Laxmi Premium Motors unveils all-new BMW iX1 electric SAV in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The eagerly awaited debut of the BMW iX1 electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) in Nepal has sparked excitement in the market. 

Laxmi Premium Motors, the sole importer and dealer of BMW automobiles in Nepal, has furthered its electrification efforts by introducing the new BMW iX1. 

The BMW iX1 represents a significant milestone in Nepal's automotive landscape, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable mobility. 

BMW is consistently unveiling its models in the realm of e-mobility, presenting another all-electric variant of the new SAV in the premium compact segment. The BMW iX1 eDrive20, with a combined power consumption of 17.2 – 15.4 kWh/100 km according to WLTP and CO2 emissions of 0 g/km (provisional values), offers an especially appealing entry into the world of premium electric mobility. The second all-electric model variant of the compact SAV is powered by an electric motor with a maximum output of 150 kW/204 hp (with temporary boost) and boasts a range of 430 to 475 kilometres (provisional values according to WLTP).

By broadening its offering in the premium compact segment, the BMW Group is making locally emission-free driving enjoyment accessible to a wide range of target groups, thereby providing additional momentum for the acceleration of e-mobility. The new BMW iX1 eDrive20 will be available in Nepal at an introductory price of NPR 14,996,000.

Highly efficient electric drive, state-of-the-art charging technology, excellent range

Like all of the brand's current EVs, the BMW iX1 eDrive20 also utilises the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. A highly integrated drive unit on the front axle of the new entry-level model generates an immediately available maximum torque of 250 Nm, in addition to the maximum output of 150 kW/204 hp. The compact SAV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, with its top speed electronically limited to 170 km/h.

The high-voltage battery, which is conveniently housed on the vehicle floor to save space, has a usable energy content of 64.78 kWh. Its high energy density, coupled with the efficiency of the e-motor, contributes to the car’s favourable power consumption and delivers an excellent range compared to the competition. The Combined Charging Unit of the new BMW iX1 eDrive20 enables AC charging with up to 11 kW as standard. This allows the high-voltage battery to be charged from zero to 100% of its capacity within 6.5 hours. Three-phase AC charging with an output of up to 22 kW is optionally available, reducing charging time to 3:45 hours. The battery can be charged using direct current with a power of up to 130 kW. The battery's state of charge can be increased from 10% to 80% within 29 minutes at a fast-charging station.

The short charging times result from particularly efficient charging software, among other things. The charging power can be very specifically controlled while energy is being fed in. Additionally, anticipatory thermal management ensures that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is optimally controlled well in advance of a stopover at a fast-charging station. Pre-conditioning the battery can be manually activated and deactivated by the customer at any time.

Advanced operation thanks to the new BMW iDrive with 'QuickSelect'

The BMW iX1 eDrive20 offers a comprehensive range of standard equipment, including 2-zone automatic air conditioning, numerous modern driver assistance systems, the Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera, and numerous innovative digital features. The new BMW iDrive with 'QuickSelect' and the new BMW Operating System 9 are also standard equipment, enabling a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment.

The BMW Curved Display is at the heart of the display and control system. It consists of a 10.25-inch Information Display and a Control Display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches, both under a common glass surface curved towards the driver. The latest BMW iDrive generation features a redesigned start screen with 'QuickSelect'.

This means that the system has an improved menu structure, oriented towards devices from the consumer electronics sector. 'QuickSelect' enables functions to be accessed directly without having to switch to submenus. This means that the new BMW iDrive is even more consistently geared towards intuitive touch operation and control via natural language.

Laxmi Premium Motors, which opened its world-class sales and aftersales facility in Tinkune, Kathmandu in 2020, currently offers the BMW X1 sDrive18i, BMW X2 sDrive18i, BMW X3 xDrive 20i, BMW iX3 (BEV), BMW X5 xDrive45e (PHEV), BMW X5 xDrive50e (PHEV), BMW 5 Series 530e (PHEV), and BMW 7 Series. The debut of the new BMW iX1 (BEV) is intended to boost the premium EV segment in Nepal.