BMW iX1

The iX1, which is due imminently, is BMW's most anticipated car in 2023. General manager for corporate sales, Steve Roberts, tells us: "When you look at electric vehicles across the market, the biggest segment is the small SUV."

Sitting on the same new UKL platform as the bigger iX3, the iX1 also benefits from the same longer wheelbase. So, think longer, taller than the old X1 and obviously the overall length has grown too - but is it a bit too close for comfort to the iX3? 

Outside, the only way you'll tell the iX1 from its ICE powered siblings is via the badging, as the M Sport version that we're focusing on here looks identical. The styling of the iX1 itself looks familiar, but different. The oversize kidney grilles are memorable, but elsewhere there are slim LED headlights and an aggressive front air dam. At the side, there's sharp wheel arch detailing and flush door handles. The most noticeable design feature at the back of the X1, are the long and high-set, three-dimensional rear light clusters.

The biggest change for the X1 and iX1 is as a result of it being now built on the UKL platform, because this BMW is both longer and taller. Meaning the interior is far more spacious. In the front, the driving position is excellent - with plenty of room and adjustment so even the tallest can get comfortable. Move to the back, and there's more head and legroom than you might expect. The 490-litre boot is slightly smaller than the ICE model but is still practically shaped.

On top of the space, the X1's interior design has taken a similar leap, feeling much more premium - think 2 Series Active Tourer. As with all the recent BMW launches, it's fitted with the latest curved infotainment display - made up of two screens. The infotainment runs BMW's latest OS8 software and is generally easy to use, although you're encouraged to use the voice control system - which doesn't always work. Voice control is all well and good, but we miss physical controls! Elsewhere, the floating centre console houses the gear selection buttons. 

The X1 is powered by a range of 48V mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric power - we're talking about the latter here. The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear - equalling four-wheel drive, each combined with power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The drive units deliver a combined output of 313hp (including temporary boost) and overall torque of 494Nm. 

The iX1 also benefits from BMW's fifth generation eDrive technology, so its 64.7kWh high-voltage battery, which is positioned in the car's underbody, means that BMW are quoting a range of up to 270 miles. Also, when it comes to charging, the iX1's combined unit allows single and three phase AC charging up to 11kW, which can be optionally increased to 22kW (three-phase AC). As such, the battery can be fully recharged from empty to full in 6.5 hours - or 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC charging up to 130kW, also means the iX1 can be charged from 10-80% in 29 minutes, or the range can be increased by 75 miles in an incredible ten minutes.

BMW tells us that early corporate demand for the iX1 is split evenly between the X Line and M Sport models. We've decided to focus on the M Sport, due to its more road-focused look and higher level of standard equipment. 

All these EV models share the same 2% BIK figure, but the BMW matches the Mercedes for the 20% monthly figure, just ahead of the Audi and Volvo - at 40% the Mercedes has a narrow advantage.

Any EV with a range of over 250 miles to a charge, is at the top of the fleet car pile in our opinion. The BMW boasts a more than respectable 267 mile range. Impressive though this is, the iX1's range is equalled by the Mercedes, with the Volvo not far behind (259 miles), but it's the Audi that comes top (303 miles).  

German brands, such as BMW, have always tended to perform well when it comes to residuals, yet according to our figures from Key Resources, the BMW's at 48.36%, the Audi at 47% and Mercedes 44.33% figure, are all behind the oldest model here, the Volvo at 48.38%. 

The iX1 might not have the best residuals, but according to our figures it is the slowest depreciator here, with a £28,351 figure. The Volvo is next, with the Mercedes in third and the Audi in last place.

BMW iX1 xDrive M Sport  

P11D: £54,905

CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £18/£37

Range: 267 miles

National Insurance: £495.79

First year VED: £0

Subsequent VED: £0

Battery size/power: 64.7kWh/313hp

AFR: 5p

Residual value: 48.36%

Depreciation: £28,351

Fuel costs: £4,943

SMR: £2,358

Cost per mile: 59.42p

Audi Q4 e-Tron

The Q4 e-Tron is Audi's first mass-market EV and at launch, it were predicting it would be its second best-selling model in the UK. Despite ongoing production issues, we're seeing more of them on UK roads and would be surprised if this wasn't the case now coming up to its second full year on-sale. 

What you get is a sister car to the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV and the Cupra Born. So, think the same Volkswagen Group MEB dedicated electric platform and similar 52kWh, 77kWh, or range-topping 50 version that we're covering here, with 299hp, 295 miles of range and the addition of an extra front-mounted motor. 

The Q4 e-Tron might seem conventional, but it has an unusually squared-off look. A curvier body may be more attractive, but rear headroom and boot space are compromised. 

Inside, the dashboard design is similar to other current Audi models, with the 11.6in touchscreen dominating the centre console. There's plenty of head and legroom and the 520 litres of boot space matches the Q5, too. 

On the road, with almost 300hp, the Q4 e-Tron is swift and has plenty of grip thanks to the Quattro four-wheel drive. 

The Audi is one of the most powerful EVs in the group and has the highest range at 303 miles, 36 miles ahead of the BMW and Mercedes. The £2,346 SMR figure is only just behind the BMW at £2,358, but both are some way off the Volvo XC40. The rest of the Audi's figures are close to the other cars in this group, but it only finishes in fourth place here. 

Audi Q4 e-Tron 50 S Line 

P11D: £58,355

CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £19/£39

Range: 303 miles

National Insurance: £526.95

First year VED: £0

Subsequent VED: £0

Battery size/power: 82kWh /295hp

AFR: 5p