BMW’s cheapest iX sunters into vehicle electrification

…with N29.8m starting price

It is no doubt, not an understatement to say that, apart from buying an electric car still a hugely expensive ordeal in Nigeria and the necessary infrastructure needed to set the tone for vehicle electrification in the country still remaining elusive, many automakers are not relenting in meeting the demand of electric vehicles in many markets across the globe; and the BMW automakers is among the gladiators.

But while the truly affordable options remain elusive, the electric vehicle market positioned slightly north and gradually promising is growing and the latest contender to arrive is the BMW iX1.

Priced at R1,140,000 in xLine guise and R1,180,000 with the M Sport package, (N29.8 million and N30.9 million respectively), the iX1 xDrive30 for instance in South Africa’s where thre is gradual market acceptance of electric vehicle is the country’s third least expensive electric model range.

The iX1 comes in at a saving cost of N4.34 million (R166 000) over the BMW iX3, although it does command a significant premium of N9.1million (R350,000) over the diesel-powered X1.

If it’s any consolation, though, the battery-powered iX1 is significantly perkier than the internal combustion models. The iX1 recently went live on the company’s local configurator, with a power output listed at 200kW, which is less than the 230kW output listed elsewhere on the site and internationally. Meanwhile, feedback is currently being awaited on this discrepancy.

Either way, the twin-motor, all-wheel drive system allows the driver to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, according to factory claims, while the top speed is listed at 180km/h, which is par for the course for an electric motor of this size.

As for the driving distance between charges, the BMW website claims a range of between 417km and 440km on the WLTP cycle, but keep in mind that this is going to depend on many driving factors and freeway driving, at a constant velocity without regenerative braking, will also result in a lower range.

The cabin of the new BMW iX1 is highly digitised, with the number of physical buttons and switches having been kept to a minimum.

The cockpit features BMW’s latest operating system 8 and iDrive systems, and occupants interface with a wide-screen curved display and latest-generation intelligent personal assistant, which has apparently gained some additional skills.

In terms of spec, the BMW iX1 xLine model ships with 18-inch ‘aerodynamic’ bi-colour wheels, sensatec black upholstery and aluminium ‘mesheffect’ interior trim. The M Sport gains double-spoke bi-colour wheels, also in 18-inches, and M Sport exterior parts while the cabin is finished in aluminium hexacube dark trim.

Standard features include adaptive suspension, automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, a dual-screen infotainment system with navigation, cruise control, front and rear park distance control and park assist.

In addition to the attractive offerings of the latest arrival from the BMW automakers, there is also a long list of optional items and packages that gives prospective buyers the freedom to spec up their iX1 to their tastes and satisfaction.

MIKE OCHONMA