BMW iX1 interior, tech and comfort
- Nearly button free
- Very modern infotainment
- Cheap feeling materials if you really look
How is the quality and layout?
Very sleek, very modern but reassuringly BMW. The Munich-based firm is aiming not to alienate current BMW drivers who are looking to make the switch to electric, and the iX1 manages this by having virtually the same button-light interior as the regular X1.
Step inside, sit down and your hands will be drawn to the thick steering wheel, something that BMW’s become famous for in recent years. Elsewhere, the cabin is nicely finished. It can look a bit dark, but light-coloured wood can brighten things up. If you go searching for cheap materials, like the plastic used around the gear selector, you’ll find it. But it’s no worse than other cars in class.
Infotainment and tech
All versions of the iX1 get a large 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with an equally large driver’s display butted up to it. The screens are slightly curved and behind a single large pane of glass mounted high on the dash.
Most of the functions of the car are controlled by this screen. It’s pin sharp, the software is fast and intuitive and the voice control is ‘intelligent’, in that it remembers questions you ask it.
There are lots of sub menus and not nearly enough physical buttons. There are two for the windscreen and rear window, but that’s about it. Turning the temperature up is just one prod at the screen, but doing anything else will see you delve into the menus.
Comfort
- Firm seats
- Lots of room
- Man-made and leather trims
The iX1’s seating position is higher than a typical family hatchback, giving you a raised view of the road ahead. The seats themselves are a bit on the firm side, but remain supportive on long journeys and hold you in place well when you corner enthusiastically.
