BMW Electrifies India: iX1 Electric SUV Set to Debut on September 28

BMW has officially confirmed the upcoming launch of the iX1 electric SUV in India on September 28, marking its introduction to the Indian market eight months after the debut of the new X1. This move will expand BMW's electric vehicle offerings in India, making the iX1 the fourth electric model in their lineup, joining the ranks of the i4 sedan, iX SUV, and i7 luxury sedan.

The iX1 is expected to be sold as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU). Under the hood, it boasts a combined power output of 313hp and a torque of 494Nm. The vehicle is equipped with a 66.5kWh Lithium-ion battery capable of DC fast charging up to 130kW. According to BMW, the iX1 has an impressive claimed range of 440km and a top speed of 180km, while it can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 5.6 seconds.

In terms of design, the BMW iX1 shares a striking resemblance with its internal combustion engine counterpart, the X1, with the notable distinction of blue accents on the bumpers, side steps, and grille. Inside the cabin, it features a 10.7-inch touchscreen and BMW's curved digital information display system. Additionally, buyers might have the option to include a panoramic sunroof and front massage seats for added comfort and luxury.

As for the pricing, BMW is expected to bring the iX1 to India via the CBU route, which could result in a slightly higher price point. However, considering that the ICE X1 is currently locally assembled in India, there's a possibility that BMW may adopt a similar strategy for the electric version. It's estimated that the BMW iX1 could be priced in the range of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 65 lakh, positioning it as one of the more affordable electric BMW models in India. At this price range, it will directly compete with the Volvo XC40 Recharge, priced at Rs 56.9 lakh.