BMW iX1 priced ahead of early 2023 arrival

BMW Australia has announced pricing for the incoming 2023 BMW iX1, which will be available in two specs from the first quarter of next year, both priced at $82,900 plus on-road costs.

The sub-$83K price tag makes the all-new battery-powered compact premium SUV pricier than key rivals including the Lexus UX 300e ($74,000 plus ORCs), Mercedes-Benz EQA ($76,800), Volvo C40 Pure Electric ($74,990) and Volvo XC40 Pure Electric ($72,000).

It also means the BMW iX1 costs exactly $17,000 more than the top-spec variant of the new-generation BMW X1, but the first EV version of BMW’s smallest SUV offers significantly more power and features.

The first BMW iX1 will only be offered Down Under with a single ‘xDrive30’ powertrain comprising two electric motors and a 65kWh battery pack good for a combined outputs of 230kW/494Nm and an effective driving range of up to 440km.

All that power and torque yields a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.

Australian consumers will have the choice of two distinct trims when the iX1 arrives here next quarter, one focused on elegance and classiness – xLine – while the other serves to underline the powertrain’s sporting credentials – M Sport.

The xLine treatment is defined by its light-coloured exterior trim that includes an aluminium finish for the roof rails and window surrounds, a pearl-chromed twin kidney grille, ‘glacier silver’ wing mirror caps and silver imitation skid plates.

The M Sport follows a broadly similar aesthetic, albeit with bigger front intakes for better powertrain cooling and a dedicated rear diffuser to ramp up the sense of muscularity.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll be greeted by the new BMW Curved Display dual-screen set-up consisting of a 10.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment interface, plus a rocker switch gear selector, Sensatec and Alcantara upholstery, a dedicated climate control touch-screen, active sports seats, a sports steering wheel, floating arm rest and vertically oriented wireless phone charger.

That new curved display is predictably run by BMW Operating System 8 and houses satellite-navigation, DAB digital radio and wireless smartphone mirroring.

Other standard equipment highlights include massaging front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, comfort access, Driving Assistant Professional, head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, Connected Package Professional and harmon/kardon surround sound.

The whole package rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard and on adaptive M suspension.

A complimentary three-year Chargefox subscription is also included in the asking price.

The BMW iX1 can be charged at up to 130kW when using a DC fast-charger, something that will top the battery up from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 29 minutes.

Hook the car up to an AC wallbox and it can be charged at up to 22kW, which is claimed to be a new segment standard.

Seven exterior colours – Alpine White, Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Space Silver, M Portimao Blue, Cape York Green and BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic – will be offered across the local range, while Phytonic Blue, Sanremo Green and Utah Orange are only available for the xLine.

How much does the 2023 BMW iX1 cost?
xDrive30 xLine – $82,900
xDrive30 M Sport – $82,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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