On January 21, 2026, Brilliance Auto BMW officially announced the launch of the 2026 BMW iX1 in the Chinese market, with an official suggested retail price range of 228,000–268,000 RMB, offering four different configurations. As a compact pure electric SUV primarily targeting young families and urban commuters, the 2026 iX1 did not undergo a revolutionary redesign, but instead redefined the value benchmark for entry-level electric vehicles from luxury brands with a strategy of "precise upgrades + price reduction."
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project |
Parameter details |
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Powertrain |
Dual-motor all-wheel drive (xDrive30L): Maximum power of a single motor is 150kW, combined power is 230kW, and combined torque is 494N·m. |
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0–100km /h acceleration |
5.7 seconds |
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Battery capacity |
64.7kWh (lithium-ion battery pack) |
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CLTC driving range |
410–435 km (actual measured range of approximately 350 km with heating on in winter). |
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Fast charging performance |
Supports 130kW DC fast charging; it only takes 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. |
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Vehicle dimensions |
Length × Width × Height: 4616 × 1845 × 1641 mm, Wheelbase: 2802 mm |
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Curb weight |
Approximately 1850kg (dual-motor version) |
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Energy consumption per 100 kilometers |
Approximately 16.3 kWh/100km |
Note: The eDrive25L single-motor version has been removed from the 2026 product line. All models now come standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive, ensuring consistent performance and handling.
Exterior: Continuing the BMW family design language, the front features a highly recognizable "sculpted crystal grille" and "dual L-shaped LED headlights." Two new exclusive paint colors, Brooklyn Grey and Flame Red, have been added, featuring a delicate metallic particle texture and strong visual impact in sunlight.
Wheels: Standard 19-inch three-dimensional sports wheels replace the older 18-inch design, resulting in a fuller look, optimized drag coefficient, and significantly enhanced sporty appearance.
Interior: The biggest highlight is the new black and brown two-tone theme. The seats use recycled fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, offering better breathability than traditional leather, with exquisite stitching and a soft touch. The center console layout remains simple, with a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 10.7-inch curved central control screen forming an integrated design, providing smooth and lag-free operation.
Infotainment System: Equipped with the iDrive 8.5 operating system, it supports voice activation with "Hello, BMW," allowing for high-frequency commands such as air conditioning adjustment and navigation settings without a wake-up word, with response speed comparable to mobile phone apps. Intelligent Driving:
Automatic Lane Change: Decisive lane changes, precise path planning, and effortless handling of complex ramps.
Automatic Driving Assistance Pro: Recognizes speed limit signs and performs autonomous cornering, ensuring safer highway cruising.
Automated Parking Assist Plus: Supports vertical and parallel parking, and the reverse tracking function allows for returning to the original path, making it extremely user-friendly for new drivers.
HUD Head-Up Display: Navigation arrows, speed, and driving assistance status are all projected onto the windshield, eliminating the need to look down.
Drawback: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is still an optional feature, not standard across all models, which is a slight disadvantage for frequent highway users.
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Dimension |
2025 model |
2026 model |
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Starting price |
228,000 yuan (eDrive25L) |
228,000 yuan (all models have dual motors) |
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Powertrain |
Single motor/dual motor options available |
All models feature dual motors; single-motor versions have been discontinued. |
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Interior color scheme |
Black/Gray Only |
Newblack and brown color options available, significantly enhancing the overall quality. |
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Wheel hub |
18-inch |
19 -inch 3D sports wheels |
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Paint Options |
Standard color scheme |
New colors added:Brooklyn Grey, Flame Red, and Starry Night Blue |
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Intelligent configuration |
Basic L2 assist |
Standard features include lane change signal, automatic parking, and a head-up display (HUD). |
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Seat Material |
imitation leather |
Eco-friendly recycled fabric + fine stitching |
Conclusion: The 2026 model is not just a "rebadged" car, but a precise upgrade achieved by eliminating lower-end trims and improving the configuration across all models, resulting in a "price reduction without compromising features" and a significant increase in cost-effectiveness.
City Commuting: 435km range + 30-minute fast charging, easily meeting the needs of a 40km daily commute for 5 days, with highly efficient charging during lunch breaks.
Family Travel: Spacious rear seats, 490L of regular trunk volume, expandable to 1600L with the seats folded down, easily accommodating a stroller and two 28-inch suitcases.
Young Users: Flame Red paint + sporty wheels + black and brown interior, combining personality and quality, with strong social appeal.
Environmentally Conscious Users: Extensive use of recycled plastic bottle fibers in the seats and interior materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
The 2026 BMW iX1 starts at 228,000 RMB, directly entering the price range of models such as the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion S, and XPeng G3i. However, with its luxury brand backing, dual-motor system across all models, and L2+ intelligent driving capabilities, it establishes a unique position as a "low-priced luxury pure electric SUV."
Compared to competitors in the same price range, it has significant advantages in brand premium, driving quality, and intelligent experience, making it an ideal choice for users with a budget under 250,000 RMB who seek a car that is "stylish, powerful, and technologically advanced." 7. Purchase Recommendations
✅ Recommended for:
Young families seeking a luxury brand but with a limited budget
Urban professionals who commute 30-50km daily and prioritize charging efficiency
Technology enthusiasts who appreciate sporty design and demand advanced smart features
❌ Not recommended for:
Users who require long range (>600km) for intercity travel
Those who have a strong need for adaptive cruise control and are unwilling to opt for it as an extra
Those who prefer leather seats and are sensitive to environmentally friendly materials
The 2026 BMW iX1, with its "quiet upgrade," redefines the luxury standard for entry-level electric SUVs. It doesn't rely on exaggerated specifications to attract attention, but instead wins over practical users with its attention to detail and genuine value.
