BMW iX1 review (2024): The Best Driver's Feel! | TotallyEV

The BMW iX1 is a fully electric SUV, which is based on the X1 and the larger BMW iX3. Find out how it performs by watching our review!
Find the best BMW iX1 deals: locally.link/5lVm
Read the BMW iX1 review on our website: totallyev.net/bmw-ix1-review-...
Review of the BMW iX1's audio system: totallyev.net/bmw-ix1-bmw-x1-...
Update: following the review, BMW has announced the iX1 eDrive20, a longer-range FWD model that starts at £44k!
Our favourite dash cams: totallyev.net/best-dash-cam/
Buy a car phone mount on Amazon (Affiliate link): locally.link/ZFZf
.............................................................
Alternatives to consider:
BMW iX3 (its larger sibling): totallyev.net/bmw-ix3-review-...
Jaguar I-Pace (fun to drive & luxurious): totallyev.net/jaguar-i-pace-r...
Audi Q4 e-tron (stylish & good range): totallyev.net/audi-q4-e-tron-...
Volkswagen ID.5 (class-leading range): totallyev.net/volkswagen-id-5...
Tesla Model Y (long-range and fast): totallyev.net/tesla-model-y-r...
Kia EV6 (good range & spacious): totallyev.net/kia-ev6-review-...
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (futuristic & spacious): totallyev.net/hyundai-ioniq-5...
Skoda Enyaq iV (long-range & very spacious): totallyev.net/skoda-enyaq-iv-...
Volkswagen ID.4 (spacious and good range): totallyev.net/volkswagen-id-4...
Nissan Ariya (unique design): totallyev.net/nissan-ariya-re...
Hyundai Kona Electric (affordable & good range): totallyev.net/hyundai-kona-el...
Kia Soul EV (feature-packed & good range): totallyev.net/kia-soul-ev-rev...
Citroen e-C4 X (supremely comfortable): totallyev.net/citroen-e-c4-x-...
Audi Q8 e-tron (powerful and luxurious): totallyev.net/audi-q8-e-tron-...
Genesis Electrified GV70 (feature-packed and luxurious): totallyev.net/genesis-electri...
.............................................................
Equipment used to film this review:
Fujifilm XT-4 (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/U17l
GoPro Hero9 Black (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/AIaS
GoPro Hero8 Black (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/ippq
Zoom H1n recorder (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/MFHp
Shure MVL mic (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/6K8G
Racelogic's Performance Box Touch (Amazon Affiliate link): locally.link/TqM6
Video timestamps:
Price & handling: 00:00
Performance: 02:26
Electric range: 03:31
Charging: 04:38
Interior tech: 06:42
Storage: 09:17
Seating comfort: 11:45
Loud doors: 14:31
Exterior design: 15:06
Safety & parking: 17:04
Verdict: 19:03
#bmw
#bmwix1
#bmwm
.............................................................
Connect with us on social media:
TikTok: / totallyevnet
Instagram: / totallyevnet
Facebook: / totallyevnet
Twitter: / totallyevnet
LinkedIn: / totallyev
.............................................................
Full disclosure:
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Subscribe to see more videos from TotallyEV!

[@TotallyEV]

Update: following the review, BMW has announced the eDrive20, a longer-range FWD model that starts at £44k! Find the best BMW iX1 deals: locally.link/5lVm Read the BMW iX1 review on our website: totallyev.net/bmw-ix1-review-the-best-drivers-feel/ Review of the BMW iX1's audio system: totallyev.net/bmw-ix1-bmw-x1-audio-review-harman-kardon-upgrade/ Video timestamps: Price & handling: 00:00 Performance: 02:26 Electric range: 03:31 Charging: 04:38 Interior tech: 06:42 Storage: 09:17 Seating comfort: 11:45 Loud doors: 14:31 Exterior design: 15:06 Safety & parking: 17:04 Verdict: 19:03

[@scorpion787x8]

Great review, and it was suitable for all the family to watch. There was no swearing. Thank you.

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@blessonjacob3809]

Need to focus more on impact of higher floor on thigh support.

[@jondemon79]

This is a very impressive review, detailed and thorough, and reflects skill and experience as a car driver and buyer. Very, very, well done! I have no further questions after watching this video, now I have to go and sample the iX1 :)

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you for the kind words, really is appreciated! 🥰

[@robkelly9397]

after waiting 11 months (in Australia) mine arrives next week! Thanks for an excellent review- At the time of ordering there were zero options, everything is included...we'll see.

[@TotallyEV]

Pleasure, glad you liked the review! Let us know what you make of it when you take delivery :)

[@johnw65uk]

How is it?

[@robkelly9397]

I like it a lot- suits my lifestyle- solar panels and I drive not far. Sadly I’m reluctant to confront the rural charging issues going to QLD, so I’ll take the diesel Tucson away.

[@eheuvel6708]

Love it

[@TotallyEV]

🙌

[@Slippers84]

Just a note, I imagine as a test vehicle, you only had a guest profile enabled which is why you had to turn lane assist off every time. I would think if you have a driver profile logged in, it would save that setting. It certainly does in my 1 and 3 series

[@TotallyEV]

Can't recall if it was a guest or press profile.

[@neilburton100]

Can't speak for the iX1, but the iX running the same software setup definitely doesn't retain the suppression of lane assist. You have to do it every time. I believe this is regulatory and you'll find this creeping across all the manufacturer's now.

[@Slippers84]

@@neilburton100 was on everytime I got in my G20 but there were so many complaints, the system remembered the setting after a software update. It’s more dangerous to have it on if you’ve forgotten and not expecting it. I can’t stand having it set on

[@TotallyEV]

That's right, it's a Euro NCAP rule, which I think is nonsensical especially if you've disabled it already.

[@Maxxwellification]

Currently driving an X1 until my i4 arrives. Unfortunately as an ICE 118i. It is really annoying to drive an combustion engine once you are used to BEV/PHEV. If I would not have the i4 on order I would take the iX1 right away. Great car.

[@TotallyEV]

Thanks for sharing! The i4 is an excellent saloon, but this is an excellent small-sized SUV too (the X1 isn't too bad either haha). Glad you get to experience both! When is the i4 being delivered?

[@Maxxwellification]

@@TotallyEVlast week of October. Ordered November 22 😅 (Germany, eDrive40)

[@TotallyEV]

@@Maxxwellification ouf! It's worth the wait. Any options you went for?

[@Maxxwellification]

@@TotallyEV Dravit Grey, Sensatec Cognac, Laser, Driving Assist Pro, Harmon Kardon, Electric Seats, M Sports Pro Pack and few other little things (but not all, had to stay within 76k€ limit 😅)

[@keith8443]

Has an i4 for less than 2 weeks when an error message relating to the drive train showed up. Neither the dealer or BMW could sort the issue, so the car was taken back by BMW. Shame as I'm sure it would have been a good car. Ordered an iX1 which arrived in March and now has covered 4000 trouble free miles.A great car.

[@midata787]

Can you please provide an overview and more insight on the range leaderboard? As an ID5 owner, seeing that on top is surprising. This weekend , I managed to hit 4.3miles per KW for the first time. I think mostly due to very warm weather this weekend, so it would be interesting to see what conditions you had for each car.

[@TotallyEV]

Achieved 325 miles in the mixed driving test. See the description for all the reviews (and date of publication).

[@WaddlesTheGreat]

Just ordered one and to confirm the blue trim elements can be deleted as a not cost option.

[@TotallyEV]

Thanks for the info! Didn't seem to be on the configuration (or maybe just missed it!)

[@WaddlesTheGreat]

@@TotallyEV Yes it's called "Model Specific Design elements", that you have to select in order to delete them! About as non-obvious as your going to get 🙂

[@scorpion787x8]

Not keen on the blue trim. So, it's good to know that it can be deleted. At a cost, of course.

[@blackmightcrash8017]

Did you cover where the charger port is positioned, rear, front or side?

[@TotallyEV]

At the side, you can see it on video and through the pictures on our website.

[@ImranAnsari-fu5qo]

What is the color descriptiom of this particulae car that you were reviewing

[@TotallyEV]

According to the spec sheet, it's: "Frozen Pure Grey", a £2,100 option.

[@ImranAnsari-fu5qo]

@@TotallyEV tks a lot for the reply. Is space silver metallic also nice? What are the colours available for ix1 and which looks the best... can you pls tell or make a video on different colours it has and how it looks in reality instead of digital pics which are not always as it looks on pics

[@descontrolador]

Where is the link to the Harmon Kardon system review?

[@TotallyEV]

Coming soon, stay tuned!

[@eheuvel6708]

Great sound system, love it while playing Rammstein 😊

[@thegerman3480]

I don't think I'd be in a hurry to chop in my X3M for one of these 🤭

[@TotallyEV]

For a different crowd for sure!

[@blackmightcrash8017]

I don't believe I've seen low profile tyres on electric cars, weight issue I assume?

[@TotallyEV]

Weight, road noise and efficiency (range), usually!

[@blackmightcrash8017]

Door closure sounds cheap not "Just like a Golf..."

[@TTThedarkknight]

Another great car with no physical buttons...

[@TotallyEV]

Indeed.

[@jondemon79]

For some reason this seems to be unavoidable now. Good luck to traffic safety..

[@leeroy5190]

If you drive in sports mode it has the full 313 hp.

[@TotallyEV]

So, why does Boost exist in Sport mode?

[@leeroy5190]

@@TotallyEV it's for when you are driving in a more economic mode and want a quick boost to overtake or something. It just switches to sport mode for 10secs and then switches back. The x line doesn't have the boost lever but it still has 313hp but you have to manually select sport every time. The car doesn't start in sport mode when you turn it on.

[@leeroy5190]

Not sure why it has boost mode in sport mode as the car only has 313 hp and the boost mode gives an extra 42hp or something and the car certainly doesn't have 355hp quoted anywhere, even as a temporary boost. I was under the impression it only applied in efficient mode. I bought the xline version after speaking to the garage and they assured me that both models have the same max power and I haven't read anywhere else that say the contrary

[@TotallyEV]

@@leeroy5190 so taken straight off BMW UK's press communication: "The drive units deliver a combined output of 313hp (including temporary boost) and overall torque of 494Nm." [...] "M Sport models come with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel which enable rapid manual gear changes and include the Sport Boost function - when the driver pulls the left-hand shift paddle for at least a second, all powertrain and chassis settings are primed to maximise response." Thus, why the assumption of Boost mode is required to get the utmost performance. So, reading into it and logically, it could be that as you said - Sport mode is the trigger for peak performance, but Boost mode in the M Sport trims is a shortcut to it, no matter which drive mode you're in. Will check with the manufacturer for further clarification; thanks for pointing it out!

[@TotallyEV]

I forgot to update you, but I received this from BMW: "The 10 second boost in the xLine without the paddle is via the kick down on the accelerator. Whereas the M Sport is via the paddle. 313 hp (ps) is with the boost for 10 seconds and 272 without boost. Not based on being in Sport mode." So, it would seem I was somewhat right. BMW confirmed that the below is indeed how it operates: So, there is 272hp at any given time, however only with the paddle in the M Sport do you get the full 313hp, while with the xLine it’s only available with a kick-down or a launch? Without this setup, the vehicle is in fact always operating at 272hp?

[@TheLinama]

the auto parking is a hit and miss in my experience so far.

[@TotallyEV]

True, it's not the best!

[@minniesaab7255]

👍💯🚘

[@tolgacebeci3234]

BMW obviously stands in its own league at 313hp with a 10sec boost 🤣 All premium competitors have 408hp, permanent.

[@TotallyEV]

True, but equally still plenty of power!

[@360theosiris]

Is it true tho? Tesla, yes, they’re in a league of their own. But others? Id4? Enyaq? Not even an option to get a sub 6sec acceleration if im not mistaken. Q4? Even the 50 quattro, again does not go sub 6sec I think. XC40? Yes, the twin motor does. So that’s 1 other besides Tesla.. But I think you can only get that motor with the plus package so comes at a cost. If you want to mock BMW, go for its ridiculous 440km range and slow charging, since that is actually seriously lagging behind all its competitors.. Performance? Not so much where I’m standing. But l do agree a boost mode is just stupid and it should just always be available.

[@TotallyEV]

Well I'd say its main competitors are the Tesla, Jaguar and Volvo. The others aren't exactly fully fledged twin motor EVs. Guess it depends how you look at it!

[@360theosiris]

@@TotallyEV Well those are the cars that all fit together when looking at my lease budget with my current and previous employer. Everyone I ask, shopping for an ev in that budget, is putting those cars side by side as well. So in the real world they are very much competitors it seems. And Jaguar? Do you mean the i-Pace? That is not an iX1 competitor, that thing starts past the price where the most fully equipped iX1 ends.. Unless it’s different where you live, because then I’m moving.. 😁

[@tolgacebeci3234]

Not many but 2 engine Volvos (C40&XC40) and Tesla 3&Y (as named by @totallyEV) are stronger around same price. I am not counting each and every HP, but HP matters if you are BMW, who competed on superiority in technicals so far. With electricity, they lost this advantage and to stay competitive they are coming up with aggressive (and I think mostly ugly) designs each from a different planet and so killing the brand slowly. @@360theosiris

[@kresimirkalman6113]

diesel is far better option for this X1

[@TotallyEV]

Lol.

[@dmpanis]

Range is a joke for the money.

[@TotallyEV]

What sort of range would you be looking for?

[@dmpanis]

@@TotallyEViX1 will struggle to do 200 actual miles on a full charge, this is no fun at all. Any car with less than 300 miles of actual range is a no buy for me.

[@Slippers84]

@dmpanis you’re paying for higher quality

[@sunseeker-yb5qt]

@@dmpanisif you are a long distance driver the i4 is the choice for you. Ix1 is for easy use in urban traffic, not made for regular long distance driving.

[@dmpanis]

@@sunseeker-yb5qt I know, i4 has a very small ground clearance and it can't fit my underground garaze. Unfortunatelly