BMW presents its cheapest electric model

For a few months, the cheapest BMW was the i4 in eDrive35 version, while the iX1 was only content with an eDrive30 version of 313 hp and available from 57,150 euros. This model therefore escaped the ecological bonus in force in France, leaving the field open to the Mercedes EQA available from 46,950 euros.

But with this new eDrive20 version, BMW puts its iX1 back in the race. Indeed, on the sidelines of the Munich Motor Show, the Bavarian firm is presenting a new version of its electric SUV. The BMW iX1 eDrive20 is positioned as BMW’s access model to electric mobility, with a starting price of 46 900 euros. It will be produced from November 2023 at the BMW plant in Regensburg.

An electric BMW at a discount? Not really

The BMW iX1 eDrive20 is powered by an electric motor from 204 hp and 247 Nm of torque. It can reach 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h. This model has a single engine, positioned at the front axle, thus providing traction.

The battery, placed in the underbody of the car to optimize space, offers a useful capacity of 64,7 kWh. Thanks to its high energy density, combined with the efficiency of the electric motor, the iX1 eDrive20 offers a range ranging from 430 to 475 kilometers.

The car can be charged with alternating current up to 11 kW, which allows it to go from 0 to 100% charge in 6 hours and 30 minutes. For those looking for an even faster charging solution, a 22kW 3-phase AC on-board charger is available as an option, reducing charging time to 3 hours and 45 minutes.

With a DC load capacity of up to 130 kWit is possible to recharge from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes on a fast charging station.

What is the competition doing?

Thanks to this new version, the BMW iX1 is finally competitive since, once the bonus of 5,000 euros has been deducted, it costs “only” 41 990 euros. A sum for an electric SUV, but the gap becomes abysmal with an Audi Q4 e-tron for example, available for 53,000 euros and not affected by the ecological bonus.

Still, Volvo keeps a small head start with its EX30 offered from 37,500 euros, excluding bonuses. It has less autonomy, the standard equipment is also less provided, but its starting price is canon for a premium electric SUV.

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