2024 BMW iX1 lands in Singapore, PH to follow soon?

BMW continues to bring its lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) to Southeast Asia. The automaker already sells the iX, the iX3, and the i7 EVs in the Philippines. However, they have yet to bring their smallest EV to date.

At the 2024 Singapore Motor Show, the Bavarian automaker officially revealed the iX1 – marking the vehicle's regional debut in Southeast Asia. Slotting below the iX3, the iX1 essentially serves as the all-electric version of the all-new X1.

Despite having no internal combustion engine under the hood, the iX1 largely shares its looks with the latest X1 which is already on sale in the country. It gets the same sharp LED headlights and taillights and the sporty bumpers. However, since BMW Singapore brought the entry-level eDrive20, this particular iX1 comes with a different grille and lacks the aqua-colored accents the AWD eDrive30 version has.

Like the regular X1, the iX1 gets a similar cabin design which now includes the unique floating center console. It also gets a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment courtesy of the BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Other features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a host of intelligent driver aids are also available in the 2024 iX1.

Powering the eDrive20 iX1 is a single electric motor that puts out a respectable 204 PS along with a generous 247 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a 64.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that gives it a range of around 475 km. It can sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 170 km/h.

Recharging the eDrive20 with the standard 11kW charger can fully recharge the battery in 6 hours and 30 minutes from empty. Opt for the more powerful 22kW charger and the iX1 eDrive20 can be fully charged in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Last but not least is the DC fast charging system that is rated up to 130 kW - allowing the iX1 to be recharged to 80% in just 29 minutes.

With Singapore the first market to get the BMW iX1 eDrive20, we’re wondering if SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corp. has any plans to bring the all-electric version of the X1 to the Philippines soon. Perhaps after they launch the (rumored) i4 later this month, we might get to see the iX1 finally make its way to the country later this year. Fingers crossed our hunch is right.