SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines now has the most extensive EV line-up in the country with the arrival of the first-ever iX1 premium compact Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) and iX2 premium compact Sport Activity Coupe (SAC). This brings the all-electric BMW i range to seven, which includes the iX3, iX, i4, i5, and i7.
Launched in its diesel form as the X1 last March 2023, the arrival of the iX1 means BMW Philippines is now offering this premium compact SAV in both diesel and electric forms. In its EV guise, the iX1 eDrive20 xLine makes for a compelling entry point into the world of luxury electric mobility. The single motor generates 204 horsepower and 247 Nm of torque delivering a 0 to 100 km/h time in just 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Paired with a 64.8-kWh battery, drivers can reach up to 473 kilometers between charges.
The iX2, meanwhile, marks the arrival of the second-generation X2 into the Philippines. Sharing the same powertrain configuration as the iX1, the X2 eDrive20 M Sport also makes 204 horsepower, but generates a bit more torque at 250 Nm. Regardless, its 0 to 100 km/h sprint times and top speed are the same as the iX1. With a more aerodynamic shape, this SAC can go a bit further on a single charge—reaching up to 478 kilometers.
Both models adhere to BMW’s intelligent construction using lightweight yet rigid materials and optimized suspension systems. As an M Sport model, the iX2 can be optionally fitted with the adaptive M suspension which includes frequency-selective damping, sports steering, and a lowered ride height.
Style-wise, the iX1’s xLine package commands presence on the road. Upfront, it has adaptive LED headlights, a prominent (but blanked out) grille, and various X-shaped design elements. The iX1 rides on 18-inch aerodynamic wheels and comes in six colors—Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Space Silver, Phytonic Blue, San Remo Green, and Cape York Green.
On the other hand, the iX2’s M Sport package gives it a more athletic stance. The trademark double kidney grille gets a hexagonal makeover (also blanked out) backed up by the muscular shoulders, horizontal lighting features, and various aerodynamically optimized elements. Four colors are available for the iX2 M Sport: Brooklyn Gray, Portimao Blue, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. Whatever the color, it rides on 19-inch light alloy wheels.
Inside, the iX1 offers a raised seating position for a commanding view of the road. This is juxtaposed by the slimmed down elements highlighted by the BMW Widescreen Display, floating armrest with a control panel, and a wireless charger tray integrated in the front center console. The seats are finished in luxurious Veganza leather and come with power adjustment with memory. At the back, it has a 40/20/40-split for the rear seats boosting its luggage space from 540 liters to 1,600 liters.
Standard luxury features include a dual zone climate control system, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a wider range of driver assistance systems. Front and center, however, is the advanced state of digitalization thanks to the BMW Operating System 9 and new BMW iDrive. This central nervous system offers state-of-the-art graphics and menu structure along with a fully digital display screen measuring at 10.25-inch for the driver and 10.7-inch for the center. It also has BMW ConnectedDrive—the premium segment’s first and only comprehensive suite of digital services. It allows drivers to gain remote access to their vehicle using the MyBMW app, along with BMW Maps and Remote Software Upgrade.
Meanwhile, the iX2’s M Sport package is defined by its modern and sporty interior with seats finished in a combination of Veganza leather and Alcantara. Like the iX1, it comes with BMW ConnectedDrive as well as BMW Operating System 9 and the new BMW iDrive. Its list of creature comfort features is also longer with automatic dimming mirrors (rearview and sideview mirrors) and a Harman Kardon sound system. And despite its sportier stance, its cargo hold can carry up to 1,400 liters with the rear seats down.
Both the iX1 and iX2 have the latest version of BMW’s front collision warning system, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limited Info, and Lane Departure Warning with lane return. Its Parking Assistant suite also offers a Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant. More features can be upgraded using the Remote Software Upgrades menus adding Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Blindspot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Navigation with Real Time Traffic Information, and exit warning function.
The BMW iX1 eDrive20 xLine is priced at P 3,990,000, while the BMW iX2 eDrive20 M Sport is priced at P 4,290,000. Both models come with a 5-year BMW factory warranty and a BMW Wallbox Charger which will be installed in a customer’s home free of charge.
