Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.5
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on luxury or performance? The BMW iX might be exactly what you need. This flagship electric SUV represents BMW’s bold vision for the future, combining cutting edge technology with the refined driving experience the brand is famous for. It’s designed for drivers who want to go electric without giving up the premium feel and impressive capabilities of a traditional luxury SUV.
From the first glance, the iX makes a statement with its distinctive design and impressive presence on the road. The spacious interior feels more like a premium lounge than a car cabin, packed with advanced technology and sustainable materials. Unlike some rivals like the Audi e-tron or Mercedes EQC, the iX pushes boundaries with its futuristic approach while maintaining BMW’s signature driving dynamics.
Behind the wheel, the iX delivers a serene and powerful driving experience. The electric motors provide instant acceleration that’s both smooth and exciting, while the advanced suspension keeps everything comfortable and composed. The impressive range means you can tackle long journeys with confidence, and the rapid charging capability gets you back on the road quickly. While the bold styling might divide opinion, there’s no questioning the iX’s ability to deliver a truly premium electric driving experience.
What's the BMW iX Like to Drive?
The BMW iX is designed to showcase what electric power can deliver in a luxury SUV package. The range starts with the xDrive40 producing around 322 horsepower, which feels effortlessly quick for daily driving and motorway cruising. Step up to the xDrive50 with 523 horsepower, and you get seriously impressive acceleration that can surprise many sports cars. The instant torque delivery from the electric motors makes overtaking and merging feel completely effortless.
What really impresses about the iX is how it manages to feel both powerful and refined. The air suspension adapts beautifully to different road conditions, keeping passengers comfortable while maintaining excellent body control through corners. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining light and easy around town. Unlike some electric vehicles that feel disconnected from the road, the iX maintains that characteristic BMW driving feel while adding the smooth silence that only electric power can provide.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
Dual electric motors
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Power Output
322 - 523 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.1 - 4.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
- Boot Space
- 500 - 1,750 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
- 257 - 324 miles range
Inside the BMW iX: Comfort & Features
Step inside the BMW iX and you immediately notice how different it feels from conventional SUVs. The minimalist dashboard design creates an airy, spacious atmosphere that feels surprisingly calming. The large curved display housing both the instrument cluster and infotainment system dominates the front, while high quality sustainable materials are used throughout. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, perfect for long journeys.
The cabin is remarkably quiet thanks to excellent sound insulation and the natural silence of electric power. Rear seat passengers get generous space and comfort, while the panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of openness. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with BMW’s latest iDrive system that responds to voice commands and gestures. The overall ambiance feels more like a premium lounge than a traditional car interior, creating a genuinely relaxing environment for all occupants.
The BMW iX is a bold and impressive entry into the luxury electric SUV market that successfully combines cutting edge technology with genuine luxury and practicality. It excels in areas that matter most to premium buyers: refinement, comfort, advanced features, and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The futuristic interior design and sustainable materials show BMW’s commitment to innovation, while the impressive range and rapid charging make it genuinely practical for all types of driving. The main considerations are the polarizing exterior design and the premium price point. Some will love the bold, modern styling while others might prefer more conventional looks. The lack of traditional physical controls might also require some adjustment. However, if you appreciate forward thinking design and want an electric vehicle that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the iX is an excellent choice. It successfully proves that electric luxury SUVs can be both environmentally conscious and thoroughly enjoyable to drive every day.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW iX?
As a luxury electric vehicle, the BMW iX has running costs that reflect its premium positioning, though electricity is generally much cheaper than petrol or diesel. You can expect to achieve around 3.5 to 4.0 miles per kWh in real world driving, which translates to very reasonable energy costs compared to fuel. Home charging overnight on a cheaper tariff makes daily running particularly economical, while rapid charging on longer trips costs more but still less than filling a petrol tank.
The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts from around £70,000 for the entry level model. This puts it firmly in luxury territory alongside traditional premium SUVs. Insurance costs will be higher than average due to the car’s value and powerful performance. However, electric vehicles benefit from lower company car tax rates and exemption from various charges in many cities. When considering the advanced technology, luxury appointments, and zero local emissions, the iX represents reasonable value in the luxury electric SUV market, especially with car finance options available to spread the cost.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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bmw ix
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Audi e-tron
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Mercedes EQC
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £70,000 | £65,000 | £68,000 |
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Performance
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| Power | 322 bhp | 355 bhp | 408 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.1 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 500 litres | 660 litres | 500 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Futuristic design, Premium interior, Advanced tech | Quattro AWD, Sporty handling, Virtual cockpit | Refined ride, Luxurious cabin, Traditional styling |
BMW iX Practicality & Boot Space
For a large electric SUV, the BMW iX offers impressive practicality for families and longer journeys. The 500 litre boot is generous enough for holiday luggage or weekly shopping, and expands to 1,750 litres with the rear seats folded down. The wide opening and relatively low loading height make it easy to manage bulky items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials.
Where the iX really excels is in passenger space and comfort for all five occupants. The flat floor design creates excellent legroom in the rear, while the panoramic roof prevents any sense of claustrophobia. The impressive driving range of up to 324 miles means it’s genuinely suitable for longer trips, while the rapid charging capability gets you from 10 to 80 percent charge in around 35 minutes. For families considering the switch to electric, the iX proves that you don’t need to compromise on space or capability compared to other used BMW cars in the range.
“The iX feels like driving a car from the future. The interior is absolutely stunning and so peaceful to drive. The range easily covers our weekly needs, and the technology is incredible. My only small complaint is getting used to the new control layout, but everything else is fantastic.” by Marcus Thompson
The BMW iX stands out as one of the most advanced and luxurious electric SUVs available today. It successfully combines BMW’s renowned driving dynamics with zero emissions technology and genuinely impressive practicality. The cabin feels more like a premium lounge than a traditional car interior, while the smooth electric performance provides both excitement and refinement in equal measure.
You choose the iX because you want to embrace the future of luxury motoring without compromise. Its impressive range, rapid charging, and spacious interior make it genuinely practical for family life, while the advanced technology and sustainable luxury materials show a thoughtful approach to premium car design. If you’re ready to make the switch to electric and want a vehicle that feels special every day, the BMW iX delivers an experience that’s both futuristic and thoroughly satisfying, with flexible financing options available to help make ownership more accessible.