BMW iX1 2023: cheaper single-motor variant could come to Australia

A more affordable variant for BMW’s cheapest EV could make the iX1 more competitive on price with its growing list of rivals

BMW Australia has expressed strong interest in a single-motor variant of the iX1 that would likely offer a more affordable entry point for the electric small SUV.

Speaking at the launch of the iX1 xDrive30, BMW Australia product and pricing manager for X vehicles Daniel Silverwood told Chasing Cars such a model would also prove quite popular in our market.

The iX1 has launched in Australia with a starting price of $84,900 before on-roads

“We’d certainly be interested in that model, if that were to materialise. There’s certainly a market there as well,” he said.

The first batch of iX1 deliveries were sent out to customers last month, with the small SUV currently available in a single grade with a list price of $84,900 before on-roads.

This price has been inflated from the introductory cost of $82,900 that was available to customers who ordered before January 1, 2023, but along with the hike, desirable features such as the Harmon Kardon stereo have also been shifted into an optional $4700 pack.

By offering a single-motor configuration, the iX1 would likely be cheaper to buy

A more affordable single-motor option could also bridge the gap between the starting price of the petrol-powered X1 range, which starts at $53,900 for the sDrive18i.

Single-motor rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 ($81,700 before on-roads) and Lexus UX300e Luxury ($79,990) undercut the iX1 on price, with the closest dual-motor equipped competitor the Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric at $81,490.

All of these rivals put more breathing room between the list price and the new Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold that was recently announced for the 2023 to 2024 financial year, leaving more room for extras such as premium paint options and equipment packages.

Clearing this cap, at $89,332 for fuel efficient vehicles, is a key eligibility point to qualify for the federal government’s waiver of fringe benefits tax for those who opt to ‘buy’ their electric vehicle through their employer via novated leasing.

The LCT threshold has recently been increased to $89,332 for fuel efficient vehicles

This means that in order to score all the features they want, some buyers may need to look to rivals with a more affordable entry point.

Mr Silverwood said he had no concerns about the proximity of the iX1 xDrive 30 grade to the LCT threshold and was confident the value proposition was strong and the reception with customers spoke for itself.

“At its price point, and its level of equipment, certainly it’s a model that from very early indications has been very positively received by our customer base, and also gives us the opportunity to attract new customers to the brand and new customers to electrification,” he said.