BMW iX1
As an entry point to BMW’s EV line-up, the iX1 makes sense on paper. But did it make sense in the real world? Let’s find out
FINAL REPORT MILEAGE 9432
WHY WE RAN IT
To see if BMW’s entry-level EV is as impressive as its iX range-topper
T
he iX1 has hauled me along for 7000 miles over
the past six months: having been as far south as the Lizard in Cornwall and as far north as Keswick, Cumbria, it has literally taken me from one end of England to another. It was a rocky start, but living with the iX1 soon revealed its practical, attractive qualities in day-to-day driving.
For the many long journeys we enjoyed together, the iX1 proved that its trump card is its brilliant powertrain. While it does fall short in the range department, it tackled pretty much any challenge with ease. Step on the accelerator in any drive mode – from the slightly more laid-back Economy to the more hair-raising Sport – and you’ll never have an issue overtaking or pushing ahead of other drivers at a set of traffic lights, but it’s also easy to drive in London’s 20mph zones.