BMW iX1 2023: Australian pricing and release date revealed for all-electric small SUV

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BMW has announced Australian pricing and specifications for its first all-electric small SUV, the iX1. 

Positioned as a premium compact SUV competitor to the likes of the Volvo XC40 Recharge (from $72,990) and the Mercedes-Benz EQA (from $78,513), the iX1 will use a dual-motor xDrive AWD electric powertrain. 

The iX1 will arrive in BMW dealerships during the first quarter of 2023, with pricing set at $82,900 before on-road costs for both rugged-looking xLine and athletically-styled M Sport grade levels. 

BMW’s iX1 xDrive30 will follow the upcoming launch of two X1 variants: the turbocharged X1 sDrive18i and xDrive20i models. 

It’s a significant jump to the all-electric version of the X1, with the iX1’s $82,900 price sitting $17,000 higher than its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol sibling.

iX1 will battle electric Mercedes and Volvo models

Powering the new BMW iX1 is a dual-motor electric drivetrain that produces 230kW/494Nm on overboost. BMW claims that the iX1 can sprint to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, roughly the same time as the last Honda Civic Type R.

That makes the BMW less powerful than the Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric ($79,490), though, which produces 300kW/660Nm from its dual motors despite being $3410 more affordable than the iX1.

But a dual-motor all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz EQA350 will set you back $100,800. That car produces 210kW/520Nm.

iX1 battery size and range

Powering the BMW’s two motors, with one on each axle, is a 65kWh battery pack. Overall driving range is a claimed 440km (WLTP). Energy consumption for the iX1 is 14.8kWh/100km. 

Buyers will be able to charge the new iX1 at speeds up to 130kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent in 29 minutes. 

Globally, at launch, the iX1 is only available in dual-motor xDrive30 form, though it may be offered in cheaper single-motor variants later on. Its larger sibling, the iX3, is conversely only offered in rear-wheel drive format at a price of $114,900.

High levels of standard equipment

The iX1 comes highly equipped with features such as the BMW curved display (a 10.7-inch central touchscreen incorporated with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster), a panoramic glass sunroof, BMW iconic sounds and active sports seats with massaging function. 

Tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive M suspension and a Harman/Kardon sound system is also standard for the new iX1. 

Also included are 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display and a sport leather steering wheel. 

BMW X1 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• sDrive18i: $53,900
• xDrive20i: $65,900
• iX1: $82,900