2023 BMW iX1 Review: Finally!! SERIOUS Tesla Model Y Competition.

BMW have just dropped the new BMW iX1 to take on the Tesla Model Y, and unlike most clickbaity titles, this one is genuine...

The BMW iX1 provides serious performance, high-end luxury and a high-end price tag to match. But should you buy one over the Tesla Model Y or even a Kia EV6? Let's talk about that in today's review!

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Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:56 Exterior Impressions
00:03:09 Interior Impressions
00:06:14 Rear Seats
00:07:55 Driving Impressions + Specs
00:11:48 Performance Testing (0-100kmh Launch Control)
00:12:25 Final Thoughts

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⚠️ Watch me next ⚠️
- Watch our Kia EV6 GT Review
- Watch our Tesla Model 3 Review!
- Now this is a beautiful luxury SUV...

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Got a question for me? Leave it in the comments! I try and respond to them all!

[khuzainisani]

Took delivery of an M Sport with enhancement pack last week and love it so far! My road bike can fit in it with both wheels on, with rear seats down. I absolutely love the HUD. My teenage daughters like being able to play around with the curved screen to control music/media, whilst I can keep my eyes on the HUD and the driver's instrument display which integrates maps from Android Auto/Apple Play, which is a nice touch! The augmented sat nav is pretty cool. Also love the digital key feature, which means you only need your phone to unlock the car. The sub for steering heating is a shame but clearly some don't use it so why have a feature if it's not used? To be clear, front seat heating is included and does not require sub. The free Chargefox for 3 years is also very handy!! Some have complained about the handling but for the type of driving I do - mostly urban work commute, it's actually good with a good level of comfort too. It's a nice place to be in.

[Vikturus]

so if it is a "subscription" for those heated elements. I assume it is unlimited warranty on those items? Can't have it both ways.

[JetBMWtube]

Good fun as always Jacob and Matt!
I don’t know why people go nuts over the word subscription! It’s all around us, from computer software, train ticket, video apps, insurance, roadside assist… BMW have had software subscription for ages now.
The iX1 actually comes with 3 years of map updates, traffic, Chargefox, roadside assist, drive recorder and internet subscriptions.

[prosserd]

I'm waiting for mine to arrive in a few months. I got mine under the luxury car tax threshold with the enhancement pack included. Once you get it on novated lease with the Albanese EV discount the weekly costs become very competitive. For me, it made it cheaper (in fortnightly lease payment terms) than a top spec petrol BMW X1, Tiguan R and Cupra Formentor/Ateca.

[derekdalton]

Great review but where is our eye candy Jacob?😂❤

[oumaniac]

Uhmmm...the gear selector is not adjusted for right hand drive?

[elyse]

The exterior door handles are a bit of throw back, I remember them being on cars when I grew up in the 90’s/2000’s.
Love the brown interior. Nice to see coloured interiors becoming more common here.

[christophe]

If you compare the sizes of these cars, this really isn't in the Model Y's segment, that would be an iX3. Which just can't compete with the Y purely on a basis of the astronomical price gap between those two. This compares with a Karoq, a Tiguan or an XC40. In fact, I felt the legroom in the back of the iX1 is substantially less than those and they couldn't compete with the Y for space either. Leg angle in the Y is fine btw (the EV6, or Model 3 not so much). The only space issue you can fault the Y for in its segment is being more of an SUV coupé, which eats some headroom for taller adults in the back.

I don't think there's many people in the market for a model Y that are gonna pay more for a smaller vehicle with slower charging times, smaller range, no supercharging network, etc. just because it has things like massage chairs. Rather, those are the sort of people that are in the market for a BMW to begin with. And to be fair, they would have probably preferred to have an iX3, but because they had the budget for an X3 (ICE) but wanted an EV, had to settle for a similarly priced iX1.

Ultimately this could be a much better EV, but BMW makes the same mistake as every legacy car maker, just sticking electric motors into ICE purpose-built cars, losing range due to drag, passenger and cargo space due to ICE-specific body elements, etc. and making an objectively poorer performing EV. And now you've just got the same car as the ICE model apart from some console differences, but paying a premium having a battery in it.

And ultimately that's where brands such as, but not limited to, Tesla beat these giants like Mercedes, VW and BMW that once dominated the automobile industry. The iX is a notable from-the-ground-up BMW EV as an exception but that's in an entirely different league and definitely does not share a market segment with the model Y (maybe with the likes of the model X)

[Vikturus]

As someone who is in the market for new cars, anytime I see "subscription options" I immediately pass on any vehicle from that manufacturer. Nobody wants this BULLSHIT. It makes me want to stick with my mk6 gti for as long as possible now

[TheJakayy]

Looks pretty good, but the subscription thing is inexcusable.

[aslkdfjhg]

A subscription model is an instant no from me. If I was renting the battery pack from BMW like what Renault did in France I understand the logic for new EVs, but for a heated seats extra? That's a money grab.

[bigonexeon]

center console lid will be broken off multiple times by use also the price you'd think the dash and info screen would be in a dashboard as that looks cheap also the front instead of the ugly painted on grill they should extend the body line across the front and put a smaller grill BMW reminds of nokia stuck in their old ways trying to use their brand to push them along either change with the times or liquidate like nokia

[asum]

NVH = Noise, Vibration, Harshness. 😉

[slavstojnic]

I love the new content but where is Jacob?? I love that you both can do reviews but it’s better and more entertaining having both of you together in the review that’s what separates you guys from other reviewers and that’s what makes you guys the best! You guys are the best and my choice

[ClaudioAguileraMunoz]

180km/h top speed, 390k of effective range, $10k more expensive... where is the "serious Tesla model Y competition"?

[uznzwyh]

model y competion with highler the price lower the specs, lower range sounds like a fanboy's way on evaluating a model y rival

[randyreynolds]

The ICE and diesels are much much better❤

[CarSauce]

What do you think of the BMW iX1? This or a Tesla Model Y?! 🤔

[Dilbert]

The BMW scores and wins on the Y, especially due to the Interior. Best reason for the Y is now … the price tag.

[Professor-Jack]

Tesla cars good luck with that insurance one of these company's have stopped insuring no wonder why just look where they put the indicators safety is a big thing what are they thinking ye I'm not going to bother watching your review you have a low spec iX1 I can tell with the wheels no M Sport badge, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, talk to the hand