BMW iX

Under the bonnet

Power comes from two electric motors producing 516bhp and 765Nm

THE KNOWLEDGE

BMW’s EV line-up is expanding and the iX will sit at the top. Darren Cassey had a sneak preview of the SUV...

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

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

TARGET BUYERS:

Wealthy families looking for a high-tech, eco-friendly SUV.

THE RIVALS:

Tesla Model X Audi e-tron Mercedes-Benz EQC

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. High-quality interior. 2.Excellent tech. 3.Incredibly comfortable.

DEAL CLINCHER:

It can travel long distances in comfort, with bundles of topof-the-range technology.

restrained. Here you can see its wide wheel arches, while the slim tail lights give it an ultramodern look. The front takes more getting used to, but its proportions are all in check, with the sharp lines giving it an aggressive look.

The side profile is less successful, with the rear section above the wheels in particular being an awkwardly large bulge of featureless metal.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The iX feels huge inside, owing to the flat-floor construction and tall sides. The dashboard also looks like it stretches out miles ahead of you behind the ultra-wide screens.

The materials are all of the highest quality and the driving position is absolutely spot on, with loads of steering wheel adjustment.

Those screens are the highlight, though. They debut the next generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with improved touchscreen operation and voice control features.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices for the iX start at £69,905 for the xDrive40 or £91,905 for the xDrive 50 in entry-level Sport trim. This gives you 21-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear lights, and gloss black exterior trim on the outside, as well as ambient lighting, four-zone air conditioning and heated front seats inside. All models get the twin curved display with a Harman Kardon surround sound system and wireless charging tray.

Step up to M Sport and prices start at £72,905 for the xDrive40 and £94,905 in xDrive50. This includes Anthracite headlining, an M Sport exterior styling package, and air suspension front and rear for xDrive50 models (but only on the rear on xDrive40 models).

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Auto Express said the iX ‘promises much, and it delivers’, while Car Magazine said it was ‘deeply impressive in nearly every area’.

WHAT DO WE THINK?

BMW’s new flagship EV had lofty targets to hit but it’s fair to say it’s achieved every single one of them. Not only is it supremely comfortable but it’s also surprisingly fun on a winding road, while the xDrive50 provides exhilarating performance in particular.

Inside

The large interior benefits from ultra-wide display screens and the build is of the highest quality.

The styling may be challenging to some but iX looks much better in the metal and the design grew on us over the time of the road test.

Looks

Not only is it supremely comfortable but it’s also surprisingly fun on a winding road.