mReview: BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport – The spacious entry-level EV SUV that checks every box

The most complete entry-level electric SUV from BMW, featuring the "M Sport" package and an extended wheelbase for enhanced versatility, all at a price of 2.499 million Baht.

What’s Great?

• The wheelbase is extended by approximately 11 cm, significantly increasing the rear passenger space.
• It is the only variant that BMW imports from China for sale in Thailand and is the "top-tier" model.
• Standard features are provided in abundance with almost no need for additions, especially "Parking Assistant."
• Ideal as a first electric car or for those who want the feeling of driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

What’s Good?

• Standard BMW vehicle set-up make this car feel worthy, maintaining BMW's driving standards well.
• The large Panoramic Glass Roof significantly increases the cabin's airiness.
• Harman-Kardon speakers greatly enhance the aesthetic experience of using this car.
• The BMW iDrive 9 system makes vehicle operation much more convenient.

What’s Not Great?

• The driving range and battery specifications are "a bit low" for a car in this class (in the current era).
• No storage pockets behind the front passenger seats.
• While it drives well, compared to horsepower and torque figures, it may appear inferior to competitors.

The iX1L immediately becomes a complete package of versatility once its wheelbase is extended to 2,800 mm.

BMW iX1 eDrive20L is a Compact SUV based on the same platform as the X1 internal combustion model. It comes with the "L" suffix, indicating the Long Wheelbase, which greatly increases versatility—especially for those needing rear space, such as families with small children or those requiring occasional rear-seat comfort.

The BMW 5th generation eDrive motor (FWD)

The power of the iX1 comes from a BMW eDrive electric motor—a single motor producing 150kW (204 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. It comes with a 66.5 kWh Lithium-ion battery that can travel up to 433 km (WLTP). However, from our testing, it can travel over 500 km under non-aggressive driving. It supports AC and DC Fast Charge at 130 kW.

However, after experiencing the drive throughout the trip, we were very impressed with this car. If we set aside competitors in the same segment, the provided horsepower and torque figures are at a "perfectly good for use" level. Especially if you are coming from an ICE vehicle and looking for a familiar control feeling, which few electric cars can provide as well as this one.

At the same time, when it is time to "overtake," the 250 Nm of torque delivers as intended... though you may need to press the accelerator a bit more.

The rear passenger doors are noticeably longer.

The most prominent feature of this model is the wheelbase, which is 11 cm wider than the standard X1, allowing for much more use of the rear space. This includes easier entry and exit for rear passengers, easier car seat installation, and significantly more legroom to the point of being able to cross one's legs. Maximum luggage space is over 1,600 litres!

The iX1L exterior with M Sport details

ด้Being the top-tier model, it comes with M Sport trim around the car, such as a black-edged M Sport grille, M Sport rear bumper, M Sport badges on the sides and rear, an M Sport steering wheel, and M Sport door sills.

Front console with M Sport steering wheel

The interior decoration has a sleek, modern, and perfectly blended design. Most materials are soft-touch, trimmed with silver lines, including the prominent Harman-Kardon speaker units. It also features the BMW Curved Display, which is very smooth and responsive to touch.

Based on the experience throughout the trip, I can say that the BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport is the most fully equipped car BMW Thailand has provided for the X1 class. Whether it’s the full M Sport exterior, convenience functions, automatic parking, or the energy efficiency of this motor and battery set, it is quite satisfactory.

Even though the era of "bragging" about figures will likely continue for a long time, if you aren't serious about that and are a BMW fan looking for a car for versatile daily use... I think you shouldn't miss the iX1L.

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