The shape of things to come

BMW’s EV line-up is expanding and the iX will sit at the top. Darren Cassey gets behind the wheel.

Another day, another new electric vehicle. However, while it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the new zero-emissions models being released, this one’s actually quite important – as the iX is BMW’s flagship electric SUV, and showcases all of the technological advances and what we can expect from the firm’s future EVs.

WHAT’S NEW?

The BMW iX is new from the ground up and has a platform designed to be used solely by EVs. This means it can be designed for optimal placement of the batteries and motors, which improves weight distribution and interior space. It also uses a mix of materials to keep weight low while retaining strength, as well as using more sustainably sourced materials as part of the firm’s sustainability focus. The iX it boasts hugely impressive technology, from advanced driver assistance to the latest infotainment system.

UNDER THE BONNET

Power comes from two electric motors, one on each axle, which provide all-wheel-drive. There are two versions available, called xDrive40 and xDrive

50. The former has a power output of 321bhp and 630Nm of torque, while the latter (which we’re testing) has 516bhp and 720Nm of torque. Considering this is a big, heavy SUV, that power output does a great job of catapulting it forward – the 0-60mph sprint takes just 4.4 seconds. It has big batteries with a huge range, too. The xDrive40 has a 76.6kWh battery with a range of 231 to 264 miles, while the xDrive50 has a massive 111.5kWh capacity providing a range of 341 to 391 miles. They can be charged at 150kW and 195kW respectively, giving a 10-80% charge time of just over half an hour for both.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

When it comes to the iX’s styling, it’s probably best described as challenging. If you’re looking at the photos and thinking ‘hideous’ might be a better description, you wouldn’t be alone. Its best angle is at the rear, where the designers have been uncharacteristically restrained. Here you can see its wide wheel arches, while the slim tail lights give it an ultra-modern look. The front takes more getting used to, but its proportions are all in check, with the sharp lines giving it an aggressive look.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

While the exterior might be an acquired taste, the interior will win you over from the moment you jump inside. The iX feels huge inside, owing to the flatfloor construction and tall sides.

The dashboard also looks like it stretches out miles ahead of you behind the ultra-wide screens. The materials are all of the highest quality and the driving position is absolutely spot. Those screens are the highlight, though. They debut the next generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with improved touchscreen operation and voice control features.

THE VERDICT

With the iX pitched as BMW’s new flagship electric vehicle, it had lofty targets to hit.

It’s fair to say it’s achieved every single one of them. It is supremely comfortable and surprisingly fun to drive. The high-performance model has a hugely impressive range that should provide comfortably more than 300 miles per charge in real-world driving, while also being spacious, premium and technologically advanced inside.