BMW iX reviews: a powerful, brutalist, ‘yacht-sized SUV’

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.