The next generation BMW iX1 A small electric SUV was observed charging during European testing.
While the current iX1 shares its architecture and bodywork with the petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid X1 variants, the next generation of BMW’s smallest electric SUV will be significantly different from the internal combustion engine X1 range.
That’s because it will be based on a shortened version of the German automaker’s “Neue Klasse” all-electric car platform, which debuted earlier this year with the new iX3 and will also form the basis for the upcoming i3 sedan.
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The new iX3 features an 800V electrical architecture that supports DC fast charging of up to 400kW in the top versions. At launch, the iX3 will be available in 50 xDrive trim with a dual-motor setup producing a total of 345kW and 645Nm, as well as a 108kWh battery, providing a claimed WLTP range of 805km.
A single-motor variant with a smaller battery will be available worldwide from 2026 and should offer a range of around 600 km.
This iX1 prototype features lots of fake body panels and masking tape to hide many of its styling cues, but we can already see that its overall design looks like a shrunken version of the iX3.
Up front there’s a thin, connected twin-kidney grille flanked by a wide lighting strip, and there are flush-fitting fold-out door handles on the side.
Our spy photo agency also took a look inside the cabin. While most of the interior is obscured, we can see that the iX1 uses the same parallelogram-shaped floating touchscreen as the iX3. Like its bigger brother, the iX1’s interior appears to be largely devoid of buttons.
The only visible physical switches are in the center tunnel and control the transmission, electric parking brake, hazard lights and windshield wipers.
It looks like the iX1 will also be available with Panorama Vision, a narrow array of instrument displays that spans the entire width of the vehicle where the windshield and dashboard meet.
With the i3 sedan set to be unveiled next year, it’s likely the new iX1 won’t be available globally until 2027.
MORE: Discover the BMW iX1 showroom
