Last updated on June 2nd, 2023 at 11:24 am
Best Premium SUV EV: BMW iX
Alongside the excellent i4, BMW also launched its first all-electric SUV, the iX. The earlier iX3 was released on a platform shared with petrol and diesel, but the iX is EV only. This has enabled it to benefit from not needing to cater for internal combustion versions. The sizeable kidney grille may not be to everyone’s taste, but once you climb inside, the iX is unashamedly luxurious and comfortable. Rear passengers get their own air conditioning controls and two USB ports each on the back of the seat in front.
At launch, the iX came in xDrive40 and xDrive50 versions, although subsequently a “hot” M60 alternative has been added, costing £117,000. The latter can hit 62mph in 3.8 seconds, thanks to 619hp and 1,110hp. Not everyone will need this level of performance, though, and the other two models are saner choices. The xDrive40 offers 326hp and the ability to hit 62mph in 6.1 seconds. The range is a decent but not exceptional 257 miles (WLTP).
The xDrive50 is the more compelling package, despite its extra price. Its 523hp will push it to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, but the 111.5kWh gross (105.2kWh net) battery enables an extremely competitive 380 miles of WLTP range. This is a very competitive blend of performance and range for an SUV. Even Tesla’s Model X Dual Motor doesn’t offer so much range, and currently Tesla isn’t even stating a delivery window anyway. All versions of the iX are all-wheel drive.
The iX also has the option of a unique panoramic sunroof. Instead of having a physical blind, this has electrically controlled polarisation. You can switch the sunroof glass between opaque and clear, with almost immediate effect. It’s a very cool feature. Being a large SUV, the iX also offers plenty of rear cargo space, although surprisingly the smaller Tesla Model Y offers more.
But the BMW iX comes with the brand’s driving characteristics, including all-wheel steering in the xDrive50 and above. The downside of the iX is the price. Even the entry-level xDrive40 costs close to £70,000. The xDrive50 is the much better choice, despite costing £24,000 more. It’s fast, luxurious and has excellent range, even if you have to pay for it.
Read our full review of the BMW iX.
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