Will the electric BMW iX1 make sense here in PH?

BMW is serious about its shift towards an electric future. After revealing the i3, i4, i7, iX3, and the iX flagship EV, the Bavarian automaker has launched the all-new iX1. Revealed alongside the 2023 X1, the electric crossover now serves as the latest and most affordable EV in BMW's range.

Just like the regular 2023 X1, the iX1 comes with the same exterior styling as its ICE-counterpart. From the sleek LED headlights, L-shaped taillights, sporty bumpers, as well as stylish alloy wheels, it looks practically the same.

What makes it stand out from your typical X1 is its unique aqua-colored accents. Seen on the vehicle's bumpers, kidney grille, and side skirts, it's the telltale sign that this BMW produces zero emissions. And while it might have the signature kidney grilles up front, those are actually closed off for better aerodynamics. And to remind everyone that this is indeed an electric BMW, it gets an 'i' badge within the grille itself.

Open the doors and it comes with the same cabin as the 2023 X1. From the new floating center console, digital instrument cluster, new iDrive 8 Operating System, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, 40:20:40 split rear seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, the iX1 comes fully loaded with amenities.

Don't expect to find an engine under the hood of the iX1. Instead, this has a pair of electric motors that provide a combined system output of 317 PS and 494 Nm of torque. This allows the iX1 to go from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 180 km/h.

Providing the necessary juice is a 64.7 kWh battery pack that comes with a 130kW DC fast-charging technology. This means the EV can be recharged from 10% to 80% in as little as 29 minutes. Alternatively, a quick 10-minute recharge will translate to 120 km of range.

The BMW iX1 is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year. With that, we can expect other countries to also get the all-electric X1. But could BMW Philippines offer the iX1 here? With the flagship iX already in the country, we won't be surprised if the rest of BMW's electric lineup makes its way to the country very soon.