-powered stablemates, the iX1 meets the increasing demands for automated driving technologies according to BMW Group.
It says the driving assistance features of the iX1 include 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.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by a compact, electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) on each axle.
With over boost, the motors combine to deliver an 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 floor pan 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
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 low in the vehicle floor between the axles, saving considerable space. This helps to deliver a 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 X1 models. It is also fitted with adaptive M suspension, which automatically adapts to the road conditions and personal driving styles to deliver a 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 BMW iX1 features 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 its 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. 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% to 80% in just 29 minutes.
Use of the My BMW App enables 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.
