BMW iX1 vs. the competition

The newly launched BMW iX1 has plenty of qualities, which will potentially make it an attractive option for folks looking for a comfortable but also peppy electric vehicle (EV). 

For starters, the all-new luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) uses a single motor setup capable of producing up to 204 horsepower (hp) and 247 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Per the German car maker, the said output enables the all-electric SUV to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in 8.6 seconds. It also features an estimated range of 430-473 kilometers. 

Inside, the electric-powered model features a plush cabin equipped with an M Anthracite headliner, leather upholstery, a sports leather steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and automatic air-conditioning, among others. 

For its digital displays, the all-new BMW EV model features a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Together, the two displays form a widescreen equipped with crisp and legible graphics, a slick user interface, and the brand’s Intelligent Personal Assistant. 

Topping up one’s devices while inside the BMW model is done easily, thanks to the presence of a wireless smartphone charger. Linking a smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment, meanwhile, is seamlessly performed through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Safety-wise, the BMW iX1 was kitted out with plenty of standard features along with a comprehensive advanced driver-assist kit (ADAS). The model’s ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, front-collision warning, a reversing assistant, and lane control, among others. 

Price-wise, the iX1 is available in the Philippines for P3.99 million. 

All of the aforementioned sounds enticing, but what about the rivals of the BMW iX1, and what are they offering to buyers? Let’s find out. 

Kia EV6

One of the main rivals of the BMW iX1 is the Kia EV6.

For power, the Korean-made EV depends on a single-motor setup, which is capable of outputting 225 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Per the brand, its output allows for a zero to 100 kph time of 3.5 seconds. It also has an electric range of 528 km per the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

Inside, the Kia model features leather upholstery and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. It also has electronic adjustability for its front seats, automatic air-conditioning, and a panoramic sunroof, among others. 

On-board tech for the EV6 consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly-sized infotainment display. Both screens are linked together, and its infotainment display also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Like its rivals, the EV6 was kitted out with a lot of ADAS features. The most notable of the said features are adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, and rear-cross traffic avoidance, among others. 

Currently, the Kia EV6, specifically the GT-Line Long Range trim, is priced at P3.788 million. 

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Likewise competing against the BMW iX1 in the local market is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. 

For its powertrain, the Swedish-made vehicle uses a dual-motor setup with a maximum output of 408 hp and 660 Nm of torque. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive Kia EV6 and BMW iX1, the XC40 Recharge uses an all-wheel-drive system. 

From a single full charge, the Volvo EV unit can cover up to 537 km. Per the brand, it also has a zero to 100 kph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. 

For its cabin, the XC40 comes standard with power adjustable front seats, automatic air-conditioning, vegan leather upholstery, and many other creature comforts. 

On-board entertainment and navigation, meanwhile, is done aboard the Volvo EV model through a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other tech features inside the model include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless smartphone charger, and audio streaming capabilities. 

The XC40’s ADAS kit consists of collision avoidance mitigation systems, driver alert control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic warning, and oncoming lane mitigation, among others. 

Pricing for the Volvo XC40 Recharge in the Philippines is set at P3.99 million. 

Mercedes-Benz EQA

Another German-made model facing the BMW iX1 in the all-electric SUV segment is the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Under the hood of the EQA is an electric motor capable of producing up to 190 hp and 385 Nm of torque. It also features a range of 457-495 km and a zero to 100 kph time of 8.6 seconds. 

For its comfort and convenience features, the German-made vehicle gets Artico leather upholstery, electronic adjustable front seats, an automatic air-conditioning system, and a wireless smartphone charger, among others. 

Positioned neatly on its dashboard is a Mercedes-Benz User Experience 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Over to the driver’s side, the model features a similarly-sized digital instrument display. 

Safety aboard the EQA is ensured by a collection of ADAS features. The said suite includes active speed limit assist, active steering assist, active lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver drowsiness detection, among others. 

In the Philippines, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is priced at P3.99 million. 

Also read: 

BMW PH launches iX1, iX2 all-electric SUVs

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BMW Group sells 83,000 EVs globally in Q1 2024