BMW iX

BMW iX at a glance

BMW describes the iX as a Sports Activity Vehicle. It is about 4.95 m long with a 3,000 mm wheelbase and seats five. More BMW models are listed in our BMW catalogue.

Exterior

The designers used clean, unbroken surfaces to convey confidence and solidity. The front has a large, upright kidney grille with illuminated contours and a chrome surround. As an electric car needs little cooling air, the grille is closed and houses cameras and radar sensors; its polyurethane coating lets small scratches heal themselves at room temperature within about 24 hours, faster with warm air. The polygonal LED headlights (matrix units on higher trims) are among the slimmest BMW has fitted to a production car. A trapezoidal lower intake, vertical side air curtains, a plastic skid panel and blue accents mark it out as an electric BMW.

The profile combines roof rails on a gently sloping roofline, silver window surrounds with gloss-black pillars, wedge-shaped mirrors, flush door handles and frameless door windows. Wheels are 20 inches as standard, with lightweight 22-inch Air Performance wheels optional; ground clearance and short overhangs hint at some rough-road ability. At the rear, a sharp roof spoiler, a sloping rear window, slim tail lights, rear fog lamps and silver badges complete the look; there are, of course, no exhaust pipes. The drag coefficient is just 0.25.

The body uses an aluminium spaceframe with side frames made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, which increases rigidity and reduces weight.

Interior

The iX departs from BMW's traditional cabin layout in favour of minimalism. Two connected curved screens — a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display — sit on a slim dashboard, and there is a head-up display. There is no conventional centre tunnel; instead, a two-level armrest console sits between the front seats, carrying a crystal-effect gear selector and controller set into a wooden panel with touch-sensitive buttons. The hexagonal two-spoke steering wheel has few buttons and three-stage heating. An electrochromic panoramic glass roof can be dimmed electrically.

Materials include recycled and natural products such as recycled plastics and aluminium, nylon, wood and leather, with Sensatec or leather upholstery; seats can be heated, ventilated and massaging. The front seats are bucket-style with integrated head restraints and extensive electric adjustment. The rear bench sits over a completely flat floor and has a fold-down armrest with cupholders, heating and sockets. Equipment includes 5G connectivity, wireless charging, USB-C ports and a 12 V socket. Audio ranges from a 12-speaker, 205 W system to an 18-speaker Harman Kardon set-up and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system with 30 speakers and 1,615 W.

Versions and performance

The facelifted range replaced these with the xDrive45 (300 kW / 408 PS, 700 Nm), xDrive60 (400 kW / 544 PS, 765 Nm, up to 700 km WLTP) and M70 xDrive (485 kW / 659 PS, 1,100 Nm).

All versions have two electric motors, one on each axle, and the lithium-ion battery is built into the floor. On a fast charger, charging from 10 to 80% takes around 40 minutes, and BMW quoted that 10 minutes of fast charging adds about 90 km of range for the xDrive40 and about 120 km for the xDrive50; a full charge from a household socket takes nearly 11 hours.

Chassis

The iX uses a modular platform developed specifically for electric cars. Suspension is independent, with MacPherson-type struts at the front and a multi-link rear, electric power steering and disc brakes all round with a full suite of electronic aids. The battery position gives a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution.

Equipment

Available equipment includes front and side airbags, 20- to 22-inch alloy wheels, the electrochromic panoramic roof, the 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system, full-LED or laser headlights, two- or four-zone climate control, the digital instrument display, a head-up display and an extensive range of driver-assistance systems.

Key specifications

Rivals

The iX competes with the Tesla Model X, Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, among other large electric SUVs. Its styling divides opinion, but it offers advanced technology, strong performance, a high-quality, spacious cabin and a long list of equipment.