BMW iX1 electric SUV India launch later this year

BMW India currently leads the luxury brands in the EV space, raking in over 50 percent of sales in 2023. The success, in a big way, is thanks to its robust model line-up of three attractive EVs – the well-priced i4 sedan, the radical iX SUV, and the ultra-luxurious i7 limousine. That position is soon going to be strengthened by what will likely be the brand’s most affordable offering yet, the iX1, which is now confirmed for an India launch before the end of 2023.

1. BMW iX1 is the electric version of the X1
2. The luxury EV will be a full CBU import
3. Will be launched in India later this year

BMW iX1 India price and positioning

The iX1, as you might have guessed by the name and the image above, is an electric version of the BMW X1 – the brand’s smallest and most popular SUV. That means that it does have a direct rival in India, in the form of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which too is an EV based on a compact luxury SUV. However, thanks to local assembly, the Volvo is very well priced, at Rs 57 lakh, while the BMW iX1 will be a full CBU import.

With prices for the BMW i4 sedan starting at Rs 72.50 lakh, there is plenty of room below to position the new iX1. In light of its size and competition, we expect it to be priced in the region of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 65 lakh. While the iX1 will be brought to India as a CBU import, the X1, on which it is based, is locally assembled, which means there is some scope in the future for CKD assembly of the EV as well.

BMW iX1 battery, range and motors

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by twin motors for a combined 313hp and 495Nm of torque; and it features AWD and is claimed to do 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds. Thanks to a 66.5kWh battery, it has a WLTP-rated range of up to 440km and can be charged at speeds of up to 130kW. The range is a bit more than what is available in the XC40 Recharge, but power and torque are considerably lower; the Volvo’s twin-motor setup produces 408hp and 660Nm.

Other than that, the iX1 is the same as the petrol- or diesel-powered X1, borrowing its looks (albeit with a few blue ‘i’ accents), its space and its interior layout. That means it’s a spacious and comfortable entry-level luxury SUV with a good amount of features and tech, and BMW could even sweeten the deal by adding some kit that it missed out on from the ICE SUV in India. This could help it replicate the success of the X1, which has regularly been the best-selling BMW in India.

All prices, ex-showroom, India

Do you think the BMW iX1 will be a success in India? Tell us in the comments section below.