[Ozzie8]

The big news on the home front, is my wife is moving to an EV. That was an unexpected outcome, as she was a bit skeptical about an EV, mostly concerning range on long trips.

We did some research and decided to test drive this past weekend, the iX1 and the electric Mini Countryman. The iX1 is not a bad car, but you certainly notice the difference in the quality of the fit out and the overall ride comfort without air suspension, when compared to my iX60. This was the first test drive of the day and we drove home, reversed into the garage and did a quick charge on our home charger, before driving back to BMW. I wanted to do this trip as it was a good mix of freeway and suburban roads, and to also show how easy it is to charge at home (versus going to a servo for fuel). I would describe the iX1 test drive as tentative. My wife never quite got into it.

The electric Mini Countryman was a different story! It was Oscar Piastri at the wheel from the outset. She liked the cool, innovative interior and the ride quality and comfort was so much better than the iX1. Did the same route as the iX1, including the home charging experience. She was immediately sold on the Mini and a convert to the EV experience and home charging simplicity.

In the end we signed up for a new electric Mini Countryman in Nanuq White with the petrol blue interior. Interestingly it was a 2024 build, as with stock levels already in country, Mini have not built any new cars for Australia in 2025. So this meant we got a pretty good deal, as they are keen to clear stock and it is almost end of financial year here, which is always a good time to buy. Interestingly the model we bought has just been awarded the Drive (motoring magazine/site) 2025 Car of the Year for its category.

We’re expecting to pick up the Mini in the next 10 days and will then have two EV’s at home and I’m particularly pleased about that. I’m learning that I can use the MyBMW app to add my wife’s Mini and vice versa. If there are any others out there with iX / Mini combo’s then sing out with any experiences and learnings.

Lastly for Australian members, BMW are expecting the first iX LCI model (45) in country early July. The iX60 and 70 models have not yet been released, but this is being lined up for a potential announcement in late 3Q 2025. I’ve already been asked to be put on the early order list for the iX70, but it’s unlikely I would get my hands on one this year, so probably early 2026.