At first glance

I first drove the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport at a multi-model launch event at Farnborough. It quickly became obvious that this is more than just an electric twist on the X1 formula, BMW have created something that feels purpose-built for the EV era while still carrying their familiar DNA. The stance is compact, modern and slightly aggressive in M Sport trim, yet the car still looks approachable rather than futuristic for the sake of it. Inside, it feels more spacious than you would expect. Rear-seat passengers get genuinely generous headroom (almost comically so) and there’s ample legroom with only a small, raised section in the middle of the floor. From the outset, it feels like a well-judged blend of practicality and premium EV sensibility rather than a radical reinvention.

What are the powertrain options?

The iX1 launched with two key electric powertrains. The range begins with a single-motor front-drive setup, the eDrive20, which prioritises efficiency and a lower entry price. The flagship is the xDrive30 dual-motor all-wheel-drive version I tested here. It produces 313bhp and 364lb-ft of torque, giving it the kind of immediate surge that suits an EV of this size. In typical BMW fashion, the performance figures feel pretty believable on the road. Acceleration to 62mph takes 5.6 seconds, and it delivers that in a smooth, unflustered way that makes overtaking and joining fast traffic effortless. The xDrive30 is clearly the more rounded and capable of the pair if you want all-season security and the strongest performance.

How fast does it charge and what kind of range can I expect?

The xDrive30 uses a 64.7kWh usable battery, paired with an 11kW AC onboard charger as standard and the option to upgrade to a 22kW unit for much quicker destination charging. On DC, it peaks at around 130kW, good for a 10–80% charge in just under half an hour under ideal conditions. BMW quotes a WLTP range of around 260–270 miles in typical UK conditions. During my test drive the computer reported a consumption figure of 3.2 miles/kWh, which is respectable for a dual-motor compact SUV. However, like many EVs, this can fluctuate based on driving style, temperature and road type. It isn’t the longest-range EV in the segment, but its charging speeds and real-world efficiency make it workable for most drivers.

So, how does it drive?

On the road, the iX1 xDrive30 feels like a proper BMW, stable, confident and surprisingly engaging for a compact electric SUV. Body control is good, it never feels excessively wallowy, even on more undulating rural roads. The M Sport suspension is a little firmer than the standard setup, which sharpens turn-in and keeps the car composed through bends without making it uncomfortable over rougher tarmac. The dual motors deliver power smoothly and consistently, and the AWD traction makes the car feel secure even in wet conditions. Regeneration tuning is nicely judged and allows for near one-pedal driving if you prefer. There’s a slight sensation in the centre floor area that feels a little like a “transmission” movement when regen levels shift, but it’s mild and easy to acclimatise to.

Tell me about the interior, space, tech and practicality?

The cabin strikes a balance between minimalism and familiarity. There’s a clean dashboard layout with BMW’s latest curved infotainment display, a chunky and comfortable centre armrest, and M Sport touches that include textured mesh trim and sportier design elements. It’s not the most visually adventurous interior in the EV world, but the build quality feels solid and the ergonomics are typically BMW, logical, clear and easy to use. Space is one of its strong suits, the rear seats offer excellent head and legroom, making the car suitable for adults or family use without compromise. Boot space stands at 490 litres, expanding to nearly 1,500 litres with the seats folded, so practicality is right on the money for a compact premium SUV. Tech-wise, BMW’s voice assistant allows deeper functions to be triggered by spoken commands or by long-pressing the steering wheel microphone button, and the driver-assistance suite is broad and customisable.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Strong dual-motor performance and confident AWD handling
• Spacious rear cabin and large boot for the class
• Premium build quality and refined ride
• Well-tuned regeneration and natural EV driving feel
• Good charging flexibility, especially with optional 22 kW AC

Cons:

• Real-world range lags behind some rivals
• DC peak speed is competitive but not class-leading
• M Sport ride can be firm for some tastes
• Interior design is polished but slightly uninspiring
• Occasional odd sensation from regen transitions

Should you buy one?

The iX1 xDrive30 M Sport is a well-rounded, premium compact EV that combines BMW’s traditional driving strengths with the usability and refinement expected from a modern electric crossover. It sits at the pricier end of the segment (especially in M Sport trim), but the performance, interior quality and day-to-day practicality help justify the cost. Rivals like the Tesla Model Y may offer more range and faster charging, while the Volvo XC40 Recharge or Mercedes EQA provide different flavours of premium electric motoring, but few competitors strike as satisfying a balance between dynamics, refinement and real-world usability. If you want a compact premium EV that feels properly engineered and well sorted rather than experimental or overly stylised, the iX1 xDrive30 M Sport is a very strong contender.

Key Specs

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

Price: £52,555
Top Speed: 112mph
0-62 mph: 5.6 seconds
Power Output: 313bhp / 230kW
Torque: 364lb-ft
Battery Capacity: 64.7kWh
Driving Range (WLTP): 259-273 miles
Energy Consumption: 3.4–3.7 miles/kWh
AC Charging: Up to 11kW (single- and three-phase) standard; optional 22kW available
DC Charging: Up to 130kW
Insurance Group: 38
Manufacturer’s Warranty: Typically 3 years (or up to 60,000 miles), per BMW UK’s standard new car warranty
​Battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles