BMW iX Review

Performance

While there’ll be an M-badged performance version of the iX in the near future, with over 600bhp and proper Tesla-rivaling performance, the car launches with two versions of more modest performance. Both are four-wheel drive, with the iX xDrive 40 offering 322bhp and a 6.1sec 0-62mph time and the iX xDrive 50 boasting 516bhp and a 4.6sec 0-62mph time. Both are brisk figures for a luxe SUV and in reality, the iX certainly isn’t slow. But neither model is beating down the door of the headline acceleration figures of some key rivals.

Which we kinda like, to be honest; the iX has its gaze fixed elsewhere when it comes to what’s important in a big EV. With 4WD as standard, the iX never struggles for traction too, and puts its power down well. If you do overwhelm the tyres – asking for too much power in a tight corner – the systems beneath sort things out quickly and smartly. No rear-drive heroics like BMWs of old, but nor would you want them in something so large on Britain’s narrow, bumpy roads.

Drive

Which isn’t to say the iX doesn’t handle well. Quite the opposite. With so much carbon in its construction, it’s intrinsically sharp and controlled going down a road, and BMW has made sure the suspension is supple enough that it acts like a luxury car rather than a brutish performance SUV. Perhaps future M versions will alter this thinking, but it’s fine – you can ignore them if it’s comfort you crave.

In fact, the xDrive 40 might be the sweetest version on offer, and not only for saving you over £20,000. Its performance figures match the car’s size, grip and general demeanour nicely and for the smooth, considered way you’ll be driving your iX, it’s right on the money.

The steering in both versions takes a little adjusting to; both in its eager response and the slightly unergonomic shape of the wheel. But at least it’s a talking point; BMW has made such a bold design statement on the outside, it’d be somewhat of an anti-climax if it hadn’t tried something similarly brash inside.