BMW iX Review

The BMW iX is an electric SUV with loads of cutting-edge technology on board and a driving range of up to 380 miles in some versions. It’s about the same size as a BMW X5, but unlike that car, it has no petrol or diesel engine options at all - it’s electric only.

There are some different power options here, though. There’s the iX xDrive40 model as the entry-level car, which has a 71kWh battery and 326hp, allowing a driving range of up to 257 miles. Next is the xDrive50, which has a 105kWh battery and 523hp, plus a range of 382 miles.

At the top of the range is the sporty M60 version, which has 540hp and the same 105kWh battery. As it’s more focused on performance, it can travel up to 348 miles on a single charge. This is the most expensive variant and the fastest - 0-62mph takes less than four seconds.

There are a handful of alternatives that you might also consider, including the Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X. These are all high-performance, expensive, and luxurious SUVs with electric power and lots of tech inside.

Read on to find out more about the BMW iX including the technical details, trim information and which one is best for you.

Should I get a BMW iX?

The BMW iX is a fantastic large SUV, and if you want a cutting-edge electric car then you won’t go wrong with one of these. It has one of the best interiors of any modern car, and despite the unusual exterior looks, the iX is very appealing for all sorts of reasons. It’s good to drive, comfortable and really spacious inside, plus it has lots of range and fast charging.

• Models explained
• Trim levels
• Batteries and range
• Charge time
• Best iX for
• Rivals
• Dimensions
• Boot space
• Reliability
• Warranty
• Should I buy used?
• Deals

BMW iX (2022-present): models explained

BMW iX

The BMW iX is a large SUV that comes with electric power only. All models are four-wheel drive and there are two versions of the main model: the xDrive40 and xDrive50. Both are available in Sport and M Sport trim levels.

The xDrive40 uses a 71kWh battery and can drive up to 257 miles on a single charge according to the official figures. It has 326hp, so performance is strong: it goes from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds. This model can be charged from 10-80% at a public charge point in just half an hour, as long as the charger is powerful enough.

The xDrive50 model has a larger 105kWh battery and takes only a little longer (25 minutes) to charge with this kind of charger. It offers a range of up to 382 miles, and can go from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds thanks to its 523hp motors.

BMW iX M60

The iX M60 is the high-performance model and the most expensive too. It has a lesser range than the xDrive50 model because of the higher-powered 540hp motors, but uses the same battery and so takes the same time to charge up.

It can go from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, which is astonishing for a large and heavy SUV. It’s also tweaked to be sharper to drive on twisty roads than the other versions, and has sportier looks as well.

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Which BMW iX to buy: trim levels

 
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BMW iX batteries and range

The entry-level xDrive40 model has a range of 257 miles, which will be enough for many buyers. It’s easy to be tempted by the 380-mile range on the xDrive50 version, which has a larger 105kWh battery unit, but if you are mostly sticking to local trips then the 71kWh battery in the lower-spec model will be absolutely fine.

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BMW iX charge time

If you do a lot of longer trips then the larger range on the more expensive model is quite appealing, though, and you can even charge it up in around the same amount of time at a public rapid charger, so you will be able to get more miles back into the battery in a typical stopover. It does take longer to charge at a home wallbox, though.

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Best BMW iX model for…

The BMW iX range isn’t the widest, as all versions have the same body style - a large SUV - and use four-wheel drive. Even the equipment you get isn’t that different between all the different models, as the higher-spec cars tend to be focused on cosmetic additions and the entry-level versions are very appealing as a result.

Read on to find out which version of the BMW iX is best for you.

	BMW iX xDrive40 Sport: The entry-level model is the best value for money. It comes with all the incredible in-car tech and a sublime interior, plus luxuries like heated seats and more. It’s not a cheap car but the lowest-spec model makes the most sense for value.	BMW iX Sport deals
	BMW iX xDrive50 Sport: If you are planning a lot of family trips and holidays then a version with more range makes sense. The xDrive50 model is pricey, but has an impressive 380-mile range and ultra-fast charging, so it’s good for families. All models are roomy inside, though.	BMW iX Sport deals
	BMW iX M60: The M60 is the top-spec version of the iX and it has 540hp and an incredible 1,015Nm of torque. In a normal performance car, 500Nm is considered a lot, so the iX having more than double that is astonishing. It goes from 0-62mp in 3.8 seconds.	BMW iX M60 deals
	BMW iX xDrive40 M Sport: M Sport trim is still a fine choice if you love how it looks, but you are paying more for cosmetic items rather than a better driving experience. If you are saving money by choosing the xDrive40 then save even more by going for the entry-level trim too.	BMW iX M Sport deals

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BMW iX rivals

There are a few rivals to be aware of if you’re thinking of buying a BMW iX. Alternative models that focus on luxury, performance and electric driving range include the Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X, and there’s also the Jaguar I-Pace to consider as well.

The Mercedes EQC is also another potential rival, although that’s closer in size to BMW’s other electric SUV, the iX3. You might even also consider the BMW X5 as a rival: it’s available with a plug-in hybrid set-up that offers around 50 miles of driving range on electric power and a piston engine as well, which will allow for longer trips without having to stop to charge up.

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BMW iX practicality: dimensions and boot space

BMW iX dimensions

All versions of the BMW iX are the same size, according to official figures - but be aware that some models with larger alloy wheels might be slightly different in reality. BMW says the iX is 5m long, 2m wide and 1.7m tall, so it’s a very large car overall. You can read more about the full dimensions of the iX on our dedicated page here.

There’s loads of space in the back of the iX as a result of it being so large. Adults can easily get comfortable in there, as there’s more head and legroom than even tall adults need. It’s also a fantastic interior with high-quality materials and a luxurious feel.

CLICK TO READ OUR FULL STORY ON BMW IX DIMENSIONS

BMW iX boot space

The BMW iX has a 500-litre boot with the seats folded up, which is a decent capacity - it’s about the same as a Mercedes EQC - but it could be larger. It’s clear BMW has focused on passenger space with the iX rather than giving it a huge boot, as even the smaller iX3 has a larger luggage space.

Fold down the seats and there’s a more impressive 1,750 litres of boot space, which is excellent and will be more than enough for a couple of bikes or a kitchen appliance. It’s a really useful space to have.

CLICK TO READ OUR FULL STORY ON BMW IX BOOT SPACE

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BMW iX reliability

Electric cars have fewer moving parts than combustion vehicles, so they’re usually more reliable overall. With that said, the BMW iX is still so new that there’s really very little data about its reliability to go on just yet. We wouldn’t expect any issues with a car this new, though.

BMW didn’t do very well in the 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, however. It finished in 21st place out of 29 manufacturers, which shows that it might not be the best brand to buy a car from if you care about the ownership experience. However, other luxury car makers also fared poorly in the poll.

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BMW iX warranty

The BMW iX has a standard warranty covering it for three years. The battery has a longer warranty of eight years or up to 100,000 miles. Both of these figures are totally standard for the car industry - it’s rare to find cars that have more than this. You will see that Lexus offers up to ten years, though, and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric car, like all models from the maker, has five years’ worth of cover from the factory.

AVERAGE REPAIR COST PAID BY WARRANTYWISE: £721 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON USED CAR WARRANTIES

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Used BMW iX: should I buy one?

As long as you can afford the high purchase price, the BMW iX is one of the best electric cars around. It has lots of range and can be charged up quickly, plus it’s really spacious inside and the interior is very upmarket and luxurious. It’s fast, good to drive and comfortable, plus there’s loads of standard equipment and technology.

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Best BMW iX deals

BMW iX

BuyaCar prices from £41,000
Monthly finance from £637.94*

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The entry-level BMW iX xDrive40 Sport is the best-value model here. It gets all the clever tech, a superb interior with loads of space inside and a decent range of 257 miles on a single charge. That should be enough for most buyers, so it’s a worthwhile choice.

If you really do want more range then the xDrive50 model is really impressive - it can travel over 380 miles on a single charge, which is one of the highest figures around for an electric car. It’s quite expensive but still worth considering.

The top-spec M60 model is even pricier but it offers astonishing performance for a large, heavy SUV. It’s very fast and powerful but just as practical as the lesser models, and nearly as efficient. It’s not the best value but it’s a very impressive car.

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*Representative PCP finance - 2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0 ST-Line Hatchback:

BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.