Plugged-in BMW iX1 priced as brand’s cheapest EV in South Africa

Having earlier this month officially launched the new X1 in South Africa, BMW has now supplemented the petrol and diesel versions of its smallest SUV with an electric derivative in the shape of the iX1.

Cheapest BMW EV

Not only Munich’s entry-level electric SUV as it takes-up station below the iX3, the iX1’s quiet arrival on local soil means it also becomes one of South Africa’s cheapest battery-operated SUV, an unofficial title still held, for now, by the smash-hit Volvo XC40 Recharge P6.

Based on the information uncovered by duoporta.com, two versions of the iX1 are offered; the entry-level xLine and the ever popular M Sport, the being furnished with the sportier M bumpers, extended door sills, up to 20-inch M light alloy wheels and gloss trim.

No emissions

As with the international model that debuted in June last year, only a single powertrain features. Carrying the xDrive 30 moniker, the 64.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack drives two electric motors, one on each axle as indicated by the all-wheel-drive xDrive moniker, and produces a combined 230kW/494Nm.

ALSO READ: Currents switched as BMW X1 becomes all-electric iX1

In terms of performance, the iX1 will get from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 180 km/h.

The claimed range is 440 km and while the standard charging outlet provided amounts to 11 kW, opting for the faster DC charger up to 130 kW reduces waiting to 29 minutes, with a claimed 120 km available after 10 minutes plugged-in.

Given the presence of the electric hardware, boot space in the iX1 is down on that of the X1, with BMW claiming the cargo hold can swallow between 490-litres and 1 495-litres versus the 540-litres to 1 600-litres of its petrol or diesel engine sibling.

Spec

Similar to the X1, the iX1 not only gets the Curved Display infotainment system and instrument cluster, but also the iX-inspired floating centre console, vertical wireless smartphone charger and in the case of the M Sport, the M sport seats, an anthracite roofliner and paddle shifters which adjusts the intensity of the regenerative braking rather than overriding the workings of the single-speed transmission.

Notable options are the Matrix LED headlights, the uprated Harman Kardon sound system, heated steering wheel and front seats, a panoramic sunroof and Park Assist.

Price

As for pricing, the iX1 xDrive 30 xLine carries a starting sticker of R1 140 000 and the M Sport of R1 180 000. Included is a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as well as a eight-year/100 000 km battery warranty.

Watch more videos from The Citizen Motoring: