The automaker should lift the lid on the EV before year-end.
With the third-generation BMW X1 patiently waiting in the wings, the Munich-based automaker is putting the all-electric iX1 through its final paces. The battery-powered variant has just completed its dynamic evaluation at the company’s Swedish-based winter testing facility and, according to the carmaker, has passed with flying colors.
Together with its ICE and PHEV siblings, BMW has ensured the newcomer’s powertrain and chassis will be able to withstand tough weather conditions, an important requirement for electric vehicles. The cold weather subjects the electric motors, battery, and vehicle electronics to sub-zero temperatures. The automaker notes the heat management system will allow owners to top their batteries up quickly, even in these demanding climates.
At its core, the iX1 is still a BMW, which means it needs to deliver an engaging experience. To that end, a bevy of frozen lakes and snow-covered roads allow engineers to fine-tune the compact crossover’s handling and dynamics, particularly the suspension and electric all-wheel-drive system.
Unfortunately, reports indicate the iX1 won’t be making its way stateside. It’s thought that the newcomer’s all-electric range won’t find favor with American consumers but, on the WLTP cycle, BMW is claiming the iX1 can travel between 257 – 272 miles between charges. The luxury brand has said the battery-powered model will be added to the X1 range shortly after the newcomer is revealed in autumn 2022.
The iX1 will be built on the same production line as the plug-in hybrid and ICE variants. We’ve already seen the X1 M35i testing in the same region. While details are unknown at the moment, we can expect the hottest X1 yet to use the same 301-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the X2 M35i and M235i Gran Coupe.
With something for everyone, the third-generation X1 range will finally have something to take on the extensive GLA-Class range (all-electric EQA included). We hope BMW does bring the iX1 to the states, though. It would effectively take the place of the now-discontinued i3 as the smallest electric offering and, perhaps, introduce a host of eco-minded consumers to the brand.
The company has seen great success when it comes to electric vehicles. In 2021, BMW managed to sell 100,000 EVs and has plans to double that in the coming year. Based on the popularity of the polarizing iX SUV and i4, they’re well on their way to reaching that goal.
