BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X1 F48

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Power	313 hp Winner	192 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	280 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h	226 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	127,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	134 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Boot	490 L	505 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.550 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,50 m	4,44 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X1
Platform	FAAR (electric)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X1

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X1

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X1

Firm ride (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.