BMW launched the iX1 electric SUV in India which is based on the ICE-powered X1. Like the X1, the iX1 caters to the entry-level luxury SUV segment but in the battery-powered space. It competes against the likes of fully-electric luxury crossovers like Volvo XC40 Recharge and Kia EV6. Let us see how these three luxury EVs fare against each other.
BMW iX1 Vs Volvo XC40 Recharge Vs Kia EV6: Features
BMW offers the iX1 features such as a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, adaptive suspension, ambient lighting, powered front seats with memory and massage functions, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, etc.
In terms of safety, the iX1 is loaded with features such as eight airbags, electric parking brake, parking assistance, and ADAS features such as lane departure warning, front collision warning, manual speed limit assist, and evasion assistance.
Volvo XC40 Recharge gets an Android-based nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, Type-C charging ports, 12.3-inch driver display, wireless phone charging, air purifier, telematics, connected car tech, powered front seats with driver-side memory, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety features on the Swedish electric SUV include 7 airbags, traction control, HSA, HDC, TPMS, and ADAS features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, etc.
On the other hand, EV6 comes equipped with a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, augmented reality HUD, flush door handles, 10-way powered and ventilated front seats, front powered seats, electric sunroof, remote folding seats, over 60 connected car features, 360-degree parking camera, powered tailgate, vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, etc.
In terms of safety, the Korean crossover gets eight airbags, ESP, HAC, VSM, BAS, MCBA, dual-zone temperature control, wireless charging pad, 64-colour ambient lighting, and over 10 ADAS functions.
BMW iX1 Vs Volvo XC40 Recharge Vs Kia EV6: Battery, motor specs
| Specs | BMW iX1 | Volvo XC40 Recharge | Kia EV6 (AWD) |
| Battery | 66.4 kWh Lithium ion | 78 kWh Lithium Ion, | 77.4 kWh Lithium Ion |
| Electric motor | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(F&R) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(F&R) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(F&R) |
| Max power output | 309 bhp | 402 bhp | 321 bhp |
| Max torque output | 494 Nm | 660 Nm | 605 Nm |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Range per charge | 417-440 km | 418 km | 708 km |
| Fast charging | Up to 130 kW | Up to 150 kW | Up to 350 kW |
Coming to powertrain specs, Volvo XC40 Recharge outclasses both its rivals by a significant margin with a peak output of 402 bhp and 660 Nm torque. The XC40 Recharge and EV6 have almost a similar battery capacity but the latter claims a much better single-charge range of 708 km. All three models offer a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup. Only the EV6 gets the option of a single-motor, rear-wheel drivetrain.
BMW iX1 Vs Volvo XC40 Recharge Vs Kia EV6: Price
BMW iX1 is the priciest of all the three luxury electric SUVs at Rs 66.90 lakh. Kia EV6 is available in two variants– a single-motor and a dual-motor, priced at Rs 60.95 lakh and Rs 65.95 lakh, respectively. Both these models are fully imported to India under the CBU route. The XC40 Recharge is the most affordable at Rs 56.90 lakh (ex-showroom) since it is locally assembled in India through CKD kits.
| BMW iX1 | Volvo XC40 Recharge | Kia EV6 | |
| Ex-showroom Price | Rs 66.90 lakh | Rs 56.90 lakh | Rs 60.95 (RWD)Rs 65.95 (AWD) |
