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BMW iX

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Expert Rating

BMW iX

(2021 - present)

    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


    Media reviews


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

    Auto Express

    +

    Auto Trader

    +

    Autocar

    +

    Car

    +

    Car Keys

    +

    Carbuyer

    +

    Carwow

    +

    Discover EV

    +

    Driving Electric

    +

    Electrifying.com

    +

    Green Car Guide

    +

    Honest John

    +

    Move Electric

    +

    Parkers

    +

    The Sun

    +

    The Sunday Times

    +

    The Telegraph

    +

    Top Gear

    +

    What Car?

    +

    Which?

    +

    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 July 2023, the BMW iX has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    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 models318 milesA249 – 381 milesA – B
    Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models3.2 m/KWhE3 – 3.4 m/KWhE – E
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models48D47 – 50D – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£384C
    Year 2£700C
    Year 3£1,091C
    Year 4£1,277C
    Year 5£1,688C
    Overall£5,140C

    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

    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


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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