BMW iX vs BMW iX1 Comparison: Choosing the Ideal BMW Electric Car for Indian Roads

 

As the automotive world steadily transitions to electric vehicles (EVs), BMW continues to impress with its lineup, particularly with the iX1 and iX. This blog delves into the distinctive features, performance capabilities, and unique attributes of these two remarkable electric SUVs from BMW.

DESIGN

The BMW iX1

The BMW iX1, a fresh addition to BMW’s electric vehicle range, boasts a striking design that many consider the most appealing among the brand’s SUV offerings. It closely resembles its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the X1 U11, making it a familiar choice for traditional BMW enthusiasts. Subtle blue accents inside and out, along with additional digital elements in the cabin, distinguish the iX1. Sharing a new platform with the ICE X1, the iX1 features slightly larger dimensions but maintains a lower stance, enhancing its sporty appearance.

The BMW iX

The BMW iX M60 stands out with its bold design, particularly its vertical “toothy” grille, which has sparked both excitement and debate. This distinctive feature sets it apart in the world of electric SUVs.

PRACTICALITY

The BMW iX1

The iX1 offers generous interior space, nearly matching the roominess of the larger X3. Its large doors make entry and exit easy, and the front seats are designed for comfort on long journeys. The rear seats feature a 40/20/40-split configuration with a slight recline but lack the sliding functionality found in the ICE X1. Due to the rear-axle-mounted electric motor and battery pack, the iX1 has a cargo volume ranging from 490 to 1495 liters, slightly less than the ICE X1’s 540 to 1527 liters.

The BMW iX

The iX M60 makes a statement with its substantial dimensions. Nearly five meters in length, 1967mm in width, and 1696mm in height, this SUV commands attention. Its three-meter-long wheelbase ensures a spacious and comfortable interior, making it an excellent family-friendly option.

PRICE AND FEATURES

The BMW iX1

The iX1 is available in a single trim level, the xDrive30, starting at approximately ₹60 lakhs. Buyers often prefer the sportier ‘M Sport’ package, which comes at no additional cost, over the more conservative ‘xLine’ package. Standard features include twin-motor all-wheel drive, a 67 kWh battery, 22 kW AC charging capability, variable-ratio steering, and adaptive dampers. BMW also offers additional bundles for customization, such as a 22 kW BMW AC Wallbox for faster home charging. However, the iX1 does not feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, unlike some competitors.

The BMW iX

The 2023 BMW iX lineup includes four variants: the entry-level xDrive40, the Sport trim of the same powertrain, the more powerful xDrive50 Sport, and the top-of-the-line M60, which is priced at ₹1.15 Crores (Ex-showroom).

POWER, PERFORMANCE & PROBABILITIES

The BMW iX1

The iX1 is powered by BMW’s latest fifth-generation EV drive system, eDrive 5.0 (M170SF), featuring two electric motors for all-wheel drive. The front motor engages by default, with the rear motor providing additional traction when needed. This setup delivers a combined output of 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque, enabling the iX1 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. Despite its 2010 kg weight, the xDrive30 maintains a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 114 kW per tonne.

The BMW iX

The iX M60 boasts a formidable powertrain, with two electric motors delivering power to all four wheels. It offers an impressive 455 kW of power and 1100 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. This performance is remarkable for an SUV weighing 2.5 tonnes and surpasses many traditional petrol-powered competitors.

EFFICIENCY AND RANGE

The BMW iX1

BMW claims the xDrive30 has an average energy consumption of 18.3 kWh/100 km. However, real-world driving conditions showed a slightly higher consumption rate of 21.3 kWh/100 km. Equipped with a 67 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (65 kWh usable capacity), the iX1 offers an ADR 81/02-rated range of 400 km. Charging times vary, with a 50 kW DC public charger taking approximately 65 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, and a 150 kW charger reducing this time to about half an hour. Home charging with a regular power outlet takes around 34 hours, while the 22 kW AC Wallbox reduces this to about 3.5 hours.

The BMW iX

The BMW iX M60 has an official energy consumption figure of 26.5 kWh/100 km, but real-world usage revealed an average consumption of 25.6 kWh/100 km. This efficiency is better than some high-performance models like the Taycan Turbo S and even surpasses more modest electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf.

SAFETY

While specific safety ratings for the iX1 are not yet available, its variants earned a five-star ANCAP rating based on the European NCAP results in 2022. The iX1 comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist safety technologies, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane support systems, and a driver monitoring system. Occupant protection includes seven airbags and ISOFIX child-seat latches. The iX, on the other hand, lacks rear automatic emergency braking (AEB), a notable omission considering its otherwise extensive safety features.

Conclusion

BMW’s iX1 and iX represent two compelling choices in the electric SUV market, each with its own set of strengths. Whether you prioritize design, performance, practicality, or efficiency, both models showcase BMW’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. As electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent, these offerings from BMW provide excellent options for enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike.