New BMW X1 and iX1: They’re ELECTRIC!

The new BMW X1 has arrived and this it’s been electrified. Rory gets up close and personal with the new all electric IX1 and hybrid X1 in an early preview of what is to come.
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[@calamarist3443]

Definitely the best designed rear end on a BMW SUV. And I'm not talking only about the current lineup. I would say it's the best rear end on a BMW SUV in the last 10 years.

[@candlercando]

They removed the quarter glass panel in the rear door to my liking!

[@Bmontepeque11]

I like how BMW knows they just CAN'T mess up certain models like the 3 Series and this 😅 I really like this version of BMW's kinda futurisic design 💕

[@thefallenvalley4340]

X3 as well. That thing sells.

[@gabrielcaramet3238]

The x1 and x2 are some of there best selling cars

[@51StPi]

I have had 2, had the loan of a new active tourer last week, because of the deletion of idrive they have messed it up.

[@Bmontepeque11]

@@thefallenvalley4340 Yes! The X3 is good looking as well :o

[@Bmontepeque11]

@@51StPi Wait, you're right :O, I hadn't noticed that there's no iDrive controller! :O, Now I'm absolutely mad 🙂🙂🙂 Have these people never seen the "Don't use your phone while driving" ads to know this is dangerous? 🙂

[@ELUSIVEJIM]

Amazing how the designers can make the new X1 so fresh. Love the new look. Not a big fan of the buttons being removed. Didn’t work for VW IMO. Must say this is the best review I have seen on KZbin. Rory is brilliant with his reviews.

[@NotMyAccount]

I like that they took inspiration from the rear design of the first x1 with the aproach of the sculpted tail lights

[@JohnK9315]

I’d been waiting for the new X1 thinking that’ll be my next car. Once the new 2 series was released a few months back I started praying for the X1 to not have the same interior design. While everyone has their own design preferences and what’s pretty can be debated, I simply cannot go for a BMW without the rotary dial to operate the infotainment system. It’s just simply too distracting and dangerous for many people to have to use a touch screen requiring them to move their attention away from the road. I know for some people it’s ok (including me) but I also know many others (like my dad or my wife) who will either get into an accident if they try to operate the touchscreen or they simply will not be able to use any of the features of except for when the car is at a standstill. BMW please bring back the dial!!!

[@jouhajohnny]

It still has the iDrive wheel what are you talking about?

[@woodylog5555]

@@jouhajohnny it doesn't...

[@Clove_Parma]

@Dr Weirdgloves iDrive is an important feature in countries with poorly surfaced roads. It's much quicker and more precise to use than your finger, and you can do so without leaning over, meaning better control of the steering wheel. You may not value it, but others do.

[@KDR816]

voice control is quite good and convenient

[@Carfan678]

@@Clove_Parma tap something on a screen takes 1 second sometimes with the dial if the setting u want on the screen is the very last option u spend 10-15 seconds more scrolling to it than just tapping it

[@mycarispassat]

Rory gets better and better… keep up the good work! Probably the only reviewer I can watch without losing patience 👍🏼

[@JTheAndroidFreak]

Completely agreed.

[@TheShlongman]

Try Matt Watson

[@mycarispassat]

Rory’s got the edge for me… his style has evolved over the last 24 months… also better production values at Auto trader

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@TheShlongman He's too silly at times.

[@ganjacats]

I’m very impressed! This is the elegant design language I’ve missed. Interior looks great too

[@manoftomorrow5987]

I've been waiting on this for a while...this will be my next car. I'm in love with the rear lights, the reason why I didn't buy the 2022 model year is because I had a feeling a major face-lift was coming.

[@h2p_rome]

Tbf it's now even face lift, its completely new model

[@MrRoyck10]

By the time you drive off this new car from the showroom BMW will bring out a facelift, a bit like mobile phone always a newer iteration inn the pipeline.

[@aowen1079]

Finally BMW, Its a beaut. Thank you AutoTrader, Rory’s insights on Cars and his almost storytelling reviews is captivating, and enchanting, it always holds my interest.

[@richardlabeja]

These will sell very well in the UK.

[@paddymuppy]

The UK is broke.

[@mammadyusubov]

Rory is doing a great job as a motor journalist/presenter. I like this new gen of journalists. Johnny, Matt and Rory are all great. They bring the new world of EVs to the motorists. A nice fresh breath of air.

[@kristianturner6871]

Wow they nailed this! So aggressive looking but very clean. I have a feeling we will see a lot of these on our roads

[@LucaJC]

Gosh that’s actually a REAAAAALLY good looking car. Finally it can compete (in regards to appearance) to the Porsche Macan, and the Maserati Grecale

[@magnustan841]

A Macan is almost X5 in price surely, not comparable. Maserati Grecale, I’m sure it’ll be the same too. The X1 is a proper mass market car.

[@Carfan678]

Both of those are gonna be closer to a mid spec x3 not a base x1 in terms of price

[@Zoranurai13]

That flex on the center console buttons worries me though

[@mas1001]

TESTED all 4 cars, Audi e-tron, Skode enyaq, Bmw ix1 and Vw id4.......... went for the skoda enyaq coupe sportline plus 4 wheeldrive,it was a Amazing drive and Spec! And iv been driving Bmw and vw cars all my life!! Plus a sunroof as standard.

[@WebbyOnCars]

Looks awesome, especially the M-Sport model!

[@danielcamp9054]

I am a huge BMW fan, had 7 in a row from 335d to M5 comp. I moved to Tesla for all electric, but this could be the car to tempt me back in iX1 form, if it looks good in the flesh and BMW are sensible in their PCP model (unlike the i4 which was a mad PCP price given the potential future values)

[@dalemoore11]

Same but I don't see myself leaving tesla brand anytime soon

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Try them! And decide after - Tesla has a big advantage in the UK, or had? due to the well working charger network.

[@Joshua-uq9zw]

Really love the design, but there are two glaring omissions in my eyes: the small battery/range and the lack of physical buttons. So sad, it could have been perfect otherwise. Also the center console flex when Rory pressed to change songs seemed REALLY high and screams low quality 😬

[@Buburuzul23]

there are not separate buttons, it's designed to flex like this, it's a big board of functions, esentially it's a big button haha 😁

[@willblack2306]

@@Buburuzul23 Glad to pointed that out. It's common in modern cars. Some people do not know that.

[@BanterEdits]

calling 60+ kWh small for a city-suv/crossover is just plain dumb

[@jonathantaylor1998]

If 275 miles is not enough for you, then I'm intrigued to know what you'd class as a suitable range, Joshua 9858...? I've been driving EVs now for nearly 3 years - having come from a Prius which would do about 500 miles on a tank of fuel. Did I ever DO 500 miles in one, single journey...? Er, no, of course not... 500 miles would be like driving, non-stop, from North London up to Aberdeen and take nearly 9 hours...! From experience, the 'sweet-spot' for EVs - at least on the UK's ever-more congested road network - is about 200 miles in any weather. That's about 3 1/2 hours of driving, at which point, you'd absolutely need to take a comfort break. So, while you're taking 20-30 minutes for a coffee, something to eat and a bathroom run, the car's outside hooked up to a rapid charger, being topped-up ready for the next 3 hours' drive... It's just a change of mindset. 👍

[@willblack2306]

@@jonathantaylor1998 Excellently articulated my friend. That's the exact long and short of it. Well done👌🏽

[@aye3678]

Best X1 ever made. This looks so damn good! Even digging the brown interior. Will definitely be considering this car for my next car. Brilliant review per usual, Rory!

[@dondonaldson1684]

Can't wait for a similar look on an iX3 or iX5. Thank goodness they kept the grill under control and ohh what a great looking rear end!

[@deanlgreen]

Excellent informative review. Purchased the ICE Sport model yesterday, arriving November. The interior looks amazing.

[@olovsjobergh6417]

Thanks for Nice and clear review. Easy to follow in english. 👍🏻😊

[@prakashwright2182]

Looks good for what it is. Would love for them to put this grill on the i4 models.

[@oilbeefhooked351]

I have had the mk2 X1 petrol since new for 4 years and its amazing car. This new model looks brilliant and I will definitely be upgrading

[@kanev123]

good review - like all your reviews. thanks!

[@stefantervoort475]

When you think they really lost it, they make this, nothing bad to say about the design at all. Love it.

[@leem5894]

Decent looking bmw after years!

[@blam2703]

struggling to buy either ix1 or ix3. is the legroom and headroom on rear seat bigger for ix3 or is it just the same?

[@HuhWhat101]

Not one, but two watches. Love it Rory.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

The x1 has always been my favourite BMW and they’ve gone and made it better. I can’t wait to see the next x2 😍

[@candlercando]

The current X2 is a beaut, so I agree

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

@@candlercando oh yes I like the x2 as well

[@xorbitman]

This vehicle has also has voice recognition and will respond to your request to change the temperature and other controls. As for the net behind the front seats you can just use a black bag. My 2018 X1 came with very dark tinted rear windows. You can order split 60/40 fold back seats too and buttons to release the rear seats from the boot. I love my X1 and I added aftermarket parts: a box under the arm rest from Ebay for $15 that looks like OEM and has an opening for the USB port plus it allows you to hide all your stuff instead having them visible. I also changed the rearview mirror with a garage door opener / lights and a compass in the same color as the console. I hired a programmer to unlock all sorts of options found on the bigger cars: auto folding outside mirrors just by touching the door handle a bit longer while locking. Removing the auto start/stop feature after starting the vehicle. Also you can install pre-programmed engine maps for more power. (better than those gimmicky chips). I added 19" Niche aftermarket wheels and wheel locks on low profile wider performance tires. I have the larger 8.8" inch display with the HUD. (Heads UP Display). One question please? Is there a HUD as an option? I love HUDs now and some cars have what's called augmented reality HUDs like the Koreans and Mercedes. BMW discontinued the X2 and after only 2 years the 2 series sedan; Even the base X4 may also be discontinued; the X1 is the best selling vehicle in the BMW lineup. For the empty nesters if you're of average height and size and you don't need a bigger vehicle the X1 is perfect. My X1 actually gets 36 MPG on the highway! I love my X1; back in January 2019 I missed the deadline to purchase a BMW X3 M4.0 on sale on a courtesy car and almost bought one and very glad that I did now with the price of gas going up now almost weekly. I wish my vehicle came with the optional sports seats however the sensatech seats are actually quite comfortable. I've been driving cars for 50 years since I was 16 and over the years there were times when I had 2 or 3 vehicles. I also have a residence in in SW Florida and would go there sometimes 3 times a year anywhere from 10 days to one month in November and I would rent all sorts of cars. I also changed my personal vehicles after on average 4 to 6 years. My X1 now has close to 40K kms in 3.5 years and has never had 1 single issue or reason to return to the dealership for a warranty issue; this is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned! And many of my friends have Bimmers too and have the same experience I've had. The 2 liter engine B48 that is in almost all the BMWs today was co-developed with Toyota (it's available in the Supra as is the 3.0 also co-developed with Toyota) and is an amazing power train and transmission combination. I live in Montreal where we have basically 2 season: Winter and construction and I can absolutely tell you that the X1 handles both seasons well above average. We are required by law to have winter tires so rather than remove and replace tires I kept the 18" wheels for winter. Right now as far as I'm concerned BMW has an amazing line up and I love this new X1 design....

[@juvenil6969]

Wow that was useful! Do you have any pics of your X1? I'd be interested to see it with your modifications. I'm currently considering the maserati grecale

[@paramdeepdhaliwal9694]

Hi rory thanks for another great review of this pre production bmw I really liked it they did great job greetings from Toronto Canada

[@RichMucha]

This video made me purchase it straight away; I love my X1 xDrive30e; It's incredible!

[@henning.a4646]

The design team did a great job on this one, a very beatiful car. Removing the iDrive wheel and touch button for heating is a big NO !! This car taking over for the i3 ? LOL, as an i3S owner the i3 is still lightyears ahead in pure engineering.

[@apocreg11]

As a really happy owner of a IX3 I hope it’s just as good

[@notroublesjustbubbles2307]

Good point about the (lack of) security due to the transparent nets behind the front seats.

[@dcbel]

BMW is doing something excellent with their EV models! The little touch on the charging port is nice! Great review, thank you for sharing! 🔌⚡🚘

[@stephenlane9168]

Great work Rory. Right up there as the best reviewer. Great presentation skills. Enigmatic and informative and entertaining 👌👏really liking the iX1 👌😊

[@tacodias]

The Saga against physical buttons continues!

[@R8_Jake]

Definitely the prettiest BMW SUV on sale currently 👌🏼 I’d get the 30e MSport PHEV if I had the cash.

[@aka426.8]

Now that's a truly BMW design 👌

[@maneeshchandragupta8015]

Very Nice review buddy.. you showed almost all the details which often buyers want to see.. i am happy to see that BMW is moving forward with time.. :)

[@afterveil]

Love this car! BMW design choices lately have been questionable to put it mildly, but this looks really good! Also what a great presentation and production on this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@JoaoAlves-ms9hw]

I like the design, specially the rear part

[@jaimeortiguela3650]

I like the minimalistic overall design, but I yet don't understand why brands like BMW and Audi keep the front grill as some sort of branding. Imo they should do something different.

[@NotMyAccount]

They have an identity... look at what happened with the decision BMW took to do split headlights (even tho they did it to the likes of the M1, first gen 8 series, Z8) half the planet says that they made a kia with a BMW badge. So even though the grill might lose its initial function entirely it will be there in some shape or form.

[@ramonj08]

The kidney grill, four individual headlight modules, and hofmeister kink are all part of BMW’s heritage and signature look. You can’t get rid of the grill completely.

[@NotMyAccount]

@@ramonj08 Exactly. I think the headlight design is a much more permisive element though. For example this X1 plays it safe with a set of 2 double headlights just like most of the BMWs but look at the new 2 series that pays hommage to the distinct BMW 2002 with a set of 2 single headlight units and then there are the controversial 7 series and X7 to who most ppl are idiots for saying that BMW never did split headlight... Look at the first gen 8 series that had exposed headlights on the sides of the grill and pop up headlight that probably ppl dont understand that are ilegal to have on new vehicles for a long time. Then theres the M1, same story as the first 8, and finally the Z8 that has DRLs on the bonnet turn signals on the sides of the grills and another light unit integrated in the grill... what do you know... the current 7 series also has lights integrated in the grill...

[@darrenwallis7630]

You see the kidney grill, you know it’s a bmw…

[@carseye1219]

I like to see what the console looks like while driving, since that is what I'm going to see most of the time. Does it have head up display?

[@notroublesjustbubbles2307]

@Rory Rory, you always do a great job. Nice video... well done!

[@tatoo99999]

100 % agree with all your statements about the exterior, expecially the back, beautiful.

[@mr.harmon6907]

Rory is well versed in reviewing motor vehicles. Good job, Mate!

[@brianiswrong]

I think that is the best " hidding" of the cruise sensors in a grill I have seen on any car up to now 👍

[@tofislam]

Dude, is the 40:20:40 rear seats not good to access the boot from the backseat? Just asking, as I can't afford that ratio.

[@nprinslo]

Excellent review Rory, no silly innuendos like some, no names needed. X/iX1 looks good, and definitely contender to replace Countryman

[@kwakuagyeianyimadu9188]

😍😍most beautiful bmw released this year

[@mikethomas3070]

well youve changed my mind, as an ex BMW driver and now as a california built all electric vehicle, my next stop is to my local BMW showroom to put together a specification and arrange a test drive, looks promising. Rory Reid, thanks for your excellent review

[@luketettey5117]

Great review. Order placed 👍🏾

[@steveb4012]

We took delivery of a white M Sport Hybrid late last year. I was a bit gutted knowing this was coming but very pleased with what we have. I hope the new one has a bigger petrol tank....

[@TVBHDTV]

good job, very detail and clear narrative

[@Wheelsandjourneys]

Rory makes this so interesting, love it!

[@johnfranklin6394]

I just tested the iX1, it only arrived at the dealership yesterday. It’s quick, refined and very comfortable when in Eco Pro mode which slackens off the dampers. I tested it back-to-back with the i4, and much preferred it to that lower, longer car. It felt more modern inside, and surprisingly, cornered way flatter considering it’s a taller vehicle. You could really feel the weight of the i4, whereas the iX1 did a much better job of concealing the mass of all those batteries under the floor. The only downside for me was the loss of the rotary iDrive control in the centre console. The i4 still has that, as does my 128ti and wife’s X3. However, I can manage without it, the iX1 really is that good.

[@jaciobe]

Definitely would drive one.. I have the 1st model X5 and love it

[@braswan]

This must be one the best car presenters out there.

[@Skiridr22]

I think you’re spot on with the rear 👍🏾👍🏾

[@Najeebster]

Quick off the mark Rory - great video. 👍🏼 The build quality on the iX1 seems up to BMW's usual standards and the looks are new-age without being "controversial" 😏 The iX1 seems like a very attractive EV proposition to me - certainly a decent alternative to a Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach E, Q4, ID4, etc. I'm an iPhone user and I love Apple CarPlay; however, implementations by car manufacturers vary in quality and functionality. BMW's OS 8 offers probably the highest level of integration from any big-name manufacturer - for example, your iPhone is your secure key, Apple Maps can be displayed not just on the infotainment screen but also on the driver instrument cluster or nav instructions from Apple Maps in the HUD if you have it. The only other manufacturers who seem to cosy up to CarPlay nearly as well are Hyundai/Kia. You say the iX1 is a spiritual successor to i3 but I'd disagree - I suspect BMW will introduce a smaller 'city EV' when the economics allows. Question: Does the iX1 have a front trunk? I suspect not and it's quite annoying considering other manufacturers manage this. Also very disappointed to see the transmission-tunnel hump in the back, I know you said it was small but a flat floor at the back should be de rigueur for EV SUVs and cross-overs. I'm due a new car next summer and will almost certainly go for an EV SUV/cross-ver and the iX1 would certainly make it to near the top of my short-list. The Kia EV6 seem to offer better value for money though and will be several software updates further along by then.

[@izenabizenak3673]

a frunk? of course no. our local bmw concessionaires told me i would get 3% disc upon my 3rd bmw order. now i want them to fulfill this promise, it then told me that does not apply to EV bmw! what a crook. we drive a gt with bigger rear seat legroom and headroom. neither ix1 nor ix3 offers comparable rear legroom as our bmw gt. so....at the end, we have found out the model Y suits our needs... and it has a frunk, a surprise for me.

[@kanon_od_ua]

Wow really impressed how it looks! Bravo BMW

[@motoringnation]

Good video thanks Rory

[@BillAwty]

Great review as always. A simple question. Are the very vertical fronts on the new BMWs pedestrian friendly when it comes to accidents?

[@u.a.nugroho]

well... we use car to commute, not to hit somebody.. Don't be like Bentley which using plastic grill instead of metal to protect pedestrian.. I mean you look at the car everyday but do you hit pedestrian everyday so you have to change the grill for it? if it is, then we all have to use squishy material in front area of the car completely if it's the concern

[@stephenwakeman3074]

@@u.a.nugroho Sorry but your argument is ridiculous. We don’t have accidents in our cars every day, so by your logic, seatbelts aren’t needed all the time. Airbags, why have those? So few of them get deployed etc etc. Car safety features and design are built with the accident potential in mind, and pedestrian safety is one such measure. Stop for a second and try to think a little more broadly. A design cue or flourish on a car model is not worth a single human life.

[@TosinSalisu]

Looks really good!

[@sdb123ish]

It will all come down to cost for me…dual motor IX1 with options ticked will catapult the final figure northwards. Happy to be pleasantly surprised if not!

[@rylucia]

I've been waiting a while for this iX1 and it looks good. Not ott like the big iX model. My concerns would be how it stacks up in terms of interior space compared to pure electric models like id4 and ioniq 5. Is there a frunk? Thanks for the vid.

[@motorvatorv888]

No frunk, but trunk looks deeper and wider than ioniq.

[@chrismantonuk]

How do front seat passengers adjust their climate if all the controls are on the driver’s screen?

[@mr.carguy654]

Is this a separate platform or is this also based on the Mini like the 1 series? Also, are the electric motors from the Mini E?

[@motorvatorv888]

It’s closely related to the 2 series under the skin rather than the mini, a more distant relative. The motors are the new generation.

[@sanefc23]

really nailed it with this desing!

[@twillemsen]

"Behind the armrest in the back is a solid bulkhead" > But hey: the middle seat folds down completely... (seperately from the rear left and right seats...) so what are you complaining about?

[@ad1450]

What about the service interval and costs .. Is the same as normal X1 ??

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

My current X1 lease expires in April '23. I'll be looking at one of these babies. Probably the hybrid model but who knows, I might go full electric.

[@g3koot100]

Excellent review

[@andrewmontague2636]

Great vid, Rory. I really like this car, BMW has done a really good job 👏🏼

[@GuyCruls]

engaging presenter and great photography - nice!

[@simoncollinson4644]

I like it in the the M sport trim. Will this be available in the iX1 ?

[@briananthony4044]

The problem with the 1st generation is that it had to have a long front end to house the 3L I6, although most were brought with the 2L I4. With 2nd gen it went with I4's only so the front could be shorter.

[@TheASTrader]

8:34 - That center console panel flex is inexcusable.

[@DoarUnAmator]

does it get over the air updates?

[@srb9375]

Why have BMW followed VW and destroyed the great ergonomics of their previous generation cars - the idrive is intuitive and safe to use. Only legislation will correct this trend. How can it be illegal to use a smart phone when driving but permissible to use a touchscreen for the vast majority of functions?

[@cosmicpunk891]

Love my x1 xline 68 plate. This looks different class.

[@gaz7560]

As an i3 owner I can say this is nothing like an i3 in looks or spirit.

[@gileshalliwell3591]

Such a shame they didn’t take the spirit of the i3 and develope that rather than this uninspiring mess! The i3 will be missed!

[@paulklavas668]

Yep I am definetly waiting for that

[@andrewbirt849]

Best review have seen so far. 🎉

[@sopeko]

nice! but price?

[@philipwoodford6286]

Great looking car nicest looking suv ev imo !

[@mrmawson2438]

Very nice back end

[@THEDEVILEYES1]

I ordered this back in January and I’m still waiting but I know it will be worth the wait!

[@known_g]

Yeah, I will love to have one of these

[@ramonj08]

Hated the previous generation x1. But this one is very nice. I could see this as a possible purchase or lease.

[@h.google]

How does this iX1 compare in size to X3 ?

[@antonioluiscorreia]

Perhaps you meant Baby X3 and not X5 ... Minute 3:50 Hope to see the test drive soon ! Thank you ! :)

[@luckyme8150]

Beautiful car

[@NnaemekaAmamasi]

Rory, this car is so nice it hurts. Those rear lights and i especially love the 29minute quick charge...Das ist die auto...!!!!

[@HerkDylanJr]

Great rev Rory

[@vindevhunta4905]

Glad they didn't mess up this exterior design

[@jioboy2676]

I really liked the new iX1. Looks promising. Can we install a charging point in our home? Will BMW provide it? Battery range could have been better though.

[@arthemis1039]

Yes but the battery is actually quite small. 62kWh is only 10kWh more than a Renault Zoe, and it is a big SUV. So it is not so bad, especially if the car has a good charging speed. Also, since it is BMW, you can probably get nice tarifs for Ionity charging. Also, smaller battery is cheaper to charge, and also less CO2 to produce !

[@N1ckZ]

@@arthemis1039 it's not a "big SUV". It's the smallest SUV that BMW makes.