AWARD FOR biggest improver of 2022? That probably goes to BMW’s X1 which, in third-generation guise, really seemed to find its feet. But as much as we approved of the petrol versions of the X1, the electric iX1 xDrive 30 was always going to be the most intriguing addition to the line up.
We’ve driven the iX1 overseas, but much was clearly going to hinge on how this low-key but high-featured EV would tackle the very specific challenges of Australian roads. With the demise of the wholly lovely i3, the iX1 now finds itself – for the time being at least – as the entry point to BMW’s fully electric range.
That entry point will demand $84,900 before on-road costs and offers a choice between identically-priced xLine and M Sport versions. Fully 80 percent of Australian customers have ticked the box for the M Sport car, which probably won’t surprise you.
What’s the difference between the two? In truth, not a huge amount. Each gets a different design of 19-inch alloy wheels and, beyond that, the xLine features aluminium roof rails and window sills, a pearl
