BMW has introduced its latest offering in the entry-level luxury EV segment with the iX1, marking its foray into India as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model. This electric SUV, which shares its platform with the ICE-powered X1, enters a competitive market where it contends with other fully-electric luxury crossovers like the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Kia EV6. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects that set these three luxury EVs apart.
BMW iX1 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Kia EV6: Features
The BMW iX1 comes equipped with a range of features, including a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, adaptive suspension, ambient lighting, powered front seats with memory and massage functions, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety features in the iX1 include eight airbags, an electric parking brake, parking assistance, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning, front collision warning, manual speed limit assist, and evasion assistance.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge boasts an Android-based nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Type-C charging ports, a 12.3-inch driver display, wireless phone charging, an air purifier, telematics, connected car technology, powered front seats with driver-side memory, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety in the Swedish electric SUV includes seven airbags, traction control, HSA (Hill Start Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), and ADAS features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection.
The Kia EV6 is loaded with a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, augmented reality Head-Up Display (HUD), flush door handles, 10-way powered and ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, remote folding seats, over 60 connected car features, a 360-degree parking camera, powered tailgate, vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, and more.
Safety features in the Korean crossover encompass eight airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), BAS (Brake Assist System), MCBA (Motor Driven Power Steering), dual-zone temperature control, wireless charging pad, 64-color ambient lighting, and over 10 ADAS functions.
BMW iX1 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Kia EV6: Powertrain and Range
When it comes to powertrain specifications, the Volvo XC40 Recharge stands out with an impressive peak output of 402 bhp and 660 Nm of torque, surpassing its rivals by a significant margin. While the XC40 Recharge and EV6 share a similar battery capacity, the latter claims a remarkable single-charge range of 708 km. All three models feature a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, but the EV6 offers the additional option of a single-motor, rear-wheel drivetrain.
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 |
BMW iX1 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Kia EV6: Price Comparison
In terms of pricing, the BMW iX1 is positioned as the most premium of the trio, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 66.90 lakh. The Kia EV6 offers two variants, a single-motor and a dual-motor, priced at Rs 60.95 lakh and Rs 65.95 lakh, respectively. Both Kia EV6 variants are fully imported to India under the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 Recharge emerges as the most affordable option, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 56.90 lakh, thanks to its local assembly in India using CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.
Price Comparison:
- BMW iX1: Rs 66.90 lakh (Ex-showroom)
- Volvo XC40 Recharge: Rs 56.90 lakh (Ex-showroom)
- Kia EV6: Rs 60.95 lakh (RWD), Rs 65.95 lakh (AWD) (Ex-showroom)
