BMW iX

iX hits the spot for premium electric SUVs

Top quality drive and a mammoth range – what’s not to like, asks Andrew Walker

While BMW has had the small electric i3 and the i8 supercar since 2014, last year was when its electric range really stepped up a pace, with the launch of a host of new models, including the iX, its electric premium SUV.

The iX is a five-door hatch that’s a similar size to the X5, with the internal space of the larger BMW X7. What’s different is it features BMW’s fifth generation eDrive electric motors and the EV architecture that will eventually underpin the brands electric model range.

Model choice and range

You can choose from the xDrive40 Sport or M Sport, which come with AWD and 326hp, or the more powerful xDrive50 Sport, also with AWD, but with an eye-watering 523hp. We were testing the xDrive40 which will go from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and comes with a range of 246-257 miles on the WLTP combined electric range. Opt for the iDrive 50 and the range extends to 365-380 miles and a faster 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Both models use an electric motor on the front and rear axles.

Charging

Select an EV and the second question you want answered after range is how long does it take to charge?

For the xDrive40, the full range of 257 miles is achieved in 11hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) through a standard wall box charger, or 31mins (10-80%, 150kW) via rapid charge. The same stats for the xDrive50 are 381 miles of range after 16hrs 45mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) charging or 34mins (10-80%, 200kW) via a rapid charger.

Most people run 7kWh home chargers, and while the xDrive40’s charge to full in 11.5 hours is pretty standard, the xDrive50’s enormous 111.5 kWh battery, while delivering great range, does make home charging very slow.

Looks

The iX is always going to stand out, with its lowish roofline, smooth surfaces and elongated sides. It’s clearly out to hit the Tesla Model X where it hurts.

The interior is exemplary. From the quilted leather seats to the curved dual-screen dash, it’s all beautifully engineered and finished in top-quality plastics and leather. Only the dash-top speaker cover felt disappointing.

The controls are located on a floating centre console, producing a clutter-free dashboard. The hexagonal steering wheel is different and contains short cuts to infotainment and controls.

As with the i4 the dashboard’s curved display features a 14.9” infotainment screen alongside a 12.3” customisable digital instrument panel. The graphics are sharp, response is quick and the scroll action precise and easy to use.

Other standard equipment includes Shadow Line exterior trim, climate comfort windscreen, heated front seats, four zone auto air con, high beam assist, DAB, Harman/Kardon audio and Apple CarPlay.

Interior and boot space

Cabin room is hugely impressive. Five six-footers would sit comfortably inside, with plenty of head and legroom to go round as there’s no transmission tunnel. Internal storage is good, too. You get a large glovebox, partitioned door bins, a wireless phonecharging pad, two USB-C sockets, a 12V socket, two cupholders, under armrest storage, plus a large and small cubby in front of the centre console.

Driving modes and energy regeneration

Driving modes offered are Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport, with three levels of regeneration, especially useful in the 40 version with its lower range. Choose from High, Medium or Low and push the gear lever to the left from D to utilise these in B mode. As with the i4, the one pedal driving mode allows for almost brake-free driving and it’s not heavy on your right foot either.

On the road

We were testing the iDrive 40 and like all large EVs, the battery is the key to how this car drives. BMW is proud of the driving enjoyment its cars create, and for such a heavy, boxy shaped car, the iX does a remarkable job of hiding the fact it’s so heavy. This is aided by the rear-wheel steering, which shortens the wheelbase, improving agility.

As with the i4, the heavy battery is located low down and centre and this helps road holding and cornering by limiting body roll.

Hop on a motorway and the iX offers limousine luxury, although you really do need to watch your speed. Outside road noise is kept to a minimum, but the upright stance means wind noise is prevalent. Uneven surfaces are dealt with by the impressive suspension and it feels more comfortable than the similarly sized Audi e tron, while the Mercedes-Benz EQC doesn’t deal with the road as well as the iDrive 40, which at present is by far the best in the class to drive.

Pros

Fabulous interior, loads of space, new BMW operating system is excellent and company car drivers pay just 1% BIK. Best of all, it’s actually good to drive.

Cons

It is expensive, and it’s boxy shape won’t appeal to everyone.

CC&V VERDICT

The XDrive 40 is our choice. It’s accessibly priced, comes with decent battery range and when charging at home, doesn’t take an age. The interior is the stand out in the sector, the cabin is cavernous and it’s a quality drive, too

CC&V RATING:

N N N N N