BMW has revealed its new X1 range, and it includes an iX1 model for the first time, giving buyers a (slightly) more affordable way to own an all electric BMW SUV.

The move follows the trend set by BMW of offering electric versions of its conventional cars alongside petrol, diesel and hybrid models.

The BMW iX1 xDrive30 will go on sale early in 2023 and will rival the likes of Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Mercedes EQA and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Unlike the bigger iX3, the iX1 has all-wheel-drive to match the chunky SUV looks. It uses electric motors on both front and rear axles to deliver a combined power output of 311bhp – that’s 43bhp more than the bigger iX3. This is enough to propel the iX1 from 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds – 1.1 seconds faster than the iX3.

The iX1 is faster and more powerful than the bigger iX3

It uses a 64.7kWh battery which gives an official range of between 257 and 272 miles. The maximum charging speed from an ultra-rapid is 130kW, and drivers can ‘pre-warm’ the power pack before arriving at a charger to ensure the battery is ready to accept the highest rate possible. BMW claim a 10-80% top up will take under 30 minutes.

On lower power DC chargers, the car can accept 11kW as standard from a three-phase supply, with an upgrade to 22kW available as a cost option.

The inside is said to be more spacious than the outgoing model and features BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Plus’ infotainment system. This uses a curved display, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and a 10.25-inch information display.

The inside is more spacious than the previous model

The new BMW X1 is larger than its predecessor – by 53mm in length to 4,500mm, 24mm in width to 1,845mm and 44mm in height to 1,642mm.

The X1 range will also include two plug-in hybrid models for those who aren’t ready to go full-electric. The BMW X1 xDrive30e and BMW X1 xDrive25e both feature an integrated electric drive unit powering the rear wheels, combined with a three-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels.

The PHEV’s 14.2kWh battery can be charged at 7.4kW (up from 3.7kW on the previous model), enabling it to be recharged from empty in 2.5 hours. The electric range is now up to between 48 – 55 miles, which is good enough to put the X1 into the 8% bracket for company car tax.

BMW is keeping tight-lipped about prices for the iX1 and PHEVs, but the petrol-only models start at £35,130, so expect an iX1 to cost in excess of £50,000.

The range also includes an improved PHEV (left)