FORECOURT
BMW iX
THE KNOWLEDGE BMW iX xDrive50 Price (as tested): £91,905 Engine: Twin electric motors Power: 516bhp Torque: 765Nm Max speed: 124mph O-60mph: 4.4 seconds Range: 341-391 miles Emissions: 0g/km CO2
Under the bonnet
Power comes from two electric motors producing 516bhp and 765Nm
BMW’s EV line-up is expanding and the iX will sit at the top. Darren Cassey had a sneak preview of the SUV... WHAT IS IT? The iX is BMW’s flagship electric SUV. It’s the one that showcases all of the technological advances and what we can expect from the firm’s future EVs. WHAT’S NEW? The BMW iX is new from the ground up, with a platform designed to be used solely by electric vehicles. This means it can be designed for optimal placement of the batteries and motors, which improves weight distribution and interior space. It also uses a mix of materials to keep weight low while retaining strength and boasts hugely impressive technology, including advanced driver assistance. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Power comes from two electric motors, one on each axle, which provide all-wheel drive. There are two versions – xDrive40 and xDrive50. The former has 321bhp and 630Nm of torque, while the latter (which we’re testing) has 516bhp and 765Nm of torque. It has big batteries with a huge range, too. The xDrive40 has a 76.6kWh battery with a range of 231 to 264 miles, while the xDrive50 has a massive 111.5kWh capacity providing a range of 341 to 391 miles. They can be charged at 150kW and 195kW respectively, giving a 10-80 per cent charge time of just over half an hour for both. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? This is probably the best-riding EV on the market right now. Away from the magic carpet ride, the iX is a generally pleasant steer. There isn’t too much body roll in corners so it’s actually quite fun to drive down a twisting road, while the steering is light enough to make urban driving a breeze. It’s also surprisingly relaxing in heavy traffic thanks to the high driving position and plenty of glass that improves visibility. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The iX’s styling is probably best described as challenging. If you’re looking at the photos and thinking hideous might be a better description you wouldn’t be alone, but the general consensus among those attending the launch in Munich is that it looks much better in person – and it actually grew on many of us over our two days with the cars. Its best angle is at the rear, where the designers have been uncharacteristically
36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
