# BMW iX1 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW iX1 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-ix1

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2023
- **Ideal trim**: xLine
- **Target mileage**: 15,000–25,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £32,000

## Why this model

The BMW iX1 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium electric SUV. It offers a great blend of BMW's renowned driving dynamics, a high-quality interior, and the benefits of electric power. You get instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a quiet ride, making it very comfortable for both city driving and longer journeys. The 64.7kWh usable battery provides a decent real-world range, and with liquid cooling, the battery health is well-managed, ensuring good longevity and consistent performance.

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen significant adjustments, but premium models like the iX1 tend to hold their value a bit better than average, though still experiencing notable depreciation from new. For a 2023 model in early 2026, you're looking at a car that's about three years old. This is a good sweet spot where the initial steep depreciation has occurred, but the car is still relatively new with plenty of warranty remaining. Expect prices to be around the £30,000-£34,000 mark for a well-maintained example, reflecting a significant saving over new.

## Which trim to buy

The xLine trim offers the best balance of features, styling, and value. It adds a bit more visual flair over the entry-level Sport, with larger alloy wheels and distinctive exterior elements, plus a more premium interior feel with Sensatec upholstery. While the M Sport is great for those who want a sportier look and adaptive suspension, the xLine provides a very comfortable and well-equipped package without the higher price tag, making it a smart buy on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Software glitches (common with new tech, often resolved with updates)
- Tyre wear (EVs are heavy, so check tyre condition and brand)
- Charging infrastructure reliability (not car-specific, but public chargers can be temperamental)

## Running costs

Running an iX1 can be very cost-effective, especially if you can charge at home. Using a standard home electricity rate (around 24.5p/kWh), you'd pay about 7.5p per mile, which works out to roughly £748 a year for 10,000 miles. However, if you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), your costs drop significantly to about 2.7p per mile, or just £275 a year for 10,000 miles – a saving of £473 annually! Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance will be higher than a comparable petrol car due to the iX1's value and technology, so always get quotes.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 313 hp
- **Mpg**: 3.3 mi/kWh (real-world efficiency)
- **Reliability Score**: Too new for definitive long-term data, but BMW's recent EV platforms show promising early reliability.
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2022)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sport | £46,000 | £30,000 | LED headlights; BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8; Sat-nav |
| xLine | £48,000 | £32,000 | All Sport features plus:; 18-inch light alloy wheels; Specific exterior styling elements |
| M Sport | £52,000 | £35,000 | All xLine features plus:; M Sport exterior styling package; Adaptive M suspension |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £32,000 | 64% |
| 2027 | £28,000 | 56% |
| 2028 | £24,500 | 49% |
| 2029 | £21,500 | 43% |
| 2030 | £19,000 | 38% |

The iX1, like many premium EVs, experiences its steepest depreciation in the first 2-3 years. Buying a 2023 model in 2026 means you've let the first owner take the biggest hit. From 2026 onwards, the depreciation curve flattens out considerably. This makes it a good time to buy, as you'll lose less value each year compared to buying new. If you plan to keep the car for 3-4 years, you'll benefit from this slower rate of depreciation.

Total value lost since new: 62%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5.md)
- [Kia EV6](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-ev6.md)
- Skoda Enyaq iV

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.