BMW iX review
BMW's flagship electric SUV mixes performance with bold looks and a very plush, high-tech interior. While its looks won't be for everyone, there's plenty to love inside, where you'll find BMW's swish new interior architecture, complete with its curved infotainment screen and ultra-sharp graphics. There are soft-touch materials and vegan leathers, while the driving position is commanding and supportive. Continue for a complete BMW iX review.
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Pros
- Sumptuous interior
- Plenty of car tech
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Divisive design
- Not the most efficient
Interior
Our rating: 9/10
Whatever your thoughts of the exterior, the iX's interior is hard to argue against. It. Is. Lovely.
Plush in the finish, soft-touch surfaces and vegan leathers ensure it feels as premium as the price tag suggests.
The lack of a transmission tunnel and the fitment of a glass panoramic roof mean the cabin feels airy, while the space aboard is more comparable to that of a BMW X7 (in its first two rows).
Tech and features
Best of all though is the new infotainment system. Other than looking properly swish with that curved screen, the graphics are sharp, clear and the menus are easy to navigate.
It's a perfect example of how infotainment tech can be done effectively without overwhelming occupants with digitalisation.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Electric motors and power
BMW produces three versions of the iX (at the time of writing), an xDrive40, an xDrive50 and an M-division (BMW's sporting arm) M60.
A large proportion of sales are expected to go to the xDrive50, which comes with lots of bells and whistles.
Handling and ride comfort
One of the most useful of which is standard-fit air suspension, which ensures this 2.5-tonne electric SUV rides excellently over all surfaces.
It handles well, too, steering with a reactive front end that matches the elastic performance of a two-motor electric setup that produces 523hp.
This is a quick car, then, but it does even better at being a relaxed, effortless cruiser that can munch miles and carry five adults in comfort.
Best of all, with two electric motors, one located on each axle, traction and grip are enormous, even in cold, wintry British weather.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
The iX comfortably seats five while carrying their luggage in the boot.
Boot space
It's not the most spacious car in the class, with only a slim underfloor boot section.
But you can still fit four full-sized suitcases in the back, without thinking too hard.
Storage solutions
The iX's commanding driving position makes it easy to get comfortable even if all of the seats have bums on them, while lots of storage areas and big cup holders should make family life a doddle.
Running costs
Our rating: 5/10
It's not possible to comment on reliability or long-term running costs for a brand-new model like the iX, but with BMW's fifth-generation electric technology aboard, it's liable to be very strong indeed.
The maker's earlier-generation stuff has certainly proven its worth. This car comes along on the shoulders of some very competitive machines.
Range and charging
That said, with 380 miles of claimed range from the biggest battery, even the most accelerator-happy drivers should be able to minimise their need to charge.
Most users will probably be able to make the most of a weekly or bi-weekly home charge stint.
The iX weighs between 2.4-and 2.6 tonnes, so it needs big batteries (71kWh or 105.2kWh) to get its impressive range figures – some other SUVs offer slightly better efficiency.
The verdict
Interior
9/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
5/10
Despite being so butch and boxy, the iX manages to handle well and perform like something several hundred kilograms lighter than its 2.5-tonne weight suggests.
What has us most smitten, though, is the iX's lovely interior.
You could easily spend hours and hours aboard this thing and remain comfortable - and technically-impressed.
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