BMW iX1 confirmed for New Zealand

BMW has confirmed that the first-ever fully electric iX1 will be offered in New Zealand following the model’s launch at the start of 2023.

The addition of the fully electric iX1 to BMW New Zealand’s lineup brings the brand’s portfolio of electrified vehicles to ten.

When the iX1 goes on sale next year, it will be offered in two trim levels will be on offer including the xLine and M Sport.

Pricing will be determined close to launch.

xLine and M Sport trim levels

Up front both models will feature BMW’s signature kidney grille which now takes on an almost square design, flanked by two LED headlights featuring matrix high beam.

The SUV also features a long roof line which leads down into two LED taillights below the slim tailgate window.

xLine introduces a satin aluminum finish to the roof rails and window trims, a chrome finish for the kidney grille and silver finish for the wing mirror covers.

M Sport places more focus on performance with larger cooling inlets up front and a rear diffuser.

Interior and technology

A redesigned sports steering wheel wrapped in leather accompanies the iX1’s rocker switch style gear selector. It also features newly developed seats wrapped in perforated Sensatec and Alcantara material.

Above the seats sits a panorama glass sunroof, while two-zone climate control and a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation all come as standard on the SUV.

Also included as standard is a 10.7-inch curved infotainment display alongside a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. Audio is blasted into the cabin via a harmon/kardon surround sound system.

Devices can be charged wirelessly in the SUV’s portrait cradle while 12-volt power sockets and four USB-C ports can also lend a hand.

Cargo space comes to 490 litres thanks to its low floor.

Electric drivetrain

Powering the all electric iX1 xDrive30 is two electric motors front and rear, producing a combined power output of 230kW and a torque figure of 494Nm.

The xDrive all-wheel drive system helps the SUV get from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds while it can reach an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.

A driving range of up to 440km is enabled by the iX1’s 65kWh floor mounted battery. Recharging can be conducted in a matter of 29 minutes from 10 per cent to 80 per cent via DC at 130kW.

Adaptive M suspension which changes the level of stiffness based on the road conditions and personal driving styles.

Pricing and availability

Pricing has yet to be announced but the BMW iX1 xDrive 30 will be available in New Zealand from the first quarter of 2023.