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Expert Rating

BMW iX

(2021 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

83
%
A

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

60
%
C

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

76
%
A

Used car score:

69
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
A

Safety Rating:

83
%
A

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

60
%
C

Summary


First unveiled at the 2018 Paris motor show, the BMW iX is a high-end all-electric SUV and the flagship model in the German manufacturer’s premium ‘i’ line-up.

Unlike the BMW iX3 SUV, the iX is built from the ground up, the first purpose-built electric car that BMW has released since the i3 city car almost ten years ago.

There are two powertrain options available to iX customers, all models being all-wheel drive and automatic. Officially, the cheapest 71kWh xDrive40 model has a battery range of 257 miles, five miles more than the similarly-priced entry-level Audi e-tron.

The range-topping 105kWh xDrive50 variant can travel an estimated 380 miles on a full battery, comfortably surpassing the 333 miles that Tesla promises the Model X can muster. However, as the xDrive50 costs just north of £90,000, this impressive range is certainly reflected in the price.

“While the price of more than £90,000 may seem extreme, the xDrive50 undercuts the Tesla Model X and beats it in some key areas”, Carbuyer explains. “The iX is an impressive showcase for BMW’s electric technology and next-generation interiors.”

Reviewers from UK media outlets have given the BMW iX a very warm reception, singling out the EV’s ride comfort, plush and tech-laden interior, and driving experience for particular praise.

British journalists agree that the iX has some very bold exterior styling – a little too bold if anything. “This is a face that knows people hate it. And tells them to get used to it”, says The Sun.

“Even if the garnish is a little too strong in some places, the not-so-basic basics are spot on”, concludes Car. “The BMW iX is good to drive, good to sit in and good at making you feel like you’ve just slightly stepped into the near future. Which is surely what a modern high-end electric car should be.”

As of December 2024, the BMW iX holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 76%. This is boosted by an excellent safety score, zero tailpipe emissions and strong media reviews, but weighed down by high running costs (particularly insurance).

iX highlights

  • Very relaxing driving experience
  • Impressive infotainment
  • Class-leading battery range
  • Spacious and luxurious cabin
  • Full of user-friendly tech

iX lowlights

  • xDrive50 model is particularly expensive
  • Polarising front-end styling
  • Recharging takes up to 17 hours
  • Its heavy weight is apparent on tough terrain
  • Smaller but cheaper BMW EVs coming soon

Key specifications


Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Engines: electric motors, battery-powered
Price: From £70,985 on-road

Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Discover EV

+

Driving Electric

+

Electrifying.com

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 81%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW iX has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the iX is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models303 milesA249 – 383 milesA – B
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models3.4 m/KWhE3 – 3.4 m/KWhE – E
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models48D47 – 50D – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£446D
Year 2£824C
Year 3£1,221C
Year 4£1,534C
Year 5£1,934C
Overall£5,959C

As well as being an expensive vehicle to buy, the BMW iX is quite an expensive EV to run. In particular, its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is relatively poor, so it uses more electricity than most EVs.

It’s also an expensive car to insure and to service. While it might cost less to run than a large fossil-fuel SUV, it will still require a fair amount of money to run.

The good news is that, despite the poor electrical efficiency, the iX still has a large enough battery to delivery a decent driving range. The model average is 318 miles, ranging from 249 miles to an impressive 381 miles depending on which model you choose.

Recalls


Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW iX

Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/235
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022 to 09/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 27
Defect: On affected vehicles, due to a supplier component production process error, a damaged Combined Charging Unit may have been installed.
Remedy: Replace the Combined Charging Unit.

Date: May 2023
Recall number: R/2023/133
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2021 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 28
Defect: A cable bridge connection connecting two circuit boards within the cell supervision circuit (CSC) might not have been installed properly.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the cell supervision circuit (CSC) inside the high-voltage battery will be replaced.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/330
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2021 to 08/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 211
Defect: During assembly of the high-voltage battery cell, the cathode plate may have been damaged and a broken piece may have entered the interior of the cell. BMW strongly recommends refraining from charging the high-voltage battery and to not use the vehicles until the repair is performed. BMW also recommends parking the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the defective cell modules of the high-voltage battery will be replaced.

Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/282
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2021 to 06/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 4,313
Defect: In the event of a restraint system fault, the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.

Date: May 2022
Recall number: R/2022/282
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2021 to 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 3,023
Defect: If a failure is detected by the control unit, the airbag warning light and check control message would not be illuminated and activated.
Remedy: The airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.

Date: October 2021
Recall number: R/2021/362
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2021 to 09/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: The A-pillar cover holder may not have been correctly fastened.
Remedy: The screw connection of the A-pillar cover holder will be checked and reworked.

As of December 2024, there have been six DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW iX. These cover battery, airbag and interior trim issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used iX, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW iX has received

2023

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Large Company Car
  • EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Luxury Electric SUV

2022

  • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Rory Reid Award
  • EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Luxury Electric SUV
  • Top Gear Electric Awards – Best Luxury Electric Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the BMW iX, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi e-tron | Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volvo XC90

More information


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The BMW iX is a large all-electric SUV that is the most technologically advanced BMW to date, but its grandeur requires deep pockets.BMW iX