Articles by Byron Mathioudakis

BMW Australia has released the pricing of its cheapest-yet electric SUV, as well as what might be the brand’s best-looking SUV since the original X5 of 1999.Kicking off from $82,900 before on-road costs, the iX1 lands in Australia early next year in just one grade, the all-wheel-drive xDrive30.This is provocative pricing, as it undercuts the new Mercedes EQB 250 front-wheel drive (from $87,800) and Genesis GV60 (from $103,700).However, the Tesla Model Y (from $72,300), Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (from $72,990) and Lexus UX 300e (from $74,000) remain substantially cheaper in their base (though two-wheel drive) iterations compared to the German-made BMW.With just an ‘I’ to differentiate it by name, the iX1 will be an adjunct to the third-generation, U11-series X1 to be launched next month in FWD sDrive18i and AWD xDrive20i turbo petrol-engined grades.As reported previously, only the single, highly equipped and specified xDrive30 grade will be released initially, with dual motors allowing for the AWD. Both are electrically excited synchronous motor set-ups.Combined, these deliver 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque, to propel the iX1 to 100km/h from standstill in 5.6 seconds, on the way to a 180km/h top speed. In contrast, the EQB 350 4Matic equivalent that starts from $106,700 needs another 0.6s to reach 100km/h and has a 20km/h lower maximum velocity.Similarly, even with a slightly smaller 65kWh battery pack, the xDrive30’s 440km range (WLTP) also beats the EQB (at 360km WLTP). Charging is via a Type 2 CCS port, capable of 130kW on DC and 22kW on AC.Using the WLTP standard, the combined fuel consumption is 18.4kWh/100km, compared to the EQB 350 4Matic’s 21.0kWh/100km. If you can find a 130kW DC charger, the battery pack can be replenished from 10 per cent to 80 per cent full in 29 minutes. Along with a so-called “Flexible Fast Charger” for charging at home as well as a Mode 3 charging cable, BMW Australia will also offer a three-year subscription to the Chargefox national network.BMW says the iX1 is its first compact model on a new flexible FWD-based architecture to feature a battery electric powertrain, and was specially designed to accommodate a large battery low down to improve the centre of gravity, benefit dynamics through improved weight distribution, as well as minimise interior-space impact.As a result, cargo capacity is rated at 490 litres, which is just 10L shy of the ‘regular’ X1.Additionally, BMW’s adaptive M Suspension and M Sport variable-ratio steering set-up will be fitted to the iX1, to provide what the brand reckons is a balance between handling agility and ride comfort.Equipment levels will also include active lane keep systems, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, surround-view cameras, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, premium Harmon Kardon sound system, a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/go, wireless smartphone charger, tyre pressure monitors, satellite navigation, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant featuring voice control and 19-inch alloy wheels.The iX1 also adopts BMW’s latest Operating System 8 software interface.Buyers can choose between the xLine or M Sport trim packages at no extra cost.More information will be revealed closer to the iX1’s first-quarter release date.

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