New BMW iX in-depth review: a nose ahead of the Tesla Model X?

The BMW iX is the brand’s first crack at a standalone electric SUV and is certainly not short of talking points. While the styling may be contentious, the rest of the iX has been very well executed. It feels like a second-generation EV in terms of its powertrain, with both a long range and stunning performance; BMW has managed to make it good to drive and comfortable. The technology on board is similarly cutting-edge, with the very latest infotainment software. But it’s expensive – rivals manage similar all-round ability for much less money. Is the BMW iX the luxury electric SUV to buy? Nicola puts it to the test.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Interior and technology
04:56 - Rear seats
05:47 - Boot space
06:59 - Driving
09:08 - Range and charging
10:04 - Dealmakers and dealbreakers
10:46 - Verdict

[TheLittleRedCali]

Very impressed by the Interior quality and layout. Just the price I’m not keen on. Put a few options on this and you’ll be looking at £80k plus. Ouch!!

[jatipratomo]

Nice design if you compared it to abandoned Lada

[DavidBurns]

Just a point, the Allegro had a square steering wheel and a DIGITAL dashboard, revolutionary at the time but continued the square theme, the dash also talked to you, remember it well

[ulverop]

The designers should be fired...

...in to the sun...

[rasherbasher]

Designed in the dark. Ugly doesn't really do it.70k is hardly affordable🤣

[paladin]

No, it's not "quilted" leather. It's fabric.

[jonathantaylor]

Great review, as always... thanks... 😎
But, I couldn't help but laugh when you said "thread down a windy B-road"... as with all the over-sized, overly-excessive SUVs, no-one actually 'needs' to drive, that blight the UK's road network, there was barely a shot of the iX where it didn't have to straddle the dotted centre line...
Imagine having to negotiate passing by that in a regular hatchback - it would be terrifying... 😳

[mgeller]

Great review. Someone needs to explain to me why low running costs are at all meaningful when discussing a vehicle that will lease/cost a minimum of 30 percent higher than an equivalent ice vehicle? I am all for EVs and currently own a plug-in, my 3rd 'electrified' car. However, the anticipated debt service on today's luxury EVs far outweighs any "savings" in the "operating costs" which is IMO, irrelevant. BTW, this will be in the 80k range by the time it gets to U.S. for sale.

[peteg]

I just wonder who is going to be afford all these electric cars. They tell us they are cheap to run, but even the price of electricity is beginning to spike now.

[MOSSFEEN]

I saw one of these yesterday. Without doubt it is one of the most FUGLY cars I have ever seen A HIDEOUS looking yolk

[ei]

I’m all in. It’s going to happen. I’m in my 50’s and never bought a new or almost new. I love this and the i7. Benz haven’t figured out this space

[jackhuang]

What colour is the car shown in the video?

[tomattime]

BMW should let you keep the vehicle for that rEView, or at least take snippets like movie posters do ☺

Always entertaining, always informative.

Dial N I've heard her.

A mahoosive talent 😁

[FormulaWhine]

Are SUVs continuing to be high selling customer favourites because, well, manufacturers aren't really giving us any alternative these days? 🤔

[rdk]

Thank you for the good and refreshing review. ‘Another large suv ev’ makes it sound like there are a lot of large suv EVs. I don’t think there are. I test drove the IPace, love it and the price but it’s not a large suv. Etron competes from a legroom perspective but the 2-motor version is kinda slow 0-60 and you the definitely feel it’s heavy weight. Not crazy it’s not on an ev designed platform. The EQC isn’t available in the US so kinda irrelevant from a US option perspective. Model X, well, it’s well known but very pricy and nowhere near the luxury interior comfort. Hope the iX is better the Model X known quality issues. Thanks again!

[anthonystevens]

Another great review Nicola. Confession time! I'm highly unlikely to be in the market for this car. Even with 'good' finance deals 70K is a lot of hard earned and I'd run out of major organs before the contract ran out which is a shame as at that point I would probably need a car. Moving away from the price, Inside it looks like a great place to be as long as you take care of that leather trim. And as you say it's quite a fun car to drive. It would be a real plus if there was somewhere else to store the charging cables as having to empty the boot to inject the volts could be a real pain in the err... something if it's full but that also seems to be a trend in EV's. Do BMW provide a bag? I appreciate the engineering excellence that has gone into this BMW though. I'm sure it will make a great car for those who can afford it or have it as a company car but this particular mortal It's not for me. I still don't like the snout on the front either. I guess it might grow on me but then I'd have to change my name to Pinocchio.

[musinclind]

For starting price of 70K, not the least impressed! No 250 kw charging, no frunck for extra storage, Small comparable cargo area because of motor design underneath, and for the biggest reason, No Self Driving capability! It does not have the computer hardware or software needed! The M60 long range starting at $105, 000! Absolutely no way, especially with a terrible front end that is not aerodynamic!

[aynrandfan]

Taking delivery of mine in 3 weeks glad i got it earlier now the waitlist for bmw EVs is like 2 years lmao

[rg]

BMW once again have smashed it out the park!
Im seeing these all over London, in the nicer parts of town and they are actually good looking cars.
The interior is best in the electric car market imo

[BombayPotnoodle]

Let me help you out: hexagon.

Just saying.