BMW has dropped images of the upcoming iX1, the smallest electric SUV set to join the automaker's line-up later this year. The new offering is still some time away from making its global debut and ahead of the same, the German auto giant has released images of the test car undergoing winter testing. The BMW iX1 is the electric equivalent of the X1 and odds are high the car will come to India too. Both models will be based on the FAAR platform, which is an evolution of the UKL platform that currently underpins a range of BMW and MINI cars.
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The BMW iX1 was tested on snow-covered roads and specially prepared ice tracks
The camouflaged BMW iX1 and X1 test mules completed driving dynamics testing at the BMW Group's winter testing centre in the town of Arjeplog, close to the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The iX1 test
mule was tested on snow-covered roads and specially prepared ice tracks. Joining the iX1 were the internal combustion engine (ICE) and a plug-in variant of the new-generation BMW X1, as the cars passed integrated application tests for their powertrain and chassis systems.
2023 BMW X1, iX1 and the plug-in hybrid version will be underpinned by the flexible FAAR platform. All 3 versions will be built on the same assembly line
The BMW iX1 has entered the final phase of the developmental process. The model will get the automaker's fifth-generation Drive technology and will come with single and dual motor options. This means the iX1 will get All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an option while packing powerful motors. In terms of range, the iX1 is expected to cover about 438 km (WLTP cycle) on a single charge. However, official figures are yet to be revealed. It's likely that the same platform and powertrain will also underpin the upcoming MINI Countryman EV that's set to arrive at a later date.
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The 2023 BMW X1 will debut in the second half of the year with the iX1 set to arrive soon after
The next-generation BMW X1 and the iX1 will be produced on the same assembly line at the brand's Leipzig plant in Germany. The former is set to arrive in a few months and BMW already dropped the first teaser for the next-generation X1. The all-new BMW iX1 will drive-in soon after. Both the models are destined for India in the near future. The X1 though will drive in first and will be locally assembled at the company's facility near Chennai. It will be interesting to see if iX1 will also be locally assembled here. The model will be a direct rival to the Volvo XC40 Recharge, while also competing with the upcoming Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric offerings set to arrive in India later in the year.
