Peter Lyon
April 30, 2024
A new iX1 has just landed in showrooms. BMW Malaysia has revealed the arrival of a new eDrive20 M Sport model, adding to the already popular iX1 in Malaysia. Priced RM264,000 on the road, the entry-level iX1 is RM26,000 less expensive than the xDrive30 M Sport variant that was introduced in this market last year.
Bookings for the latest eDrive20 M Sport can be made at licensed BMW dealerships in the country from May 1.
To better suit the tastes of Malaysian buyers, the iX1 eDrive20 will come with the M Sport exterior package, which includes sportier bumpers, blacked-out exterior details, and 19-inch M double-spoke style, light-alloy bicolor wheels—the same wheels found on the more expensive xDrive30.
A variant-exclusive patterned solid panel grille sets the eDrive20 M Sport apart from its sister, which sports more “traditional” vertical slats. The M adaptable suspension, LED tail lights, and adaptable LED headlights are the only other outward features that differ between the two.
The new iX1 offers class-leading interior tech
The two versions also have a lot of similar interior features, such as the latest version of the BMW Operating System 9 software, a head-up display, two-zone automatic climate control, powered M Sport seats with driver memory, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Harman Kardon HiFi sound system. The stunning BMW Curved Display consists of a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment display.
Unlike the more costly xDrive30 M Sport, which has Vernasca leather or an Alcantara combination, the eDrive20 M Sport’s interior is covered in faux-leather or a blend of Veganza and Alcantara. But the interior trims have the same “Hexacube” design, but with a darker coating.
The engine is the primary point of differentiation between the two variants. The less expensive eDrive20 variant uses a single front axle motor that can produce up to 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque when the Sport Boost function is used. With this setup, the iX1 eDrive20 reaches a top speed of 170 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds (as opposed to 5.6 seconds on the xDrive30).
Due to its single-motor layout, the iX1 eDrive20 M Sport offers a slightly better driving range of 475 km (WLTP) – 37 km more than the xDrive30. It does, however, still use the same 64.8 kWh (usable) battery pack as its older sister.
Both versions have the same charging speeds, and the eDrive20 has an inbuilt 11 kW AC charger that can fully charge it from 0 to 100% in 6.5 hours. Up to 130 kW of DC rapid charging is possible, which translates to a 10-80% charge in 29 minutes.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
BMW is one of the few carmakers who currently offer a perfect mix of fully electric tech with full-on M-enhanced sports extras. It delivers competitive range and is also quick enough off the mark to please 99% of buyers. Customers won’t have to subscribe to the eight-year/160,000-km battery warranty, plus the company’s roadside assistance and accident hotline, because all of these extra come as standard.
