Eight years ago, BMW’s Project i – and the i3 electric car – was meant to be “The Future”, said The Daily Telegraph. What happened? In June, Tesla’s Model 3 was Europe’s second most popular car; the i3 was nowhere. Still, BMW insists its strategy is still on track, and now it has released its second EV – and it is a very different beast. Where the i3 was a “zany” little car, the iX is a powerful, brutalist, “yacht-sized SUV”.
With its cutting-edge tech suite and BMW’s new-generation electric motors, the iX promises much, “and it delivers”, said Auto Express. Putting aside the blistering pace – 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds – there’s real depth to the package; the chassis feels expertly judged, cabin quality is high and real-world range is impressive. As a calling card for BMW’s next generation of electric vehicles, “it’s a convincing effort”.
The iX is spacious and comfortable with seats that are “big and armchair-like, rather than sporty and embracing”, Car Magazine said. The garnish is a little too strong in some places but, overall, the not-so-basic basics hit the right spots: the iX is good to drive, good to sit in and good at making you feel like you’ve just slightly stepped into the near future. Which is “surely what a modern high-end electric car should be”. Prices start from £69,905.
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Quiz of The Week: 5 – 11 JulyHave you been paying attention to The Week's news?
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How many people are working illegally in the UK?The Explainer Government vows 'nationwide blitz' on illicit workforce believed to number in the hundreds of thousands
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The week's best photosIn Pictures A devastating flood, a hungry manatee, and more
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Properties of the week: grand rural residencesThe Week Recommends Featuring homes in Wiltshire, Devon, and East Sussex
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Kiefer / Van Gogh: a 'remarkable double act'The Week Recommends Visit this 'heroic' and 'absurd' exhibition at the Royal Academy until 26 October
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Mark Billingham shares his favourite booksThe Week Recommends The novelist and actor shares works by Mark Lewisohn, John Connolly and Gillian Flynn
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Heads of State: 'a perfect summer movie'The Week Recommends John Cena and Idris Elba have odd-couple chemistry as the US president and British prime minister
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The Red Brigades: a 'fascinating insight' into the 'most feared' extremist group of 1970s ItalyThe Week Recommends A 'grimly absorbing' history of the group and their attempts to overthrow the Italian state
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Jurassic World Rebirth: enjoyable sequel hampered by plot holesTalking Point The latest dinosaur reboot captures the essence of the original – but leans too heavily on 'CGI-heavy set pieces'
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Summer in Seattle: Outdoor dining like nowhere elseFeature Featuring a patio with a waterfront view, a beer garden, and more
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Film reviews: F1: The Movie, 28 Years Later, and Familiar TouchFeature An aging race car driver gets one last chance, a kid struggles to survive in this '28 Days Later' update, and a woman with dementia adjusts to her new life
