BMW iX1 Electric SUV Sold Out Within A Few Hours of India Launch

The BMW iX1 all-electric SUV was launched in the Indian market on September 28, 2023, and now the Indian arm of the German manufacturer has announced that all the allocated units for the year 2023 have been sold out. BMW says that all the fully- electric iX1 units were booked within a few hours of its launch in the country, however, it hasn't disclosed the number of units sold. The bookings of the newly launched vehicle were enabled exclusively through an online medium. Brought to our shores via a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) route, the BMW iX1 is available in the top-end M Sport variant, priced at Rs 66.90 lakh. Overseas, the BMW iX1 is available in 2 configurations – the xDrive30 and the relatively new eDrove20 with a front-wheel drive system (201bhp/250Nm). In the Indian market, the automaker offers the xDrive30 version, which comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability. 

At this price point, the brand's most affordable electric vehicle goes toe-to-toe with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQB (Rs 74.50 lakh), the Volvo C40 Recharge (Rs 61.25 lakh), the Kia EV6 (Rs 60.95 lakh), and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV (Rs 44.95 lakh) in the electric-SUV segment. All prices are ex-showroom. 

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BMW iX1 Electric SUV: Powertrain, Charging Capabilities

At its heart is a 66.4kWh Lithium-ion battery pack mated to two electric motors. The power and torque figures stand at 313bhp and 494Nm, respectively. The end result is that the iX1 is claimed to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds and yields a range of 440 kilometres on a single charge (WLTP cycle). The top speed of the car is 180km/h, according to BMW. Moreover, the vehicle's Adaptive M Suspension is said to provide an extremely comfortable ride by absorbing all minor bumps on the road and offering sporty damper characteristics for dynamic driving.

With respect to its charging capabilities, the first fully-electric SUV supports up to 11kW AC charging and 130kW DC fast charging. Using a fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes, while an 11kW AC wall charger can charge the battery to 100 per cent in 6.3 hours. 

BMW iX1 Electric SUV: Interior, Safety Equipment

Feature-wise, the iX1 gets a structured dashboard with 'Aluminium Mesheffect' trim, an M sport leather steering wheel, a 10.7-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch curved digital information display system, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, faux leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control, ventillated seats with massage functions, wireless charging, rear AC vents, an optional panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a boot space of 490 litres, etc. 

As far as safety goes, the iX1 offers adaptive cruise control, seven airbags (standard), electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front collision warning, auto emergency braking, and lane departure warning. 

BMW iX1 Electric SUV: Exterior

Since the new iX1 is based on the third-generation BMW X1, it looks similar to its internal combustion engine-powered counterpart, save for its EV-specific styling bits such as the closed-off kidney grille with distinct 'i'. The front end is characterised by the familiar slim headlamps with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), while the rear end gets sleek LED taillights. On offer is also a new set of sporty-looking 18-inch alloy wheels. Prospective buyers have a choice of four monotone colours – Alpine White non-metallic as well as Space Silver, Black Sapphire & Storm Bay metallic paintworks.

Also Read: 2023 BMW 530e, 550e Plug-In Hybrids Mark Debut with up to 103 Km Range

The new BMW iX1 is the brand's fourth electric model in its India lineup, following the i7 and the i4 sedans, as well as the iX SUV. The electric vehicle comes with a standard 2-year warranty for unlimited kilometres, while the battery pack is covered by a warranty valid for 8 years or up to 1,60,000 kilometres.