BMW iX Review 2024

BMW iX At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
Once you've accepted how the BMW iX looks, we reckon it's one of the most desirable electric vehicles on the market. It's incredibly refined, very comfortable and easy to drive – although it's not quite as rewarding to drive as a Jaguar I-Pace.

+Impressive electric SUV with a range of up to 380 miles. Comfortable and spacious interior. Better build quality than a Tesla.

-You'd be lucky to see 200 miles between charges from the entry-level BMW iX xDrive40. High list prices. Look at it...

New prices start from £69,905

The BMW iX is the brand's first bespoke electric car since the i3 was launched way back in 2013. It's about the size of a BMW X5, has a range of up to 380 miles and is set to compete with the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Let's start by dealing with the elephant in the room: the BMW iX does, indeed, look a bit... out there. But who spends this kind of money and wants to blend in? We almost admire it alongside relatively anonymous alternatives and, give it time, we reckon it won't look quite so offensive in the metal.

Besides, you can't see it from the inside. And the BMW iX's cabin is pure luxury. Unlike the exterior, it's not different for the sake of being different – but you do get a unusually-shaped steering wheel and interior finishes made from recycled fishing nets.

Thanks to the positioning of the batteries under the floor, the cabin's extremely spacious, while a low window line (and optional panoramic sunroof) means it feels bright and cheerful. You don't sit particularly high up, but the seats are comfortable and a flat floor adds to the feeling of space.

From launch, there are two main models available: the BMW iX xDrive40 and the xDrive50. Both are four-wheel drive (thanks to an electric motor on each axle), while each are powered by different-sized batteries.

We've only driven the BMW iX xDrive40 so far and, while it's not going to shove you back in your seat like a lot of electric cars do, we actually respect that. It's a very comfortable and relaxing electric SUV, with enough power on hand to get you out of sticky situations.

If you do want enough power to bait Tesla owners, a range-topping model is on its way. Badged the BMW iX M60, this features 619PS and an incredible 1100Nm of torque – meaning it'll surge to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

No matter which BMW iX takes your fancy, you're going to need deep pockets. Prices start from around £70,000, with the range topping out at nearly £112,000 for the iX M60. There's no plug-in car grant at this level, but at least you'll save money on VED (car tax) and, of course, petrol costs.

Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar's BMW iX review

Ask Honest John

Should I buy a used Jaguar I-Pace or Porsche Taycan?

"I purchased a new Nissan Leaf Tekna in November and am very pleased apart from the range. In real terms I can only go around 45-50 miles and back unless I drive very carefully. I am considering selling it with 2,800 miles and I won't lose much. I run my own company so have lots of tax perks. I would love a used Jaguar I-Pace costing around £65,000 but am very concerned I will be paying too much. With so many excellent EVs coming out I wonder if I might regret the purchase in six months if prices tumble. My other choice would be the basic Porsche Taycan at £80,000 but unregistered, so a wait of six to nine months. I'm happy to keep the Leaf for that duration and it will still only be under one year since registered. So should I bite the bullet and buy a used I-Pace or order a new Taycan? Or wait and see what comes out this year? "
It's a difficult one as prices are inflated at the moment – that means you'll get your money back on your Leaf, but also you'll pay more for any replacement. In an ideal world you'd sell your Leaf now and buy something else once the bubble's burst... but you might be waiting for a while. In your situation, I'd be looking at something like the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6. While they don't have a premium badge, they're two of the best electric cars on the market with a very useable real-world electric range. Obviously a Porsche Taycan will be a more luxurious choice – if you're looking for something upmarket, take a look at the latest BMW electric cars, such as the i4 and iX.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

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