2023 BMW iX1 (inc. 0-100 & autonomous) review

If you detest the Tesla Model Y, but still want an electric SUV, look no further! But, has BMW nailed the formula? Paul Maric reviews the 2023 BMW iX1 to see if it's worth spending money on.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:57
Interior: 03:30
Infotainment: 04:52
Safety Tech: 06:16
Practicality: 07:01
Charging: 10:30
On the Road: 11:10
Performance: 20:38
Verdict: 23:55

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#bmw #ix1 #review

[abovebeyond]

This is a bit random but thank you Paul for the car reviews over the years, this is by far one of the most enjoyable car review content (for me at least) in YouTube.

[JetBMWtube]

Got mine delivered in early June with MSport, and traded the previous gen X1 25i

It comes standard with Adaptive Dampers. This helps with a super smooth drive in town and highways. It also keeps car surprisingly flat in corners. The front bias Paul mentioned is extremely rare in daily use. It’s certainly better than most other front biased chassis. Car is also much quieter than previous gen and on par with other BMWs in this price range. Overall ride is actually much better than some popular EVs on the road today.

Road feel through the steering may be lacking but the tightness in Comfort vs Sport is perfect. It adjusts on the go and makes tight turns super easy with its adaptive ratio.

Couple of key points to add - heads up display and the mobile app. HUD is super helpful for driving and using driver aids. The mobile app is essential, given the EV’s charging requirements. But it’s also makes navigation easy and to schedule heating and cooling times. Another point for Paul to test is the lane change assistance, which is mostly useful on freeways.

Upon delivery, the max range was showing as just 390km. But after a few cycles, I can see 430km range. I mostly only charge to 80%, which gives around 320.
Some cons for this car:
Not the best use of interior space. Journey planner in the car and mobile app is incomplete and needs more work. Servicing does not seem to be EV centric and too expensive for the package.

Love your reviews Paul and CarExpert!

[Bmontepeque]

You know what? I actually quite like this iX1 a lot! I have gotten to really like small SUVs now (They are maximum practicality without being that much bigger or heavier than a regular sedan or hatchback for example :) ) And even though iDrive 8 is too complicated, I think this FWD iX1 actually is my favorite BMW to use as a daily car :) ❤️

[Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

“As an electric car it still looks like a normal car instead of a science experiment” This is so true.

[icecreammm]

I got one about 2 months ago. I drive in the default mode, so the steering is indeed not very communicative, but I can take corners quickly with confidence. I was looking for a car in the 450cm range, so I know range would be a bit less than the longer competition cars but it's more than enough. I actually have no complaints about the cars, it feels roomy inside for a car of this size and longer drives do not feel fatiguing at all, which is great. Performance is more than enough. And I think it's great that my car isn't yelling "look at me, I'm an electric car!!!". I also get a lot of compliments about how the car looks (Black M Sport version with black glossy grille), so I guess most people will find this an attractive car.

[hiteshshingadia]

I was checking the channel twice a day to find this review. Thank you, yet to watch it but am sure it will help me make my buying decision.

[SmithLord]

Good review as always. My MIL just bought one of these. It wouldn't have been my first choice but she loves BMWs.

I'm also really glad to see you responded to feedback so quickly and removed the typing sound effect with the "Help me car expert" banner. That's way less intrusive now.

Keep up the good work team!

[khuzainisani]

Thanks Paul. Took delivery of an M Sport package last week after 8 months of waiting and absolutely love it! Played around with the modes but honestly can't see them being useful for short drives. I imagine changing it up and activating the massage would be quite nice to wake you up on longer drives. Btw, love lthe integration of Android Auto maps in the drivers display! The fam loves it and although the Model Y seems to trump it in most things, we still love that it looks like a normal car. I actually thought the handling was good given it's set up for more comfort. Maybe it's just horrible in the rain. Disappointed that steering heating requires a $349 subscription though.

[dejan-mk]

Bravo Pavle samo napred, Matt Watson (carwow) watch out Paul is coming!! Graet job mate

[atlasko]

Had one for about a month now. Mainly work/home commute in inner suburbs/city - which is what this car is designed for - so the range is more than enough. Most people will have a bigger ICE car to take the family for holiday road trip. Iconic sound turned off since day 1.

Agree that steering and handling is a backward step from my previous g20 330i, but then this car is aimed at a different demographic.

Biggest reason for choosing this is the HUD - not available in the Tesla or the Volvo xc40. Also it comes out cheaper and more available than the Korean ioniq5/ev6. Also the perceived interior quality is better in my opinion.

[ryanhotrod]

Should add a watch collection to your videos best watches for driving what car because you wear that wrist piece really well Paul

[adrianoconnor]

Excellent 👏 been waiting for the X1 Review

[rpipes]

Paul always makes very detailed and very informative reviews 👍🏽 one is able to make a decision straight away from your reviews .. 👏🏽

[martinvdm]

I binged all iX1 reviews, this one was great thanks Paul! I’ve now been driving my 2024 iX1 Xdrive30 for 6 months. And I love it more and more every month. It’s so responsive (like most EVs) but the steering and suspension package just works although the ride can be a bit firm especially over the annoying speed numbs near our house. I’ve had some issues with the infotainment system but that’s gets patched over the air so all good. Highly recommend it as a EV and BMW below FBT threshold!

[Grudlin]

Thank you for mentioning turning circle measurements

[kubo]

I ordered one of these in November last year and expecting delivery of it at the end of the month. Drove the ICE version and found the back seat to be far more spacious than what you showed, the ICE did not have the massage seats. From the video, they do look to be far thicker than the seats in the ICE variants. If it was available with non-massaging seats I would have chosen that, as they do look to have taken up that valuable rear passenger space. I also did initially order a Volvo XC40 Recharge but cancelled it after waiting almost 6 months for Volvo to allocate me a car and settled on the iX1 and got a build allocated immediately (take note Volvo).

[Australiano]

I considered the eletric one but the 400km max range turned me off, so bought the Xdrive 20i Msport and having the car for just over a month I couldn’t be more happier. Love the Msport design and the petrol 2L turbo is punchy assss!

[luisfernandez-maldonado]

Hi Paul, will you be testing/reviewing the GWM Tank 300 any time soon??

[ScottPritchard-zboh]

Hi
I've never seen a segment on all the options for no spare tyre.
I think it it possably should have a real time segment how these option are applied. Consideration that Aus is a big place, how realistic and safe are temporary repairs to tyre are. Also how in the dark is reality of an inexperienced person inflating or repairing a puncture. Yes I do understand about road side service, but that depends on your location.
Regards Scott

[khorma]

Hi Paul, thanks for these videos. Very helpful. I'm currently in market for an iX1 or iX2. I find that the breaks squeak when the car comes to a full stop no matter how soft or hard I apply the breaks. The dealership stated that it was not a fault but something they have encountered with their EVs. I did not find this to be the case with the i4. Did you notice the squeaks when car coming to stop?