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 July 2023, the BMW iX holds an Expert Rating of 77% based on 25 reviews by UK media titles, which is a strong score in its sector.
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 £69,905 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: M60
Score: 9 / 10
“Remarkably capable in almost every area, the BMW iX is expensive to buy, but is one of the best electric cars on sale today.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The M60 offers outstanding performance for a car of its size, but it doesn’t completely outshine the lower-priced members of the iX range.” (Alex Ingram)
Read review
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 9 / 10
“With a bespoke EV platform, cutting-edge tech suite and new-generation electric motors, the BMW iX promises much, and it delivers. There’s real depth to the package; the chassis feels expertly judged, cabin quality is high and real-world range is strong.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Combining luxury and technology in one boldly styled package, the BMW iX is an electrified premium SUV with a difference.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: M60
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s no doubt what BMW has achieved with the iX M60. For an over-600bhp, 2.6-tonne SUV imbued with such shattering performance to be this user-friendly, and possess all the attributes one would expect in this class in terms of material quality, rolling refinement and ride suppleness, is no mean feat.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Comfort-conscious yet also strong and athletic, this large SUV is the incredibly bold new flagship for BMW’s family of electric cars.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 8 / 10
“Above everything else, the BMW iX is incredibly intriguing. It’s such a dramatic step in its design inside and out for BMW (even by its own recent radical standards) and yet still has plenty of the brand’s DNA sewn into it. Even if the garnish is a little too strong in some places, the not-so-basic basics are spot on – the 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.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Not only is it impressively comfortable, but it’s well made both inside and out and surprisingly fun on a windy road, too. The top-spec model brings a huge amount of range, while even the lower-powered model will slot into everyday life for those making the change to an EV.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The BMW iX SUV boasts an impressive range and cutting-edge interior but is expensive.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“BMW’s new iX electric SUV promises impressive range and performance, as well as a spacious interior. The styling might not be to everybody’s tastes, however.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed: xDrive40 M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW iX is our pick of the bunch when it comes to a high-end, luxury electric SUV. So if you’ve got deep-enough pockets and want to shout about your move to zero emissions this is the EV to go for – that’s, of course, if you can live with the controversial styling!”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW’s flagship electric SUV boasts love-it-or-hate-it styling, but to drive, it’s a thoroughly impressive all-rounder that gives the Tesla Model X a run for its money.”
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“What ever you think of the looks, there’s no doubt that the BMW iX is an impressive engineering achievement and brilliant electric car.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: xDrive50 M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW iX is big, boxy and heavy. However, if you need to drive long distances with lots of stuff, then there are few cars that can do this as comfortably or as effortlessly as the iX. And if you need to get past something quickly, performance is huge.” (Paul Clarke)
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The BMW iX is a flagship electric SUV with an impressive 375-mile battery range, set to rival the Tesla Model X, Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC.”
Read review
Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Like or loathe the way the BMW iX looks, it’s extremely advanced and in top-spec trim can travel a long way on a charge. It’s also spacious, good to drive and delivers unrivalled comfort and refinement.” (James Disdale)
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a stand-out, high-price, high-quality electric car, close to the cutting edge of the current state of battery electric vehicle technology then the BMW iX could well be for you. The look of the thing is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows, but as a statement-maker that may be exactly what you’re looking for anyway.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: xDrive 50
“If you were expecting some sort of cuddly-wuddly tree-huggers’ special, just look at the photos. This is a face that knows people hate it. And tells them to get used to it.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 8 / 10
“Many will write off the iX because of its controversial appearance, which is a shame as underneath the divisive body is an incredible statement of intent by BMW, one that previews a range of future electric cars that are beautifully made, packed with technology, incredibly civilised and yet, somehow, still good to drive.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: xDrive40 M Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a big, fancy car that can fit the family with space to spare, runs on electricity and feels like a boutique hotel inside, the BMW iX delivers. But there are alternatives that are quieter, smoother, more spacious, and still others that are sweeter to drive. And most of them don’t look quite this… well, let’s give it the benefit of the doubt and call it ‘challenging’.”
Read review
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW iX displays such assured body control, a decent enough ride and a very powerful and reasonably efficient battery-electric drivetrain.”
Read review
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 8 / 10
“Uncannily quiet and refined, super-fast and with a great ride, the iX debuts a lot of future technologies coming out of BMW. Did they all have to be crammed into a huge and expensive SUV, though? Discuss…”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: iX xDrive40
Score: 7 / 10
“Well, the iX 50 lists at £91,905 and the 40 at £69,850 without options, so that’s a truly hefty saving. And although the iX 50 gets 200kW charging ability, you’ll have to find a charger big enough to feed it, and they aren’t as common as you think.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: xDrive50
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW iX is a genuinely impressive piece of engineering. Not only is it beautifully appointed, but it’s also quick and beautifully refined. Priced roughly in line with key rivals such as the Audi E-tron, I-Pace and Mercedes EQC, it has the potential to be our favourite luxury electric SUV.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The BMW iX’s crowning achievement is that it never feels less than convincing. There are virtually no compromises in its electric power system, but instead only benefits in performance, refinement and efficiency. The iX is also magnificently luxurious and comfortable, with acres of space for passengers. Small wonder it’s a Which? Best Buy.”
Read review
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%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2023, the BMW iX has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 318 miles | A | 249 – 381 miles | A – B |
Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 3.2 m/KWh | E | 3 – 3.4 m/KWh | E – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 48 | D | 47 – 50 | D – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £384 | C |
Year 2 | £700 | C |
Year 3 | £1,091 | C |
Year 4 | £1,277 | C |
Year 5 | £1,688 | C |
Overall | £5,140 | C |
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.
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
- What Car? Electric Awards – Best Luxury SUV
2021
- The Car Expert Awards – Best New Large SUV + Large SUV Class Champion, electric
- iF Design Awards – Best Design
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
More news, reviews and information about the BMW iX at The Car Expert
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