[VIDEO] Check out the new BMW iX1 electric car — its range and specs

According to the company’s annual press conference last week, the first electric BMW X1 will make its public debut this autumn. BMW has unveiled the new iX1 electric vehicle to compete with the i3 hatchback for practical, low-cost city driving.

The German automaker might soon produce the BMW iX1 xDrive30 and BMW iX1 eDrive20. The former is an all-wheel drive electric crossover with 270 hp. Next, the latter is a front-wheel-drive BMW iX1 with less power than the dual-motor iX1, but it has a similar design. All versions use BMW’s latest eDrive technology, which is also present in all-new BMW electric vehicles. Due to its similar FAAR front-wheel drive design and the integration of 5th generation BMW eDrive, it is expected to have similar performance and driving characteristics to the iX3. In this case, it would have a battery pack with a capacity of between 75 and 80 kWh.

BMW posted the iX1 on its German website just days after unveiling the car at its annual press conference. There are a few clues on the dedicated page, such as the teaser image above and the crossover’s codename – U11. The information about the maximum WLTP range is the most important (257 to 272 miles). These are the expected values based on the current development status of the vehicle, according to BMW.

The new BMW iX1 features LED taillights in the L-shape familiar from previous models. The radiator grille at the front is significantly larger than on the previous model. The kit also includes slimmer headlights. The flush handles on the doors, as seen in the latest Spy images, improve aerodynamics and simplify the design. The interior of the BMW iX1 will be more luxurious than ever, just like that of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The latest iDrive 8 infotainment system with a huge curved touchscreen might be fitted to the new model. Production of the BMW iX1 will start in Leipzig in November 2022, along with the mechanically related MINI Countryman. There will also be an electric version of this vehicle and the technical data should be comparable.