BMW Malaysia has unveiled a new base variant of the BMW iX1 called the eDrive20 M Sport, available at RM264,000 on-road without insurance. This value is with a five-year extended warranty and a six-year service package, but without these the price drops to RM249,800.
Compared to the iX1 xDrive30 M Sport, which was launched back in May last year, the eDrive20 M Sport is RM26,000 cheaper (with or without the extended warranty and service package). Of course, there are some noticeable differences in terms of specs that come with the lower price.
First of all, the eDrive20 features a single, front-mounted electric motor with an output of 204 hp (201 hp or 150 kW) and a torque of 250 Nm with the temporary boost function activated. That’s enough for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.
In comparison, the xDrive30 features a dual-motor setup that produces up to 313 hp (308 hp or 230 kW) and 494 Nm – even with temporary boost on – for a century-faster sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a slightly higher top speed 180 km/h.
Both the eDrive20 and xDrive30 have the same lithium-ion battery with a gross energy capacity of 66.5 kWh (64.7 kWh net), but the former has a higher WLTP range of 475 km compared to the 438 km of the xDrive30.
Charging capacities are identical for both variants, with the eDrive20 supporting a maximum AC input power of 11kW as standard, enabling a full charge from 0 to 100% in 6.5 hours. DC fast charging of up to 130 kW is also supported and brings the battery to a charge level of 10-80% in 29 minutes.
One way to distinguish the eDrive20 from the xDrive30 is by looking at the grille, which on the base variant is a patterned panel while the higher-spec model features vertical slats. The common equipment of the two iX1 variants includes 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design 871 M in bicolor, the M Sport styling package, the M high-gloss shadowline package and the M high-gloss shadowline roof rails.
The list continues with adaptive LED headlights, adaptive M suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, an M leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable front sports seats, an anthracite-colored headliner, a wireless charging pad, BMW Live Cockpit Professional (10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and …). 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen), Connected Package Professional (support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), IconicSounds Electric and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The eDrive20 M Sport’s upholstery consists of either Veganza synthetic leather or a combination of Alcantara and Veganza, paired with “Hexacube” aluminum interior panels in a light finish. This differs from the xDrive30 M Sport, which comes with either Vernasca leather or a combination of Alcantara and Sensatec. The interior panels also have the same “Hexacube” design, but in a darker finish.
In terms of driver assistance, the eDrive20 M Sport comes with the Driving Assistant package as standard, which includes functions such as lane change warning, rear cross-traffic warning with braking intervention, exit warning, rear collision prevention and autonomous emergency braking.
Interestingly, customers can get the xDrive30 M Sport’s Driving Assistant Plus package as an on-demand feature via the Connected Drive Store. A quick check on this store shows Driving Assistant Plus available as a subscription (RM167.55/month, RM1,675.51/year, RM2,606.35/three years) or unlimited package (no subscription) for RM3,273.36 is available – there is also a three-month free trial version.
With the Driving Assistant Plus package you get access to the steering and lane keeping assistant, the speed limit information, the automatic speed limit assistant, the lane departure warning and the active cruise control with stop-and-go function. Parking Assistant Plus is standard on the eDrive20 and includes a 360-degree camera and a reversing assistant.
With every purchase you receive an eight-year battery guarantee for 160,000 km, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline as well as BMW Service Online. With a lower price, less power but more range and a relatively similar kit list, would you choose the eDrive20 M Sport over the more expensive xDrive30 M Sport?
GALLERY: BMW iX1 eDrive20
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