Turns out we were wrong – the BMW iX1 has been subject to price increases like its combustion-powered X1 sibling before it’s even arrived in local showrooms.
Following confirmation of increases by as much as $6000 for the standard X1 range, CarExpert has confirmed that the all-electric iX1 xDrive30 is now $2000 dearer – priced from $84,900 plus on-road costs.
It also appears that the iX1 has lost some standard equipment, too.
Overseas model shown
According to the BMW Australia online configurator, there’s a new optional Enhancement Package ($TBC) that lists a panoramic sunroof, active front seats (lumbar) and a 12-speaker sound system in addition to metallic paint. These features were originally fitted as standard to both xLine and M Sport versions of the iX1.
“Initial pricing for the BMW iX1 announced in October last year represented an introductory offer for our customers before the end of 2022, and orders placed before January 2023 were price protected,” a spokesperson for BMW Australia told CarExpert.
“With regard to the revised pricing, it is still possible with a certain specification for the price of the iX1 to sit below the Fuel Efficient Car LCT threshold.”
The all-new BMW iX1 xDrive30 is due to land in Australia during April, available in both xLine and M Sport design packages – both no-cost options unlike petrol-powered X1 versions.
Overseas model shown
Power in the iX1 comes from a dual-motor electric drivetrain producing 230kW and 494Nm. A 65kWh lithium battery feeds the e-motors, with BMW quoting a driving range of up to 440 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.
While the brand offers the one dual-motor variant globally as it currently stands, BMW’s local product boss recently hinted in an interview with CarExpert that a new variant could be on the way relatively soon.
“There will be more additions to the X1 line-up – including possibly a variant of a fully-electric model. There’s more to come,” said Brendan Michel, head of product and market planning for BMW Australia.
Further clues came out of a recent report by Britain’s Autocar about the related next-generation Mini Countryman, which will offer EV power for the first time.
According to the report, the Countryman E will offer an entry-level single-motor variant producing around 140kW teamed with a 54kWh battery. This seems more than plausible, given the BMW iX1’s electric motors both produce 140kW and 247Nm – hint, hint…
Should that be accurate – and we’re pretty confident it is – expect the lower-spec iX1 to be dubbed something like eDrive20, and wear a sticker price starting with a ‘7’.
Key rivals for the iX1 including the Mercedes-Benz EQA (from $81,700) and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (from $73,990).
Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
