BMW iX

BMW re-sets the standard for large, luxury EV Crossovers with this iX. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

BMW now has a full-electric flagship model of fitting stature in its 'i' range of designs, this car, the iX. It's a large luxury SUV aimed directly at the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes EQC and it showcases everything the company knows about Zero Emissions motoring. As it turns out, that's quite a lot.

Background

BMW's all-electric model line-up, for years solely carried by the little i3, is now taking shape. We've already been introduced to the i4 sports saloon and the iX3 mid-sized SUV. And beyond that, there's this car, the iX, a large luxury SUV which the Munich maker hopes will move the game on from the standards already set in this segment by direct rivals like the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes EQC.

In many ways, this is BMW's first really serious EV design. Previous to this, the company had been pursuing a policy of basing its electric models on the same platforms as its existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid designs. This car though, is new from the ground up and is easily the most powerful EV the Bavarian company has ever made. Plus most of what you see here will end up in more affordable BMW EVs in the not too distant future.

Driving Experience

There's a choice of two variants, both using the same twin-motor four wheel drive configuration and both with the same 124mph top speed. Things kick off with the iX xDrive40, which has 300hp, a 70kWh-plus battery pack with a 249 mile range and, when driven less frugally, a rest to 62mph time of just over 6s. The alternative iX xDrive50 flagship model has 496hp, a 100kWh-plus battery pack with a range of up to 373 miles and can get to 62mph in around 5s. BMW wants to set a fresh handling standard for large luxury EV Crossovers in this class, so great efforts have been made to trim weight from the aluminium-intensive chassis, which features double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension and can offer active rear wheel steering.

On the move, the driver can choose a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting in the iDrive menu. Activating driving position B with the selector lever generates so much off-throttle retardation that you'll virtually never have to use the brake pedal except when coming to a standstill. The iX can also manage its own levels of brake recuperate to charge its battery on the move. When approaching a junction for example, the degree of recuperation will be increased. On the open road meanwhile, the coasting function sees the car 'freewheeling' with no drive power whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.

Design and Build

From the pictures, it's quite hard to see where, size-wise, the iX fits into the SUV market, so it might help to know that the external dimensions are pretty similar to those of a BMW X5. Clever EV drivetrain packaging and a long wheelbase though, mean that interior cabin space is closer to that of an X7, though no 7-seat option will be offered. The styling, previewed by the company's 'Vision iNext' concept of 2018, is characterised by the lack of profile panelwork creases, plus there are frameless doors and a tapered glasshouse with an angled rear D-pillar.

Inside, there's an airy, futuristic-feeling cabin characterised by a flat floor, recycled materials and a rather odd-looking hexagonal multi-function steering wheel. The instruments and infotainment functions are grouped together in a curved digital display. And there's no centre console, the main controls instead (a rocker to select the drive and an iDrive infotainment dial) set within the forward part of the high-set central armrest. Space in the back is generous, with lots of head and leg room. Boot space is similar to the 650-litre capacity you get in an X5.

Market and Model

You'll pay from around £69,000 for the entry-level iX xDrive40, which puts that variant at the level of a comparable BMW X5 with conventional combustion engine. There's a choice of either standard or 'M Sport' trim levels, the latter with a more heavily structured front bumper. You'll need around £90,000 for the top iX xDrive50.

The iX has more computing power for data processing than any other model in BMW's line-up. Included is over-the-air functionality via 5G, which means that over-the-air updates can be uploaded into the iX during the customer's period of ownership. That system will also be used to progressively update the car's Level 3 autonomous driving technology. Full-LED lights are standard, though buyers will also be able to specify Laser lights as an option. Wheel sizes are similar to those of the X7, so the iX offers up to 22-inch aerodynamically optimised rim sizes and 275/40 profile rubber.

An optional 'Sport' package gives you aerodynamically optimised 21-inch light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design with Midnight Grey finish, plus Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers. There's also an optional 'BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze' finish available as an option, with selected colour accents that lend the iX a particularly exclusive aura.

Cost of Ownership

We'll re-state the range figures we gave you in our 'Driving Experience' section. The iX xDrive40 delivers a claimed WLTP-rated range of up to 249 miles per charge from its 70kWh-plus battery pack. The iX xDrive50 model meanwhile, has a bigger 100kWh-plus battery pack that boosts range to 373 miles. In a bid to keep weight down, the Munich maker BMW has optimised driving range by increasing the energy density of the batteries used, rather than increasing their size.

What about charging? Well the xDrive40 can replenish its battery at speeds of up to 150kW, which, the brand claims, is fast enough to gain more than 56 miles of charge in around 10 minutes. The xDrive50 has 200kW charging capability that'll deliver 75 miles of driving for every 10 minutes of charging. Both iX variants, the Munich maker says, can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in under 40 minutes and on average, use less than 21kWh of electricity per 62 miles travelled.

Summary

The game moves on quickly at the top of the EV segment. The BMW iX shows just how much more is possible with a car of this kind. It's more spacious than its rivals, more futuristic inside and out and goes further on a single charge. Plus its slightly lighter weight means it will handle a little better. But right here, right now, for the extremely well-heeled family EV fanatic, this is where it's at.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: BMW iX

PRICES: £69,000 - £90,000 {est}

CATEGORY: FULL-ELECTRIC - LUXURY

INSURANCE GROUPS: TBC

WLTP DRIVING RANGE: {xDrive50} 373 miles

PERFORMANCE: {xDrive50} 0-62mph 5.0s / Max Speed 124mph {est}

BOOT CAPACITY:[litres] 650

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4950/2000/1700 mm