BMW is busy. Regardless of whether we’re working on a facelift or a next-generation model, there’s always something brewing in Munich. However, the company appears to be changing its approach for its smallest crossover. If these spy shots are any indication, the iX1 will seemingly skip the Life Cycle Impulse. Instead, it could be passed directly to the next generation.
Although this isn’t the first time car paparazzi have caught the ‘NB5’, we hadn’t seen a prototype inside before. It is expected that the second generation iX1 will have a fundamentally different cabin compared to the current model. The layout is completely new, but it looks familiar at first glance. BMW apparently carries over most of the interior elements from the larger iX3.
The central tablet-style touchscreen dominates the completely redesigned dashboard. It’s hard to say whether it’s smaller than the iX3’s display, which measures an impressive 17.9 inches. As expected, the digital instrument cluster has been deleted from the dashboard. An optional 3D head-up display, carried over from the larger crossover, could be hidden beneath the fabric.
The iX1 will feature panoramic vision technology
The black band at the bottom of the windshield confirms that the new iX1 will feature Panoramic Vision. If you’re not familiar with BMW’s marketing jargon, it’s a pillar-by-pillar forecast. To replace the instrument cluster, there are three fixed tiles in the driver’s field of vision. The next six are customizable via the touchscreen, allowing the driver to drag and drop the information displayed.
The switchgear for the few remaining physical controls was also taken directly from the new iX3. The small gear selector also appears to be identical, with all conventional controls located on a traditional center console. Some will be disappointed to find that the top of the center console no longer “floats” as BMW returns to a more conventional layout.
As always with prototypes, don’t judge the quality of the materials used inside. The armrest looks like it’s made of cheap plastic, but that won’t be the case on the production vehicle. BMW has also made an effort to hide the passenger side door panels and dashboard, suggesting that these areas will also be redesigned.
Observant readers will also spot an interior camera at the bottom of the rearview mirror. This is a sign that the future iX1 will likely receive the iX3’s City Assistant functionality. It can detect traffic lights and automatically stop at a red light. When the traffic light turns green, the vehicle will only move if the camera detects that you are paying attention to the road. The camera is also suitable for taking photos or recording videos.
The new BMW iX1 will not come onto the market until the end of 2027
That’s all we can see so far from these first spy images showing the interior of the new iX1. However, the “NB5” is not coming so quickly. We hear production won’t begin until November 2027, possibly at the same Regensburg factory in Germany where the current model is made. BMW has already confirmed that a new class model will be built at the location in eastern Bavaria, so it could well be the next iX1.
For those who would prefer to stick with the conventionally powered X1, there is apparently no generation change with the “U11”. It is expected to go through the usual Life Cycle Impulse, with the vehicles being assembled from July 2027. This would bring the ICE crossover’s design in line with that of its electric cousin, although the two are likely different under the Neue Klasse’s skin.
The new iX1 is set to switch to the BMW Group’s Gen6 electric motors and batteries. While the current model has a maximum charging capacity of 130 kW, its successor model is expected to deliver significantly better performance, especially since the iX3 achieves a peak output of 400 kW. The new round battery cells with improved energy density will definitely enable many more kilometers of range.
Currently, the current iX1 can travel 473 kilometers (294 miles) on a single charge on the WLTP cycle for the single-engine eDrive20. The dual-motor xDrive30 is rated at 438 kilometers (272 miles). While today’s iX1 is front-wheel drive with a single electric motor, its successor will switch to a RWD arrangement.
The all-new iX1 and the revised X1 are just two of around 40 models that will be launched by the end of 2027.
