BMW iX1 LWB vs Rivals: Which EV Reigns Supreme?

The luxury Compact SUV segment is heating up, with new launches now and then. BMW has entered the battlefield with the iX1 LWB, a longer and more spacious SUV. But the question arises: Can it hold against its three rivals: Mercedes Benz EQA, BYD Sealion 7 and Volvo EX 40? In this article, we'll pit the BMW iX1 LWB against its competitors, but before moving ahead, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on any automotive updates.

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio N Carbon Edition Launched - Starts At Rs 19.19 Lakh

Design

When it comes to design, BMW remains BMW, carrying forward its signature large kidney grille wrapped in chrome trips at the front. The front fascia also features sleek LED headlamps that flow with the grille. Despite being the LWB version, it carries forward the same silhouette of the X1, riding on the 18-inch. Coming to the rear part, it boasts L-shaped LED headlamps with a skid plate hovering below.

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz EQA embraces a smooth and futuristic design, aligning with the brand's philosophy. Unlike the iX1 LWB, the EQA opts for a more minimalistic and aerodynamic look. At the front, it features LED light bars along with a pointed star-pattern grille, which proudly displays a massive Mercedes-Benz logo in the middle

"Meanwhile, the BYD Sealion 7 is the youngest of them all and features a sharp design with angular lines running throughout, which exude modernity. At the front, it has sharp-looking headlamps with DRLs, giving it an aggressive stance. However, it also boasts a well-integrated design with connected taillamps and a mounted spoiler. Like the EQA, the Sealion 7 rides on 19-inch wheels, but here, you also get optional 20-inch wheels.

The EX40 follows Volvo's Scandinavian design philosophy, which speaks of a clean and minimalistic design. The front fascia features a completely closed-off grille with the Volvo logo in the middle, along with Thor's hammer LED headlamps. However, from the side, EX 40 displays a muscular stance with bold lines all around, and it rides on 19-inch 5-double Spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels. At the rear, an LED light bar stretches across the tailgate, with Volvo badging that gives it a more confident look.

Features

Inside, the iX1 LWB is fully feature loaded with 10.25-inch infotainment and 10.7-inch instrument cluster with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Several other features include powered front seats with a massage function, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, a rear parking camera, park assist, and cruise control. In terms of safety features, it gets eight airbags, collision warning, lane keep assist, three-point seatbelts, and much more.

On the Other hand, the Mercedes Benz EQA is equipped with a 360-degree camera, HUD, gesture control, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable tailgate, four drive modes, panoramic sunroof, and dual 10.25-inch screens. You also get the second-generation MBUX system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a 12-speaker Burmester audio system. Coming to the safety front, the car gets 7 airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, and electronics driver assistance systems like active brake assist and run-flat tyres.

Meanwhile, the BYD Sealion 7 is equipped with a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The Sealion 7 gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel along with a plethora of features, including electrically adjustable front seats, heated and cool seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker audio system, a head-up display, and ADAS. In terms of safety, the BYD Sealion 7 offers 11 airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, EBD, hill hold assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The EX40 comes with a 9-inch horizontal infotainment panel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Additionally, it features a 360-degree camera, a Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control, park assist, a panoramic sunroof, power front seats, and a wireless charger. In terms of safety, it includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and much more.

Powertrains

At the heart, the BMW iX1 LWB is powered by a 66.4 kWh battery pack, which gives out a claimed range of 531km within a single charge. This SUV produces 206 bhp and 250 Nm of torque and comes with an FWD configuration. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds.

The Mercedes Benz EQA gets a 70.5 kWh battery pack, which offers a range of 560 km in a single charge. This Motor produces 187 bhp and 385 Nm of torque and can go from 0-100 kmph in just 8.6 seconds. It comes with an FWD configuration.

On the other hand,  the BYD Sealion 7 is powered by an 82.56 kWh battery pack, which can go up to 567km on a single charge. Meanwhile, the Sealion 7 can produce 523 bhp and 690 Nm of torque. It can go from 0-100kmph in just 4.5 seconds. It offers two configurations: AWD and RWD.

At last, the Volvo EX 40 is equipped with a 69 kWh battery pack, with a rear-wheel drive configuration, which produces 234bhp and 420Nm of torque. However, it can go from 0 to 100kmph in just 7.3 seconds. While the EX 40 can go up to 475 km with a single charge and comes with a RWD configuration only.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the BMW iX1 LWB is available at Rs 49.00 lakh (ex-showroom). The BYD Sealion 7 is available at a price tag of Rs 48.90 (ex-showroom) for the premium variant and goes up to Rs 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the performance variant. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is priced at Rs 67.20 lakh (ex-showroom). Lastly, the Volvo EX 40 comes at a price tag of Rs 56.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Read More: BYD Sealion 7 Vs Rivals: Which Electric SUV Will Rule The Roads?