The BMW iX1 Is Coming To South Africa

When it comes to bringing EVs to South Africa, BMW has been the leader. From the time it introduced the i3 about 7 years ago, BMW has consistently introduced battery-electric vehicles as well as some plug-in hybrids whenever they became available on the global market. This is a really big deal, as not all brands that launch EVs overseas bring their models to South Africa. Since the launch of the i3, BMW South Africa has followed that up by introducing the i4, iX, and the iX3. The iX has been so well received that the initial allocation for South Africa was quickly sold out.

BMW has also announced that its flagship i7, which is essentially an all-electric version of the iconic 7 series, will also introduced in the South African market. Today, BMW announced that the new iX1 is coming to South Africa.

BMW says, “The BMW iX1 xDrive30 completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 5.7 seconds. The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology additionally comprises the car’s highly efficient charging technology, including the improved charging software also found in the BMW i7, and a high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody, whose high energy density gives the car a range of 413 – 438 kilometres (257 – 272 miles). The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is the first all-wheel-drive electric car introduced by the brand in the premium compact segment. Two highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles deliver a combined output of 230 kW/313 hp (taking the temporary boost effect into account), and post overall torque of 494 Nm (364 lb-ft). The electric all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction and directional stability in all situations.”

The introduction of the iX1 in the South African market later this year means that BMW will now have at least 6 all-electric models available under the BMW brand. These are the i3, i4 M50, the iX3, iX, iX1, and the flagship i7. The i3 is the most affordable, starting at R754,200. The iX1 should be the next, probably closer to the R1 million rand mark. The iX3 starts at R1,290,000, the i4 M50 starts at R1,600,000, and the iX starts at R1,700,000. BMW also sells what is currently the most affordable electric car you can buy in South Africa, the Mini Cooper SE.

Sales of electric vehicles in South Africa have been slow but are starting to pick up. Interest in electric vehicles is growing in the country. However, South Africans really need EVs priced below R500,000 ($32,000). This was validated in a recent survey by AutoTrader in the car industry mid-year report from January 2021 – June 2021. We hope more automakers bring more EV into this market soon to tap into this sub-R500,000 market.

Images courtesy of BMW