BMW iX1

2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport launched in Malaysia – single-motor FWD; 475 km EV range; from RM250k

In BMW, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 30 April 2024 5:37 pm / 13 comments

BMW Malaysia has introduced a new base variant of the BMW iX1 called the eDrive20 M Sport, which retails for RM264,000 on-the-road without insurance. This figure is with a five-year extended warranty and six-year service package, but without it, the price drops down to RM249,800.

Compared to the iX1 xDrive30 M Sport that was launched back in May last year, the eDrive20 M Sport is cheaper by RM26,000 (with or without the extended warranty and service package). Of course, there are some noticeable differences in terms of specifications that come with the lower price point.

For starters, the eDrive20 comes with a single, front-mounted electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 250 Nm of torque with the temporary boost feature engaged. This is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.

By comparison, the xDrive30 has a dual-motor setup delivering as much as 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 494 Nm – also with temporary boost engaged – for a quicker century sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a slightly higher top speed of 180 km/h.

Both the eDrive20 and xDrive30 share the same lithium-ion battery with a gross energy capacity of 66.5 kWh (64.7 kWh net), but the former has a higher WLTP-rated range of 475 km compared to the xDrive30’s 438 km.

Charging capacities are identical for both variants, with the eDrive20 supporting a max AC input of 11 kW as standard that sees a full charge from 0-100% in 6.5 hours. DC fast charging up to 130 kW is also supported and gets the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in 29 minutes.

One way to tell the eDrive20 from the xDrive30 is by looking at the grille, which is a patterned panel on the base variant while the higher-spec offering comes with vertical slats. Shared equipment between the two iX1 variant include 19-inch M double-spoke style 871 M light-alloy bicolour wheels, the M Sport styling package, the M high-gloss Shadowline package and M roof rails high-gloss Shadowline.

2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport spec sheet; click to enlarge

The list continues with adaptive LED headlamps, adaptive M suspension, two-zone climate control, an M leather steering wheel, powered front sports seats, an anthracite headliner, a wireless charging pad, BMW Live Cockpit Professional (10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen), Connected Package Professional (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support), IconicSounds Electric and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The eDrive20 M Sport’s upholstery is either Veganza synthetic leather or a combination of Alcantara and Veganza, paired with aluminium ‘Hexacube’ interior trim finishers in a light finish. This is different from the xDrive30 M Sport that gets the option of Vernasca leather or a combination of Alcantara and Sensatec. The interior trim finishers are in the same ‘Hexacube’ design too, but in a darker finish.

In the driver assistance department, the eDrive20 M Sport comes standard with the Driving Assistant package as standard, which includes functions such as lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention, exit warning, rear collision prevention and autonomous emergency braking.

2024 BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport spec sheet; click to enlarge

Interestingly, customers can get the xDrive30 M Sport’s Driving Assistant Plus package as an on-demand feature via the Connected Drive store. A quick check on said store indicates Driving Assistant Plus is available as a subscription (RM167.55/month, RM1,675.51/year, RM2,606.35/three years) or as an unlimited (no subscription) package for RM3,273.36 – there’s also a three-month trial for free.

With the Driving Assistant Plus package, you get access to Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Departure Warning as well as Active Cruise Control with stop and go function. Parking Assistant Plus is standard on the eDrive20 and includes a 360-degree camera and Reversing Assistant.

Each purchase is accompanied by an eight-year, 160,000-km battery warranty, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline as well as BMW Service Online. With a lower price tag, less power but more range and a relatively similar kit list, would you pick the eDrive20 M Sport over the more expensive xDrive30 M Sport?

GALLERY: BMW iX1 eDrive20

13 comments | Leave a comment?
2024 BMW iX1 xDrive30 Malaysian review – fr RM276k; 440 km range; how good is the first-ever X1 EV?

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Video Reviews, Videos / By Gerard Lye / 26 January 2024 3:51 pm / 7 comments

The BMW iX1 is the fully electric version of the third-generation X1 and is currently on sale in Malaysia in a sole xDrive30 M Sport variant priced at RM275,800 (OTR without insurance). Add on the optional five-year extended warranty and six-year service package, and the figure increases to RM290,000.

For the money, you get an all-wheel drive setup consisting of two electric motors that provide a total system output of 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 494 Nm, with a temporary boost function bumping peak horsepower to 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) under hard acceleration. With the boost function, the iX1 gets from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Powering the electric motors is a lithium-ion battery that has an energy capacity of 64.7 kWh to provide up to 440 km of range following the WLTP standard. For charging, the electric vehicle (EV) is capable of DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) at a max of 130 kW, with a 10-80% state of charge achieved in just 29 minutes. There’s also AC charging (Type 2 connection) at 11 kW that takes 6.5 hours to fully recharge the battery.

Our iX1 comes standard with the M Sport package for a more aggressive look along with adaptive M suspension and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke style 871M bicolour design. Other key features include adaptive LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi sound system and the BMW Curved Display.

The last item is part of the Live Cockpit Professional system and includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Both are powered by BMW Operating System 8 that provides a personal voice assistant as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For driver assists, there’s the Driving Assistant Plus package with Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, Attentiveness Assistant, Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning and Left Turn Warning – both with braking function – along with Speed Limit Info, Evasion Assistant and Active Cruise Control with stop & go function. These are joined by Parking Assistant Plus that includes a 360-degree camera and Reversing Assistant.

The iX1 marks the first time that BMW offers an EV version of the X1, and it arrived in Malaysia months before the internal combustion engine version of the X1. On that mention, the non-EV X1 was launched here in October, also in a sole variant (sDrive20i xLine) that retails for RM244,800, or RM265,700 with the five-year extended warranty and service package.

We did the math, and the iX1 costs RM31,000, or RM24,300 (with the optional aftersales package), more than the X1. Just how good is it at being an EV and to life with every day? That’s what Hafriz Shah attempts to find out in our video review of the iX1. Give it a watch and let us know whether you agree with his findings in the comments below.

7 comments | Leave a comment?
2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport launched in Malaysia – 313 PS, 64.7 kWh, 440 km EV range; from RM272k

In BMW, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 3 May 2023 11:05 am / 25 comments

BMW Malaysia has officially introduced the iX1, which is the all-electric version of the third-generation U11 X1 revealed globally last June. For our market, the iX1, which is the first in the X1’s history, will be offered in a sole xDrive30 M Sport variant priced at RM272,370 on-the-road without insurance.

This figure is excluding the optional five-year extended warranty and six-year service package, but if you include it, the asking price becomes RM285,800. With each purchase, you will get an eight-year/160,000-km warranty on the EV battery, along with roadside assistance as well as access to BMW Service Online and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card.

Featuring the carmaker’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, the iX1 has two electric motors – one for each axle – that are each rated at 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) and 247 Nm of torque. The all-wheel drive setup has a total system output of 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 494 Nm, but a temporary boost function bumps the peak horsepower to 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) under hard acceleration.

In doing so, the 0-100 km/h time is 5.7 seconds, and the compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is capable of hitting a top speed of 180 km/h. The electric motors draw power from an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery that has an energy capacity of 64.7 kWh, which is good for a range of 440 km following the WLTP standard.

For charging, the iX1 is capable of DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) at a max of 130 kW, with a 10-80% state of charge achieved in just 29 minutes. Alternatively, there’s also AC charging (Type 2 connection) at 11 kW that takes 6.5 hours to fully recharge the battery.

Visually, the iX1 doesn’t differ heavily from a regular, non-EV X1, with key identifiers being the dedicated “i” badging on the grille and blue ring on the BMW roundel. The M Sport package that comes standard adds a more aggressive front bumper with a hexagonal-shaped lower intake and prominent air curtains. Also included is the M High-gloss Shadowline package and satinated aluminium grille slats.

Meanwhile, the rear bumper sports a diffuser-like element and has a large blacked-out portion that mimics what you find on the latest 3 Series we have here. In terms of dimensions, the iX1 follows the X1, which is larger than the previous F48 model, measuring in at 4,500 mm long (+53 mm), 1,845 mm wide (+24 mm) and with a wheelbase of 2,692 mm (+22 mm). However, the height of the iX1 is kept at 1,616 mm compared to the internal combustion engine variants that measure 1,642 mm tall.

As part of the X1’s redesign for greater presence, the iX1 also carries a larger front grille and new headlamps (adaptive LEDs for our market) with inverted L-shaped bars marking up the daytime running light signature. Cleaner surfacing along the sides leads to the rear LED taillights with an L-shaped light signature.

Inside, the dashboard design is like that of the U06 2 Series Active Tourer, with the BMW Curved Display taking centre stage with its 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Both form the Live Cockpit Professional system and run BMW Operating System 8, with the latter including a personal voice assistant as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Elsewhere, the raised centre console is without a rotary controller that is typical of iDrive systems. Instead, it only has a switch-type gear selector, controls for specific vehicle functions, a start button and media controls. Ahead of this area is where you’ll find the cupholders and a vertical space that integrates a wireless phone charger.

2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport spec sheet

Equipment that comes standard for the iX1 includes 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke style 871M bicolour design, welcome lights, an M leather steering wheel, an M anthracite headliner, aluminium ‘Hexacube’ dark trim, ambient lighting, powered front sport seats with driver-side memory function, dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi sound system, Digital Key Plus, adaptive M suspension and Connected Package Professional.

For driver assists, there’s the Driving Assistant Plus package with Hill Start Assist, Speed Limiter, Attentiveness Assistant, Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning and Left Turn Warning – both with braking function – along with Speed Limit Info, Evasion Assistant and Active Cruise Control with stop & go function. These are joined by Parking Assistant Plus that includes a 360-degree camera and Reversing Assistant.

The iX1 is offered in six exterior colours, namely Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Cape York Green, M Portimao Blue, Storm Bay and Space Silver. The interior gets Vernasca leather appointments available in either Alcantara Black with Blue Contrast Stitching, Black or Mocha.

GALLERY: BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport at Malaysia Autoshow 2023

GALLERY: U11 BMW iX1 xDrive30

25 comments | Leave a comment?
2022 BMW iX1 revealed – U11 EV in xDrive30 form with all-wheel drive, 313 PS, 494 Nm, up to 438 km range

In BMW, Cars, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 1 June 2022 11:45 am / 6 comments

It seems like every new BMW is accompanied by an all-electric variant these days, and the same is true today with the reveal of the new third-generation U11 X1. This is the iX1, the first zero-emission version of Munich’s entry-level SUV and the fifth of a new range of electric vehicles based on regular models, after the iX3, i4, i3 and i7.

As with those cars, the iX1 utilises BMW’s fifth generation of eDrive motors, replacing the regular X1’s front-mounted engine and gearbox. Just one variant is available at launch, the xDrive30, powered by a motor on each axle to provide all-wheel drive and a total system output of 200 kW (272 PS) and 494 Nm of torque.

A temporary boost function bumps up the power output by 30 kW (41 PS) under hard acceleration to 230 kW (313 PS), enabling the iX1 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h. The car has the smallest lithium-ion battery amongst its siblings at a still-respectable 64.7 kWh, providing a range of between 413 and 438 km on the WLTP cycle.

The iX1 can be charged at up to 11 kW on AC power, which can fill the battery in six and a half hours. This can optionally be bumped up to 22 kW, trimming this number down to three hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, the car can accept up to 130 kW of DC fast charging, topping the battery up from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes and adding 120 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Included as part of the powertrain is a Combined Charging Unit that integrates the functions of a voltage transformer, charging electronics, power distribution and management of the motors, battery and charging. The system’s updated software, first used in the i7, smoothly reduces the charging rate after a certain point to reduce temperatures (instead of dropping down multiple steps), shortening charge times.

Further optimisation of DC charging comes by way of alternating between full and partial cooling, preventing temperatures from dropping too far. This helps to not only reduce charging times but also the ageing process of the battery cells. A more efficient heat pump is also fitted to the iX1, which can then be used to preheat the battery for DC charging, either manually or automatically when approaching the charger.

As with most EVs, the iX1 uses recuperative braking to maximise range, with an adaptive system able to take into account data from the navigation system and driver assistance sensors. This will slow the car down when it senses a roundabout or other vehicles in front, for instance, without touching the brake pedal. The maximum recuperation rate is 60 kW, or 120 kW with the brake pedal depressed.

The rest of the car is as per the standard X1, sharing the same basic structure, revised design and new technologies. On the outside, this includes trapezoidal LED headlights (with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights), large square double kidney grilles, a heavily sculpted bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, minimalist body sides (cleaned up by flush door handles) and large three-dimensional L-shaped taillights. Adaptive headlights are available as an option, incorporating Mazda CX-30-style pulsating indicators.

Unique to the iX1 are blue highlights that include L-shaped front and rear bumper corners and side sill trim. There’s also the obvious lack of exhaust pipes and the closed-off front grilles; the latter, together with the front air curtain inlets, aero wheels, tailgate spoiler, large rear diffuser and flat underbody (the underfloor battery is also sealed) allow for a drag coefficient as low as 0.26.

Inside, the iX1 gets a similar interior concept that was introduced on the U06 2 Series Active Tourer, with a large centre air vent and twin vents ahead of the front passenger. There’s also an upright storage console for a smartphone (where the optional Qi wireless charger sits) and a floating armrest with a toggle-style gear selector. The iDrive rotary controller has been ditched here, as with its MPV sibling.

Thus, your only way of controlling the infotainment system is with the 10.7-inch central touchscreen, which forms part of the Curved Display panel that also incorporates a 10.25-inch instrument display. The whole shebang runs on the latest BMW Operating System 8, offering crisp and colourful graphics, customisable instruments and integrated controls for the standard dual-zone climate control.

Also standard is the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system with iX1-specific features, including routing optimised for charging if the car’s range isn’t long enough to complete the journey. It will also display additional information at charging stops, such as estimated remaining charge upon arrival, recommended charging time and target charge level.

Despite the battery being located underneath the car’s floor, the iX1 offers nominally less boot space than its petrol and diesel siblings at 490 litres (-50 litres), although you can still fold the rear seats down to boost space luggage capacity to 1,495 litres (-105 litres). The electric version also doesn’t get the sliding rear seats available as an option on models with pure internal combustion engines.

Keeping noise at bay are several sound-insulating measures that include improved door and tailgate sealing, a new door mirror design and quieter tyres. The iX1 also benefits from the specific mounting of the motor and associated electronics and transmission (all in a single housing) and a soundproofed and double-decoupled air-conditioning compressor. As with other electric BMW models, the iX1 gets the IconicSounds Electric driving sounds created in collaboration with renown film composer Hans Zimmer.

Under the skin, the iX1 inherits the new X1’s lighter, more rigid construction – which utilises steel and aluminium – and revised MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. The car also gets a bespoke front sheer panel, a front strut tower brace, stronger front and rear cross members, an optimised load-bearing battery casing and the standard fitment of Adaptive M Suspension that is optional everywhere else.

The iX1 will be built alongside the regular X1 at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany – including the battery – with the motors and associated components assembled in nearby Dingolfing. Sales are slated to kick off in November, a month after the petrol and diesel variants.

6 comments | Leave a comment?