2023 BMW iX1 Med AWD Teased Going Sideways In Snowy Sweden
You quickly realize that cars have become so big when this camouflaged prototype represents BMW’s smallest crossover. The third generation X1 spent some quality time in Arjeplog, northern Sweden on snowy roads at the group’s winter test center near the Arctic Circle. The gallery with 30 images shared by the German luxury brand is eye-catching thanks to the wonderful landscape and we also get to see the not so compact-longer SAV go sideways.
Together with the 2023 MINI Countryman, zero-emission X1 has entered the final phase of the development process. BMW mentions that it tested the iX1’s four-wheel drive technology, from which we can read that the prototype had one engine at the front and another at the rear. We can not say the same about the iX3 because the larger electric crossover comes exclusively in RWD form.
Another information confirmed by BMW concerns the estimated range based on the iX1’s current development stage. The electric crossover is estimated to cover anywhere between 257 to 272 miles (414 to 438 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle. As expected, the model will use the Group’s fifth generation eDrive technology, with the sixth version coming in 2025 for the Neue Klasse models. There is a good chance that smaller versions of the iX1 will be content with a single engine to lower the asking price.
BMW will launch the X1 with petrol and diesel engines this autumn, and the iX1 will follow immediately. While the MINI Countryman will lose its next-generation plug-in hybrid driveline, its BMW-branded siblings will continue to offer a PHEV set. Spy photos have revealed that there will also be an M Performance model for the first time, complete with four-wheel exhaust.
From what we’ve heard, the iX1 will not be coming to the US, at least not directly. It’s not the only new model that North America will miss, given that the M3 Touring will also be a banned fruit.
Source: BMW