BMW has confirmed that, alongside the launch of the all-electric iX1, a new plug-in hybrid addition to the 7 Series range will also be introduced in November.
The iX1, an electric offshoot of the third generation X1 SUV, became the first electric, all-wheel-drive compact model on BMW’s line-up upon its unveil in June. Power comes from two e-motors – one at the front, a second at the rear – which produce a combined 313 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque. This also includes, what BMW calls, “temporary boost effect” – said to be worth around 40 hp – for more energetic initial acceleration, hence the sprightly 5.6-second 0-100 km/h sprint time and 180 km/h top speed.
While not based on an EV-dedicated chassis – as well as its revised design, the iX1 shares the same newly developed ‘FAAR’ platform as the third generation X1 – the iX1 does feature BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology used on the iX, the i4 and the i7 thus far. Combined with a high-voltage, 64.7 kWh battery, this means the iX1 boasts anywhere from 417 to 440 km of electric range. 130 kW of DC, fast-charging rate also means topping up the battery from zero to 80 per cent takes just 29 minutes.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is set to launch in Europe in November, with prices starting from around €55,000 ($74,000) and production out of the brand’s facility in Regensburg, Germany, confirmed. Updates regarding a potential North American launch have not yet been released, though TheCharge.ca has approached BMW Canada for further details.
As well as the iX1’s arrival, BMW has announced that a more powerful, plug-in hybrid example of the new 7 Series – the 750e xDrive – will also arrive in November. Like the smaller spec 745e, the new PHEV limousine replaces the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 found in the range-topping 750i with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder (still turbocharged, and good for 313 hp and 332 lb ft by itself), a 197 hp synchronous motor integrated with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, and an 18.7 kWh battery. Combined, 490 hp (again, with temporary boost) and 516 lb ft is sent to all four wheels, good for 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. This shades the 745e by 96 hp and 74 lb ft.
While North American details have again yet to be revealed, the 750e xDrive is expected to land in Canada in the first half of 2023, with BMW Canada confirming that a release date and range estimates will be provided in due course.