The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is the first all-electric version of the brand’s compact SUV model, joining the range immediately after the launch of the new X1.
The all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by an electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, each combined with power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The drive units deliver a combined output of 313hp (including temporary boost) and overall torque of 494Nm.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also comprises the car’s charging technology and the 64.7kWh high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody. The battery’s high energy density and the drive system’s efficiency achieve combined power consumption of 18.4 – 17.3kWh per 100km (WLTP) and a driving range of 257 – 272 miles.
The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW iX1 xDrive30 enables single- and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, optionally increased to 22kW (three-phase AC). This allows the battery to be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours as standard and just 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC recharging at up to 130kW makes it possible to boost the battery level from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes, or increase range by 75 miles in just 10 minutes.
As in the BMW i7, the charging software has been further refined. Once the battery reaches a higher charge level, the new process drops the charging rate smoothly instead of the previous “stepped” curve, resulting in even shorter charging times.
An optimised cooling strategy for DC charging improves the durability of the battery. Alternating phases of full and partial cooling power are used to prevent cell temperatures dropping too low during fast charging, shortening charging times and reducing ageing. Customised settings for individual charge points can be stored and automatically recalled on the next visit, while preheating can be started manually on approach to a DC charging station.
Two plug-in hybrids will also join the new BMW X1 model line-up later. The BMW X1 xDrive30e and BMW X1 xDrive25e both feature an integrated electric drive unit powering the rear wheels, combined with a three-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via the seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.
Now positioned flat in the vehicle floor, the fifth-generation lithium-ion batteries have an increased usable content of 14.2kWh. Maximum charging capacity has climbed from 3.7kW to 7.4kW, enabling the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 2.5 hours. When hooked up to a conventional domestic power socket, a full vehicle charge is completed within eight hours. Electric range is now up to 48 – 55 miles in the WLTP cycle.