When BMW let us drive the iX1 xDrive30 last July, we figured it’ll make for a great entry-level EV in the Philippines if it’d come in a less powerful, more range-friendly guise. Well, that’s now the case as the German automaker has added the iX1 eDrive20 to their line-up.
First available in Germany, the iX1 eDrive20 starts at about 47,900 euros (P 2.93 million) or 7,100 euros (P 434,500) less than the iX1 xDrive30. The “eDrive20” badging means it drops one of its two electric motors. Despite the loss of one motor, the remaining front-mounted motor still helps it achieve 204 horsepower (with the boost feature engaged), while torque is still at a healthy 247 Nm. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 8.6 seconds, while top speed is 170 km/h.
The best part of the iX1 eDrive20 is that it retains the same lithium-ion battery as the xDrive30. This means the 64.7-kWh battery can now go an additional 17 to 37 kilometers (430 to 475 kilometers) based on WLTP measurements.
Charging capacities are identical for both variants, with the iX1 eDrive20 supporting a maximum AC input of 11 kW (full charge done in 6.5 seconds). The optional 22 kW unit reduces this to 3.45 hours. Meanwhile, DC fast charging (up to 130 kW) is done in just 29 minutes (10 to 80 percent charge).
BMW Philippines has previously announced that they are bringing in two brand-new EVs by the end of 2023. The iX3 and i7 are already two of them, so the remaining two are likely the i5 and this iX1. If so, expect the iX1 to slot below the iX3 (read our review) which comes with a price tag of P 4.990 million. If priced in the low P 4-million range, it could very well compete head-to-head with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
BMW RSA is likely gonna remove the ADAS of it to make it affordable at 4.5 Million Peso price range.
ReplyDeleteMaintenance costs and batteries of BMW EVs are still high though.
A new EV-only grey market importer sells the iX3 for only Php3.5M with almost similar specs as what BMW Phils sells. It appears BMW Phils is keeping the 0% tariff as margin to itself. As if BMW buyers would care though.
ReplyDeleteSame is true for Toyota, Kia, Honda and Hyundai with their EV/Hybrid models.
Care to share how I can get a hold of that importer?
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