BMW will launch an electric version of the next BMW X1 crossover to rival the Volkswagen ID 4, and our photographers have caught it testing for the first time.
Likely to adopt the iX1 moniker in line with BMW's EV naming strategy, it will be sold alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the third-generation X1 – which is due to launch next year – but will likely appear later than the ICE variants.
Along with the i7 and i5 saloons, the iX1 will arrive as one of nine new electric BMW models by 2025. Under the Power of Choice banner, the firm has committed to selling more than seven million PHEVs and EVs by the end of 2030.
The iX1 will serve as the entry point into the brand's expanding electric SUV range, sitting underneath the new iX3 and the flagship iX. It will also indirectly replace the BMW i3 supermini, which has been on sale since 2013.
Technical details remain unconfirmed, but the iX1 can be expected to use a variation of the iX3's fifth-generation eDrive powertrain, which comprises a 282bhp motor driving the rear axle and an 80kWh lithium ion battery pack that offers 285 miles of range in the larger car.
It will play a central role in BMW's electric offensive, given the popularity of the conventionally fuelled X1. In its first five full years on sale, the crossover has sold more than 500,000 units in Europe alone.
As well as an electric option, the third-generation X1 will usher in a bold new look inspired by the more style-led X2, while strengthening its ties to its 1 Series hatchback sibling with a larger front grille.
It will sit atop a reworked version of the current car's UKL platform, with modifications to accommodate the electric powertrain option.
Expect the iX1 to share a cabin design with the other X1 variants, bringing the latest generation of BMW's iDrive infotainment software and a raft of advanced driver aids.
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Hard to believe the i3 with its dedicated bev chassis will be replaced in 2023 by a car with a converted ice chassis. Step backwards.
So backwards and disappointing. Feels like BMW lost their bottle, falling inline with all the other manufacturers in making compromised cars designed for both ICE & BEV.
Eventually, when EVs have broken free of the constraints of conventional, ICE layout dictated styling we'll look back at the i3 and say it was years ahead of it's time.
While I applaud your sentiments on BMW's lack of design, the other brands aren't doing much better other than to jump on the Gravy Wagon and produce there idea of what we want, we'll have no choice of motive power, EV is the way we're choosing, the car makers seem to be on the ball, there's loads of EV adds appearing on Tv just now saying there's is the best, blaming ICE for the state of convention is weak, it's us, we like safe, reliable, when something totally different appears it either bombs or sells the first few months and once owners find out it's not all that then sales go down.It looks like cars are going to be the generic shape for a while, yep, it's the old saying, you buy what you like, not what someone else says is nice, good etc.
Not only that, but its being replaced by yet another SUV bodystyle. What happened to consumer choice?
You and I seem to be the minority now, we're getting coerced more and more towards SUV's of all shapes and sizes, different power units in them, and now, in the mad dash towards EV only, this is what transport, daily transport mind, is going to be, chances are your next daily driver will be an EV,ok, I'm not allowing for those with a bit more disposable ,otherwise, it's this or?