BMW India has launched the iX1 electric SUV in India, priced at Rs. 66.90 lakh (ex-showroom price in Delhi). The iX1, derived from the latest X1 model, closely resembles its petrol or diesel versions with subtle electric modifications. The iX1 is equipped with various features like adaptive LED headlamps, suspension, memory function for driver seat settings, dual-zone climate control, connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, and the Harman Kardon music system. 

This SUV is available in a single, fully equipped M Sport variant with xDrive30 specification. It is BMW's second electric SUV in India, after the iX, and the brand's third electric vehicle in the country. Safety features include ADAS, stability control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring and more. The car comes with a 66.4 kWh battery dual motors and delivers 308.44 bhp and 494 Nm of torque. Here are the key specifications and features:

• Sporty Exterior Design: The BMW iX1's exterior resembles the X1, featuring a closed front grille, 18-inch M Sport wheels, and strong body lines, giving it a sporty yet understated look.

• Comfortable Front Seats: The iX1 offers well-cushioned front seats with excellent support, including powered adjustment and memory settings, ensuring comfort during long drives.

• Premium Interior Quality: The cabin of the iX1 showcases leather-like padding, metallic finishes, and meticulous attention to detail, creating a luxury experience similar to higher-end BMW models.

• Panoramic Sunroof: The iX1's panoramic sunroof allows more natural light into the cabin, creating a bright and airy atmosphere for passengers.

• Advanced Infotainment System: It is equipped with a 10.7-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster; the iX1 supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity and ease of use.

• Seamless Transmission: The iX1 features a single-speed automatic transmission, offering seamless power delivery and enhancing the driving experience, especially in urban environments.

• High-Performance Battery: The iX1's 66.4kWh battery delivers 308.44 bhp & 494 Nm, providing quick acceleration and a range of up to 440 km., ideal for both city and highway driving.

• Excellent Safety Features: The iX1 includes six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, auto-emergency braking, and lane assist, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.

• Ample Boot Space: The iX1 provides 490 litres of boot space, accommodating luggage easily, although the spare tyre may reduce the overall capacity slightly.

• Practical Ground Clearance: With a ground clearance of 170 mm, the iX1 is well-suited for both city roads and light off-road conditions, offering stability and control.

Specs & Features: BMW iX1 vs Rivals

The BMW iX1 directly competes with the Volvo XC40 Recharge. In addition, it also has a crucial rivalry with the Mercedes-Benz EQB and Audi Q5. Each rival brings unique strengths, from battery range and charging efficiency to interior comfort and tech features. 

BMW iX1 vs Volvo XC40 Recharge

• Front Grille Design: The Volvo XC40 Recharge features a unique covered BEV grille, which reduces air resistance and is in contrast to the BMW iX1's traditional kidney grille, which allows more airflow but slightly impacts efficiency.

• Headlights: The XC40 Recharge uses Pixel technology for adaptive headlights, offering enhanced visibility. In contrast, the BMW iX1's LED lights are efficient but lack the same level of adaptability.

• Wheel Features: Volvo's 19-inch Black Diamond Cut alloys emphasise performance and aerodynamics, while the BMW iX1's 18-inch standard alloys provide a smoother ride but lack the same sporty appeal.

• Interior Aspects: The XC40 Recharge boasts interiors made from recycled materials, promoting sustainability. The BMW iX1 also offers premium interiors, but its eco-friendly materials are less prominent.

• Battery Range: The XC40 Recharge E80 Ultimate offers a range of up to 505 km, outperforming the BMW iX1, which has a slightly lower range, making the Volvo a better option for longer drives.

• Charging Options: The XC40 Recharge supports 150 kW DC fast charging, similar to the BMW iX1. However, Volvo's 11kW AC charger is slightly more efficient in-home charging setups than BMW's standard options.

BMW IX1 vs Mercedes-Benz EQB

• Exterior Design: The Mercedes-Benz EQB features a sleek black-panel grille with light strips, creating a more futuristic appearance compared to the BMW iX1's traditional kidney grille.

• Sunroof: The EQB's large sliding sunroof offers a broader sky view, enhancing the cabin's openness. It is slightly better and slightly smaller than the BMW iX1's sunroof, providing more natural light.

• Wheels: The EQB's 18-inch alloy wheels with a shiny black finish provide a sportier look, while the BMW iX1 offers more conventional wheel designs, lacking the same bold aesthetic.

• Boot Space: With 495 litres of boot space, the EQB offers more room for luggage than the BMW iX1, which has a slightly smaller storage capacity, making it less ideal for long trips.

• Ground Clearance: The EQB's 154 mm ground clearance is designed for varied terrains, surpassing the BMW iX1's lower clearance, which is better suited for city driving.

• Safety: The EQB includes a knee airbag for added protection during collisions. On the other hand, the BMW iX1 offers eight airbags and other necessary safety features.

• Interior Technology: The EQB features two 10.25-inch screens for a more immersive experience. The BMW iX1, on the other hand, offers an impressive larger screen.

• Range: The EQB's range of up to 423 km. on a single charge is slightly lower than the BMW iX1's, which offers more range but with a trade-off in power and acceleration. The latter offers a range of up to 440 km.

BMW iX1 vs Audi Q5

• Exterior Design: The Audi Q5's wider hexagonal grille and vertical chrome strips create a more aggressive look compared to the BMW iX1's more conventional grille design, enhancing road presence.

• Interior Comfort: The Audi Q5 offers ventilated front seats with memory functions, providing enhanced comfort compared to the BMW iX1, which lacks ventilated seats and has fewer seating customisation options.

• Infotainment System: The Q5's 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver's display offers a more immersive experience than the BMW iX1's smaller display setup, providing better navigation and entertainment options.

• Boot Space: The Audi Q5 provides 520 litres of boot space, which is more than the BMW iX1, making it better suited for long trips requiring ample luggage storage.

• Ground Clearance: The Q5's 200 mm ground clearance is superior to the BMW iX1's lower stance, offering better adaptability to uneven terrains and rough roads.

• Safety: With eight airbags and advanced safety features like emergency braking, the Audi Q5 offers more comprehensive safety measures than the BMW iX1.