BMW iX1 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment pure electric SUV market is intensifying. Consumers want both the quality assurance of a reputable brand and practical endurance with good value-for-money configurations. The 2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport, as a new option in this segment, offers features such as a front-wheel-drive electric layout, an official range of 475 km, and the M Sport package as its core selling points. Many are curious whether it can balance BMW's driving DNA with the practicality of a family-oriented electric vehicle. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying its daily driving experience, space performance, and practicality of its configurations to see if it's worth considering for consumers with a budget of around RM 250,000.

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 iX1 eDrive20 M Sport continues the family design language, with overall compact lines that do not compromise the steady feel of an SUV. The front features a large double kidney grille, but as an electric vehicle, it eliminates the traditional air intakes. The grille is surrounded by M Sport-specific chrome trims, paired with sharp LED headlight units on both sides, which enhance its recognizability. The waistline runs from the front to the rear of the body, with 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (tire specs 245/45 R19) further enhancing its sporty vibe. The M Sport side skirts under the doors also add to the overall layered feel. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt an L-shaped design that echoes the front headlights. The diffuser-style design on the lower section of the rear bumper, along with decorative dual exhaust outlets (just styling for the electric vehicle), makes the rear look sportier.

Stepping inside, the interior retains BMW's hallmark simplistic and tech-oriented style. The center console is covered with soft-touch materials, paired with metal strips and M Sport-specific sport seats, ensuring a premium feel. A 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen form a dual-display setup, with the integrated iDrive system offering smooth operation and rich functionality that aligns with the standards of luxury brands. A heads-up display (HUD) comes as standard, clearly presenting information such as speed and navigation to enhance driving convenience. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment with a memory function, while the rear seats feature a 60/40 split design, allowing for flexible storage expansion. A dual-zone automatic air conditioning system and independent rear air vents ensure passenger comfort for both front and rear seats. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system provides an impressive auditory experience.

In terms of space, the vehicle's dimensions measure 4500mm (length), 1845mm (width), and 1642mm (height), with a wheelbase of 2692mm, which is standard for C-segment SUVs. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall individual having a fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear row also performs well, with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it comfortable even for three adults. The trunk has a capacity of 490L, which is sufficient for daily needs like strollers or suitcases, and it can be further expanded by folding the rear seats, catering to family travel storage needs. Additionally, the in-car storage compartments are thoughtfully designed, and the front central armrest box, door storage slots, and others can hold several small items.

Dynamic driving section: The 2024 iX1 eDrive20 M Sport is equipped with a front permanent magnet synchronous motor, with a maximum power of 150kW (240PS) and a maximum torque of 250N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.6 seconds. In actual driving, the power response is quick at the start, and a light press on the accelerator provides decent push-back feeling, fully meeting daily urban commuting needs. When switching to sport mode, the power output becomes more direct, giving more confidence during overtaking. However, at high speeds, the mid-to-high-range acceleration is somewhat weaker compared to the dual-motor version, but it adequately meets the requirements for highway cruising.

The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, with a tuning bias towards comfort while maintaining a degree of sportiness. When passing over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most minor vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the steering wheel is precise with clear directional feedback, aligning with BMW's driving dynamics tuning style. In terms of braking, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes delivers a linear braking response, with expected performance in braking distance.

Range and charging performance are the core concerns for electric vehicles. The official pure electric range is 475km. In our test under mixed driving conditions (50% urban + 50% highway), with the air conditioning set to 24℃ on automatic mode, the achieved range rate was approximately 85%, with an actual range of about 404km, sufficient for a week's commuting needs. Fast charging time is 0.5 hours (estimated to be from 30% to 80%), whereas slow charging takes longer, making it more suitable for users with home charging stations. As for energy consumption, the combined electricity consumption is around 15kWh/100km, which is at a medium level among electric vehicles of the same class.

In terms of driving comfort, the in-car noise control is excellent, with wind and tire noise barely noticeable even at high speeds, thanks to quality sound insulation materials and the inherently quiet nature of the motor. The energy recovery system offers adjustable levels, with the highest level providing a noticeable drag effect when letting off the accelerator, which can be adjusted to reduce the drag feel to suit different driving habits. The seats offer good cushioning and support, ensuring comfort even during long drives.

Overall, the 2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport's core advantages lie in BMW's brand quality, balanced space performance, rich standard configurations (such as HUD, Harman Kardon sound system, electrically adjustable seats with memory function), and an actual range exceeding 400km. Compared with the Tesla Model Y RWD version in the same class, it has advantages in brand luxury and chassis tuning; compared with the Volvo XC40 Recharge single-motor version, it offers better price competitiveness.

This car is suitable for family users who value brand image and seek a refined driving experience. It is capable of handling daily commutes and short weekend trips, while the M Sport package can meet the needs of young people looking for a sporty exterior. If your budget is around 250,000 MYR and you want a practical electric SUV with a luxurious brand endorsement, the 2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport is definitely worth considering.