Sneak Peek - BMW iX1. Is BMW's smallest electric SUV also its best?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that BMW have been playing it a little safe when it comes to their electric cars (iX not withstanding). In other words, gone are the brave, innovative cars such as the original i3 and i8 hybrid supercar, and instead we have electrified versions of their combustion-engined cars. But BMW know their customers and what they want. And whilst we have had the shock, awe and controversy over the likes of the iX and new i7, the new iX1 treads a more familiar, and dare we say it, more acceptable path. Is this the answer however? Is playing it safe the right game for the Bavarian manufacturer? We spend a few hours with one of their most important new cars, the new iX1, to find out.
AutoEV - all electric, all independent
0:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Titles
00:45 - Meet the car
02:49 - Styling
07:44 - Practicality
10:10 - Interior
15:23 - Usability
16:29 - Performance & Handling
22:50 - Pricing
23:22 - Competition
24:52 - Summary
Instagram: / ​​​​​
Twitter: / ​​​​​
Facebook: / ​​​​​
Website: autoev.co.uk

[@JamboLinnman]

Thanks for the review. I have a pretty much fully-spec’d M Sport on order in Scotland. I absolutely love the look and quality and was extremely impressed with my test drive in the larger iX3, preferring it to the Tesla Model Y, the VW ID4 and the Kia EV6. This will be our 3rd BMW EV, having had the i3 then the i3S.

[@raymondpritchard]

Excellent early review of the IX1 and as always from Auto EV another informative and well presented video 👍🏽 Looking forward to the full test review. I currently drive an i3 so the iX1 is the natural next step up the EV ladder. Having said that there’s a lot of competition in this segment and for me I’m particularly interested in the Fisker Ocean. It’s a case of head or heart 🤔

[@colingrisdale6358]

I really like the style of your reviews - you helped me to persuade my wife into a DS3 cb e-tense. I have had a slight dislike of BMW's SUV styles for some years, but this one has a certain something that has started to turn my opinions in a more positive direction.

[@johncowx7564]

Absolutely love your reviews as they are always straightforward and totally honest. The review of the BMW iX1 30 was good but when are you going to review the ix1 20 which is their front wheel drive option? It would also be interesting to know why BMW are struggling to deliver them. I ordered in December and still waiting to hear when it's even on the production schedule.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoy the channel. I know that the iX1 eDrive20 is just starting to come through now. I did have the opportunity to drive one at the recent iX2 launch, but I just didn't have the time. Perhaps its one for a group test in a month or so?

[@johncowx7564]

Amazed that you replied so quickly...thank you. Look forward to your potential review

[@AutoEV]

I aim to please!!

[@johnb7480]

Ordered a IX3 and having second thoughts now !!

[@AutoEV]

Don’t John. The iX3 is a superb car. It won our “Most Surprising Car of the Year” award in our 2021 awards. It’s a car that is a lot better as a whole than you think it’s going to be. I genuinely like the iX3, and don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@broondog1]

@@AutoEV Thanks for that very much appreciated 👍

[@porosenokify]

@@broondog1 how is it so far? Any hidden drawbacks?

[@hervezarpellon4940]

Hello, can you please indicate the color of this vehicle? Is it the color space silber metallic or frozen grey? Thank you!

[@absdek]

I have the same question

[@Investor9872]

Why are these not coming over to the US?

[@MM-tt7hy]

Something to be aware of: the fancy led headlights are standard on the normal X1, but not on the iX1. I only noticed this after I already ordered my iX1 and the online configurator came online after that. So I had to add a package to get the (much better looking aggresive) fancy headlights instead of standard LEDs. Too bad that every prototype used in video reviews has been specced with the fancy headlights. It might make people think that's the standard look.

[@porosenokify]

What are the headlights?

[@Daniel-jm5hd]

Thanks for the review. Would like to see more. Not sure if it is worth the extra cost compared to the Kia Niro.

[@JamboLinnman]

Apples and oranges. I test drove the EV6 and the iX3 (to get a feel for the new iX1) and the BMW is just a couple of levels above the KIA in terms of drive quality and finish.

[@ruru18r]

Hello AutoEV! Any news about a more affordable iX1 front wheel drive spec?

[@AutoEV]

There was nothing forthcoming from BMW when we were with them on this event, but I suspect there may well be a single motor variant in the wings.

[@theodorebaum8587]

Seems like a perfectly competent EV. Maybe a wee bit too cautious on styling.

[@luketettey5117]

Great review! I ordered this car immediately after watching this review. The best EV out there.

[@porosenokify]

How was it so far? Is the range sufficient?

[@luketettey5117]

@@porosenokify I’m still waiting for the dam car. Apparently I should have it early next month. The lead time is ridiculous.

[@MetaljiXxX]

@@luketettey5117have you received it ?

[@SteveLoughran]

placed an order for xline with most of the tech trim and a towbar last month; expected in april. Having tried the legacy ICE x1 m-sport, its rough ride at slow speed on low quality roads does surface driving round bristol; on a par with our low-profile 320d touring. We've gone for the 18" option as large alloy wheels are expensively counterproductive on an EV -these may be better. It is roomier than a Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 recharge for about the same overall price and approximate range. It still lags there compared to the Tesla Y; which also comes with the charging network, which is way more relevant round the UK than Ionity, irrespective of the Ionity coverage on the europe mainland. But: you have to believe Elon Musk's claims about features and manufacturing there. As for the look, ironic that BMW and Audi are making their radiator grilles even bigger as part of their branding, even as they become obsolete. Maybe in a decade or so they will look historically quaint. I was really unimpressed with the voice recognition. Maybe my london accent isn't what it was trained for, but when asking for Portbury, Somerset -8 miles from Bristol and the direction I was heading-, the BMW kept trying to route me to Portree, Skye -two days drive away as one of the furthest/slowest destinations for Bristol in the UK. Whoever wrote their disambiguation software failed to consider the obvious fact "closer destinations in direction of travel and visited earlier the day" should get priority. Maybe it will learn/adapt over time, otherwise I will remain unimpressed and focus on waze/apple maps via Siri.

[@MM-tt7hy]

I don't believe the standard equipment list is correct. Things like HUD, driving assistant professional, wireless charging and heated seats are not standard (whether you choose Xline or not). Neither are sport seats (except on M-Sport).

[@AutoEV]

I’ll check the press pack again, but that’s what I was told on the day.

[@MM-tt7hy]

You could check the online configurator of BMW. Maybe there is some difference in markets.

[@kevinn1158]

They aren't selling this in North America... go figure.

[@Petelmrg]

I think you do the BMW designers a dis-service with the old-fashioned 'kidney grille' description; surely it should be updated to 'buttock grille'?

[@talkandplay]

Looks like a stiff ride there, i imagine country roads are even more uncomfortable.

[@AutoEV]

It wasn’t too bad actually. But as I said, it was a brief drive in a LHD German spec car. I’ll wait until we get our hands on a UK RHD car before passing final judgement. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@colinrenfrew48]

With some restraint, BMW have produced the best looking car in its range.

[@johnlaws3904]

For a new release a SUV is NOT the way to go. BMW go develop your i3 sector, so thumbs down, cos you don't need to review.

[@terryhumphries1]

It still look like and old granny car, they’ve totally missed the opportunity to bring it out of old fashioned ICE car look, who needs that ugly grill!

[@AutoEV]

That’s a very good point Terry. Does BMW “need” the grille anymore? Should it reinvent its signature design feature?

[@jbmaru]

@@AutoEV Totally agree. They could at least go back to the smaller design they were using in the 80's, there would be a nice neo-retro feel.

[@JamboLinnman]

I think it looks superb and the “grill” is iconic.

[@terryhumphries1]

I feel BMW may be loosing their way and relevance, I’ve owned a wide range of BNWs, Mercs, etc., There was a time when BMW were all about the young up and coming entrepreneur, with a sporty personality with Merc appealing to a more conservative clientele but it’s seems to be swapping around. They had a unique opportunity to claim that ground back with EVs like so many other have but all they have done is look back and play it safe, I doubt it’s the way forward when you consider Tesla’s more modern looking model Y has just become the biggest selling car in Europe, actually selling more than BNW in Germany, I don’t think the market has a big appetite for old fashioned, boring cars so much now that Tesla has changed the perception of what’s possible

[@JamboLinnman]

@@terryhumphries1 The iX1 will be my 10th BMW. You may have a point on the market positioning of the BMW/Merc. I always used to say I preferred BMWs as they were sporty and Mercs were old mens cars, hence Mercs were never for me (I’ve even had two Audi A8s). Maybe now I’m 57, the shift means that the BMW suits me and the Merc is a boy racer’s car! Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder but, seriously, how anyone can think that the Tesla Model Y (which I drove, really like and seriously considered) is better to look at than the new iX1 is beyond me. It’s faster, has more range, sportier handling and more luggage space but the BMW looks way better, has significantly better built quality, a more balanced ride, better visibility and a far better / more tactile interior, whilst being plenty quick enough, having a good range and plenty of space. Modern isn’t always better. I far prefer listening to music on records. Sounds better and more tactile.

[@trevorbarnes693]

Tesla model y Will never be a BMW