The all-electric BMW iX1 has been in our care for more than two months and has proven to be a stylish and frugal option in the compact premium SUV segment.
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Time spent: Two of three months
Distance covered: 1 204 km
Average fuel consumption: 19.4 kWh/100 km
We like: One-pedal driving a boon; in-town energy consumption
We don’t like: Energy consumption on motorway driving
Among many of our iX1 long-termer’s noteworthy features, I’ve enjoyed the novelty of one-pedal driving the most. Regulating throttle input to accelerate and lifting off to decelerate and recuperate energy, reminded me of the subtle flexion movements of one’s foot using a wah-wah pedal when playing an electric guitar. However, whereas the latter transports one back to the late-’60s psychedelic-rock era, in its most dynamic driving mode, the test unit produces a space-age-like sound that transports you — together with spaceship-like levels of acceleration — into the future.
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However, to save range and recuperate maximum energy, I mostly opt for Efficient mode and toggle the drive selector to ‘B’, placing the brake energy recuperation into its strongest setting. In town, this configuration works a boon.
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Upon returning home following my early morning trips to the yoga studio and beach, I’ve noticed that much of the range travelled has been regained. In addition, I’ve managed to bring down the iX1’s overall energy consumption.
Find the full feature in the November issue of CAR Magazine.
