The quirky BMW i3 is being phased out, but BMW will soon offer an all-electric version of one of its most affordable models.
BMW’s redesigned entry-level X1 SUV is set to spawn an electric version known as the BMW iX1, a prototype of which has been photographed outside an IKEA store.
The iX1 is expected to debut later this year.
As the prototype was stationary, this meant our spy photographers were able to capture some close-up photos of both the exterior and interior.
As previously spied, the exterior of the prototype is still extensively camouflaged with some design elements installed to make onlookers confuse the all-electric prototype as an internal-combustion engine-powered X1.
The most obvious way to tell this X1 prototype is an electric version of the X1 are the Electric Test Vehicle stickers located around the sides and at the back.
From the front, there are fake grille slats installed on the prototype to hide the blocked-off grille synonymous with all-electric BMW models, such as the iX3, i4 and iX.
It also seems like the iX1 prototype appears to have partially camouflaged production-spec headlights and tail lights unlike the fake units that are occasionally installed on prototypes.
Around the side are lift-up door handles like the 4 Series Gran Coupe, with the rest of the side covered with camouflage.
It’s expected the iX1 will also take exterior design cues from its larger iX3 sibling, such as its blue accents and aerodynamic alloy wheels.
Inside, the iX1 prototype is mostly covered by a sheets to mask what the steering wheel and infotainment screen will look likely.
iX1 
2 Series Active Tourer
It’s expected the iX1 will have an interior very similar to that of the new-generation 2 Series Active Tourer which was revealed in October 2021, which is in turn inspired by the interior of the iX.
Ahead of the driver in the 2 Series Active Tourer is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen.
The twin screens run the latest BMW iDrive OS8.0 infotainment software, with satellite navigation as standard.
Like the iX3, the iX1 is expected to have reduced boot capacity due to its battery pack.
With the addition of an all-electric variant, the next-generation X1 will be available globally with diesel, 48V mild-hybrid petrol, as well as plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The next-generation X1 will still be based on the front- and all-wheel drive FAAR platform used in the 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Coupe, X2, as well as the Mini Hatch, Countryman and Clubman.
Details about the iX1’s drivetrain have yet to be confirmed, but BMWBlog previously reported the all-electric X1 will be offered with a 135kW single-motor variant, and a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with a total system output of around 185kW.
In 2021, BMW sold a total of 2986 X1 models in Australia, making it the third top-selling small luxury SUV.
It was outsold by the Audi Q3 (5707 sales) and the Volvo XC40 (3687 sales), but beat the Mercedes-Benz GLA (2624 sales).
MORE: Everything BMW X1
