The first BMW EV to be assembled in India, the iX1 LWB, takes on the Mercedes EQA, Volvo EX40 and the Mini Countryman Electric. Here’s how it fares, on paper.
BMW India has launched its first locally assembled EV, the iX1 LWB. The introduction of the Rs 49 lakh EV also marks another first for India; we are the first right-hand drive market to get BMW’s long-wheelbase models. Considering its price and size, the BMW iX1 LWB will go up against the Mercedes EQA, Volvo EX40 and Mini Countryman Electric. Here’s how the new BMW EV compares.
BMW iX1 LWB dimensions vs rivals
| BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iX1 LWB | EQA | EX40 | Countryman Electric | |
| Length (mm) | 4616 | 4463 | 4440 | 4445 |
| Width (mm) | 1845 | 1834 | 1873 | 1843 |
| Height (mm) | 1627 | 1624 | 1647 | 1635 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2800 | 2729 | 2702 | 2692 |
| Turning diameter (m) | – | – | 11 | 11.8 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | – | 2055 | – | 1940 |
| Boot space (litres) | 490 | 340 | 410-1295 | 460-1450 |
| Wheel size (inch) | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17/19 |
Naturally, the highlight of the iX1 LWB is its longer wheelbase – it is 71mm longer than the Mercedes EQA’s, 98mm longer than the EX40, and 102mm longer than the Countryman. The BMW has the largest boot, is longer than its rivals and is among the widest too, which bodes well for the space offered on the inside. Volvo’s EX40 is the widest model here, while the Countryman is the smallest overall, with even the 17-inch standard wheels (19-inchers are optional extras) being the smallest of the lot.
BMW iX1 LWB range and battery vs rivals
| BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: range, battery, performance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iX1 LWB | EQA | EX40 | Countryman Electric | |
| Battery size (kWh) | 66.4 | 70.5 | 69 | 66.4 |
| WLTP range (km) | 531* | 560 | 475 | 462 |
| Power (hp) | 204 | 190 | 238 | 204 |
| Torque (Nm) | 250 | 385 | 420 | 250 |
| Claimed 0-100kph (s) | 8.6 | 8.6 | 7.3 | 8.6 |
| Top speed (kph) | 170 | 160 | 180 | 170 |
| AC charging time (0-100%) | 6.5 hrs | 7.25 hrs | 7 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| DC charging time (10-80%) | 29 min | 35 min | 34 min | 29 min |
*MIDC range figure
The reason that the iX1 LWB has an MIDC figure, while the rest are WLTP numbers, is because the BMW is a locally assembled model, and has been through the homologation process that will see it get an MIDC figure. The Volvo, Mercedes and Mini here are all CBUs, hence, the carmakers quote a WLTP figure.
Interestingly, the iX1 LWB and Countryman Electric share the same battery and powertrain. Both get a 66.4kWh battery pack that powers a front axle-mounted 204hp motor. The BMW and Mini also post the same claimed 0-100kph time, top speed, and charging times. The only variation between the two is the range figure; the Mini has a 462km number on the more stringent WLTP cycle while the BMW has an MIDC-quoted 531km. In terms of range, then, it is the EQA that can go the furthest on a single charge thanks to it having the largest battery pack.
The RWD Volvo EX40 is the most powerful of the lot, has the highest top speed, and is the quickest to do the 0-100kph sprint. However, the BMW and Mini, with their relatively smaller battery packs, have the quickest charging times.
BMW iX1 LWB price vs rivals
| BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: price | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iX1 LWB | EQA | EX40 | Countryman Electric | |
| Ex-showroom, India (Rs, lakh) | 49 | 67.2 | 56.1 | 54.9 |
Although BMW iX1 LWB prices are for an introductory period, the long-wheelbase e-SUV undercuts its rivals by a significant margin. The iX1 LWB is a whopping Rs 18.2 lakh more affordable than the Mercedes EQA, Rs 7.1 lakh cheaper than the Volvo EX40, and costs Rs 5.9 lakh less than the Mini Countryman Electric.
On paper, the BMW iX1 LWB is far more affordable, larger, and seems to offer more interior room than its rivals. On the other hand, it does fall behind its competition in terms of range and performance. We’ll find out if this holds true on the road soon, so stay tuned.
Also see:
Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, JLR see highest-ever India sales in 2024
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