Introducing BMW IX
Prices From: £69,905
Powered by 5th generation BMW eDrive technology and a fully electric all-wheel drive system, The BMW IX is the one to look out for.
 Power: |
321 – 515 bhp |
 0-62: |
4.5 – 5.9 secs |
 Insurance Group: |
47-50 depending on Trim |
 Fuel Economy: |
2.9 – 3.1 miles/kWh |
 Battery Size: |
Varies – See Below |
| Road Tax: |
N/A |
 Battery Warranty: |
Three Year Unlimited Mileage |
 Emission: |
ZERO |
| Range: |
246.7 – 380.9 miles |
 Charging Speed: |
20-80% @ 50KW 60 min |
Introduction
Let’s address the elephant in the room, you may be inclined to possibly point your finger the way it looks. The design of the new IX SUV, which seems to mirror many BMWs these days, is perhaps best described as, hmm, unique, possibly even you can go as far as saying it’s a little bit toothy. After all, it’s a massive, practical electric SUV meant to compete with the Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and Audi E-Tron. It’s a bit more traditional in terms of dimensions.
On the Outside
IX has a composite space frame made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics, aluminium, and high-strength steel. which is the same type of framework BMW has previously used when building the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe, and just like those models, the IX’s body structure is as light as it is strong.
The grille has a polyurethane coating that makes it less susceptible to damage, and the surface can fix itself, the self-healing effect takes about 24 hours when left at room temperature, so small chips and scrapes should quite literally fade away. Just for that, I can forgive the look of the grill.
At 195.0 (495.3 cm) inches long, 77.4 (196.5 cm) inches wide and 66.7 (169.4 cm) inches tall, the IX is just about the size of a BMW X5 SUV, just a little shorter in height. It comes standard with 20-inch wheels and a range of 21- and 22-inch options will also be available.
On the Inside
According to BMW, it is essentially equivalent to the current X5 SUV on the outside, but it has an interior that is closer to the larger X7. The IX, being a full-fledged large SUV, really has more room than any other BMW 4×4, especially in the rear passenger seats.
This is mainly due to the flat floor and the large distance between the axles, which caters for additional passenger room. While this new electric SUV may not have the option of seven seats, its inside does not look to be lacking in any sense of elegance, technology, or eco-friendliness. BMW’s innovative Curved Display dominates the dashtop.
This high-resolution screen bank integrates two separate displays (a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen) to create one visually appealing continuous unit. You’ll also receive a wireless charging pad, several USB-C ports, and a variety of integrated services. Then there’s the quirky hexagonal steering wheel, as well as a revamped center console with an updated version of BMW’s prestigious iDrive rotary controller.
Trims
On the engine front, the IX will initially be offered in two configurations. Both incorporate an electric motor at each axle for all-wheel drive and a battery pack which is housed beneath the floor, but the performance levels separate the two models.
The entry-level xDrive40 vehicle has a 70kWh battery with a claimed range of 249 miles, generating a not too shabby 300hp, which equates to a 0-60mph time of about six seconds.
Above that is the xDrive50, which has a larger 100kWh battery that enables the IX to drive 373 miles on a single charge, according to BMW. This one has a total output of 500hp and can reach 60mph in less than five seconds.
Both cars have a slightly different maximum charge rate (150kW for the xDrive40 and 200kW for the xDrive50), but the long and short of it is that both will be able to go from 10-80 % capacity in less than 40 minutes utilizing DC rapid charger. Plug in at home, and their batteries will almost certainly be recharged overnight.
Pros:
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Cons:
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The BMW IX is great to drive and good at making you feel what the future of EV holds. The price might be a deterrent, however you get what you pay for, and you get alot here.