Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW iX review - impressive flagship electric SUV

"The BMW iX SUV boasts an impressive range and cutting-edge interior but is expensive"

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Price
£71,575 - £125,195

Pros

  • Excellent range
  • Good to drive
  • Infotainment system

Cons

  • Polarising looks
  • Expensive
  • High boot floor

Verdict – Is the BMW iX a good car?

BMW’s flagship electric luxury SUV is a serious statement of intent for the Bavarian brand, with lots of power, performance and a range of up to 380 miles between charges. Perhaps equally impressive, though, is the quality of its interior and sublime comfort on offer. A high price tag means it’s not exactly an EV for the masses, but as a sign of what’s to come from the German brand in its smaller and more affordable EVs, it represents a big forward step. 

BMW iX models, specs and alternatives

The BMW iX is an important new model for the brand, spearheading a range of new all-electric cars that includes the sporty BMW i4. Unlike the X3-based BMW iX3, the iX is a standalone model designed from the outset to be electric, so it will never be offered with a petrol engine or as a hybrid.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It takes on cars such as the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model X - and isn't cheap, costing from around £70,000. It will, however, be more cost-effective to run than BMW’s other large SUVs and top versions have a range that's even better than the Model X, thanks to BMW's latest motor and battery technology.

Best electric SUVsTop 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

The line-up starts with the xDrive40, fitted with a 71kWh battery for a range of up to 264 miles. It can also be rapid-charged at up to 150kW when visiting compatible public chargers. Dual motors provide up to 322bhp for 0-62mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds. Sitting above this, the xDrive50 starts from just over £90,000 and packs a vast 105.2kWh battery for a competitive range of up to 383 miles. Power also jumps up to 516bhp, getting the iX from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. At the top of the range, the flagship iX M60 storms in with a 611bhp powertrain, model-specific styling and a range of up to 348 miles. It’s one of the fastest-accelerating SUVs you can buy, and usually hides its weight well through corners too.

Even in the standard models, acceleration is almost vicious at low speeds and still impressive even on the motorway, but it's the cohesive way the iX drives that really surprises. A low-slung battery pack, stiff construction and well-tuned suspension help mitigate the 2.5-tonne weight and make the iX feel fun and secure to drive. Unlike the iX3, this doesn't appear to come at the cost of ride comfort because the iX xDrive50 we tested had smooth and supple suspension in its Comfort mode.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW has ditched its traditional dashboard layout for the iX, instead opting for a more minimalist approach. A flat floor with no transmission tunnel means there's now just a small, floating centre console between the driver and passenger. The dashboard itself is dominated by a wide display that spans from behind the steering wheel towards the middle of the fascia. This is running BMW's iDrive 8 software, with around 20 times the computing power of previous models. It feels expensive and more futuristic than other current BMWs; premium materials are used, and all the touchpoints are perfectly weighted.

A tall roof means there's also plenty of space in the front and rear seats for tall adults, making the iX a good choice for families. The boot has a fairly high floor, however, so its 500 litres is fine but not class-leading. There's also no frunk, like you'll find in the Tesla Model X or Ford Mustang Mach-E, but the iX can tow an impressive amount for an electric car.

While the price of more than £90,000 may seem extreme, the xDrive50 undercuts the Tesla Model X Long Range and beats it in some key areas. The arrival of an even faster and more expensive iX M60 version, with its six-figure price tag, shows that BMW has lofty goals for its all-electric SUV. You’re unlikely to feel shortchanged, as the iX is an impressive showcase for BMW's electric technology and next-generation interiors.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    240kW xDrive40 Sport 76.6kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £71,575

Most Economical

  • Name
    385kW xDrive50 M Sport 111.5kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £104,875

Fastest

  • Name
    455kW M60 111.5kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £125,195

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi A6 review – an executive saloon all-rounder
Audi A6
In-depth reviews
4 Oct 2024

Audi A6 review – an executive saloon all-rounder

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

New Renault Emblème concept previews a hydrogen-powered future
Renault Embleme concept front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

New Renault Emblème concept previews a hydrogen-powered future

Cheapest Tesla Model Y gets new 373-mile range – but price hiked by £2,000
Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD front
News
4 Oct 2024

Cheapest Tesla Model Y gets new 373-mile range – but price hiked by £2,000

Have You Considered

Renault Megane E-Tech review - a sporty, yet comfortable EV
Renault Megane E-Tech
In-depth reviews
18 Sep 2024

Renault Megane E-Tech review - a sporty, yet comfortable EV

Cupra Tavascan review – a stand-out EV, but not that fast
Cupra Tavascan front quarter
In-depth reviews
17 Sep 2024

Cupra Tavascan review – a stand-out EV, but not that fast

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024
Best electric SUVs
Best cars
2 Oct 2024

Top 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

More on iX

Show me:
Top 10 best luxury SUVs 2024
Best luxury SUVs
Best cars
2 Feb 2024

Top 10 best luxury SUVs 2024

With high driving positions, all the tech and lavish interiors, these SUVs are as fashionable as they are functional
Top 10 best tow cars 2024
Best tow cars
Best cars
31 Jan 2024

Top 10 best tow cars 2024

Choosing the best tow car can be tricky, so we’ve selected a range of our favourite cars with excellent towing credentials
The best company cars 2024
The best company cars hero
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

The best company cars 2024

With budgets and Benefit in-Kind tax to consider, choosing a company car can be full of pitfalls; we pick out some of the best
Top 9 most comfortable cars 2024
Top 9 most comfortable cars
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 9 most comfortable cars 2024

Bad back or just want a relaxing drive? We showcase the most comfortable cars on sale now
BMW iX vs Jaguar I-Pace: which should you buy?
BMW iX vs Jaguar I-Pace
News
18 Apr 2022

BMW iX vs Jaguar I-Pace: which should you buy?

Which prestige electric SUV is the right fit for you? We compare the BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace to find out
New BMW iX M60 range-topper hits 0-62mph in under four seconds
2022 BMW iX M60
News
4 Jan 2022

New BMW iX M60 range-topper hits 0-62mph in under four seconds

Flagship 611bhp BMW iX M60 stands out thanks to design changes and uprated motors

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024