Experience the cutting-edge technology and unparalleled luxury of the new BMW iX xDrive40 – a thrilling glimpse into the future of automotive innovation.
The BMW iX undoubtedly stands out as BMW’s most revolutionary electric vehicle, surpassing even the ground-breaking i3 that was unveiled a decade ago!
The BMW iX xDrive40 is under the spotlight! We at CarMoney have been diving deep into this electric SUV to bring you a comprehensive review. Keep reading to learn more!
Revolutionising Electric Driving
The iX, first introduced in 2022, throws open the doors to a future of electric travel. Forget engine noise – the whisper-quiet electric powertrain delivers a sports car level of acceleration while cocooning you in supreme comfort levels.
The futuristic dashboard, designed with minimal flat surfaces and integrated door openers, creates a strikingly modern feel unlike any other vehicle. To top it all off, the sleek Phytonic Blue Metallic finish ensures you’ll turn heads wherever you roam.
It is clear to see why the iX won the UK Car of the Year 2022. It has been constructed using a significant amount of aluminium, high-strength steel, and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
All these fantastic features will cost you. Starting from £69,000 for the entry-level model.
Pros
Luxurious and spacious cabin with soft-touch materials
A good balance of performance, range, and luxury for an electric SUV
Futuristic Technology
Downsides
Big price-tag
Doors feel cheap and noisy when closing
The steering lacks the sporty feel of other BMWs
CarMoney Verdict on the BMW iX
The BMW iX balances luxury, power, and cutting-edge tech in a spacious electric SUV package. It excels in comfort, a sleek interior, and a thrilling ride.
However, if maximising driving range or razor-sharp handling are your top demands, then there might be better options on the market. You can watch our video review here.
Performance – 3/5
Safety – 4/5
Value – 3/5
Comfort – 4/5
Looks – 3/5
BMW iX – Pioneering Sustainable Luxury
The BMW iX isn’t just a powerful and luxurious electric SUV; it’s also BMW’s most sustainable car to date.
They have pushed the boundaries of eco-friendly design by focusing on renewable energy solutions throughout manufacturing. This commitment extends to the materials used in the iX itself, where you’ll find a blend of high-tech, recycled components alongside the use of natural materials.
Here are some specific examples of the iX’s sustainable features:
- Renewable Energy Manufacturing: BMW uses renewable energy sources such as solar and hydroelectric power during the production of the iX.
- Recycled Content: The iX incorporates a significant amount of recycled plastic throughout the vehicle, reducing its environmental footprint.
- Natural Materials: The iX’s interior feature accents are made from sustainable, natural materials, further minimising its environmental impact.
By taking these steps, BMW is demonstrating its commitment to a greener future for the automotive industry.
Tech That Blends In
The BMW iX xDrive40 incorporates “shy technology” throughout its interior, meaning advanced features remain hidden until needed.
Unlike traditional cars with multiple visible buttons, the iX xDrive40 seamlessly integrates its high-tech features. For instance, the sound system has nearly invisible speakers, and the heated seats are controlled by concealed touch surfaces, resulting in a clean, minimalist interior.
Emphasising simplicity, the iX xDrive40 features a central touchscreen and prioritises voice commands, aiming for a clutter-free experience. This design choice creates a feeling of spaciousness and luxury, allowing the technology to blend into the background and focusing on enhancing your comfort.
Quirks, Inside and Out.
BMW is known for going all-in, and the iX is no exception! We discovered some truly head-turning quirks that help explain the price tag, such as:
Hidden Door Handles: This was a mystery soon as we entered the car, how do we open the door to get out? The seat positioning tricks you into thinking it is a very funky door handle as it is in the shape of one. When infact, it is one of the buttons that opens the door! – Hard to get used to. There is a hidden door leaver that is way under the window buttons, but you need to hunt for it, its not obvious if you didn’t know it was there.
Get more out of every stop with regenerative braking: This clever system captures energy when you lift your foot off the gas, turning it into electricity that tops up the battery. The result? You can travel further on a single charge, making your drives more efficient and eco-friendly. It may sound great, but it is pretty hard to get used to if you haven’t driven an electric car before. You can adjust the level based on your preference; the lowest setting was best for us.
Protected Panoramic Sunroof: This vehicle’s sunroof is genuinely remarkable. It spans almost the entire cabin length, making you feel like you’re sitting outside. However, its greatness doesn’t stop there. With the touch of a button, you can adjust its transparency, effortlessly switching from bathing in sunlight to enjoying a comfortably shaded interior!
Self-Healing: The front features an impressive kidney grille with a special coating that can heal minor scratches—pretty impressive!
Massage Seats: Indulge in unparalleled comfort with state-of-the-art massage seats designed to elevate your driving experience to first class. We can confirm that these are amazing!
Gone are the days of searching for a filler cap! The BMW iX features a clever washer fluid system. Just press the iconic BMW emblem on the hood to reveal the refill port. Top it up with washer fluid, and you’re good to go.
Self-Healing: The front features an impressive kidney grille with a special coating that can heal minor scratches—pretty impressive!
Massage Seats: Indulge in unparalleled comfort with state-of-the-art massage seats designed to elevate your driving experience to first class. We can confirm that these are amazing!
Gone are the days of searching for a filler cap! The BMW iX features a clever washer fluid system. Just press the iconic BMW emblem on the hood to reveal the refill port. Top it up with washer fluid, and you’re good to go.
Behind the Scenes of the BMW iX
Should you buy a BMW iX?
Although the bold spaceship look and sound may not appeal to everyone, there is something really interesting about this model. It feels like a glimpse into what future models will be capable of. The spacious interior would definitely appeal to those with a family. It’s quite surprising that it doesn’t offer 7 seats considering its size, but it is plenty roomy for any family adventures you wish to take.
Punchy Acceleration: Offering a brisk driving experience with 322 horsepower and all-wheel drive. You can expect to accelerate from 0 to 40 mph in about 6.1 seconds, which is quick enough for most drivers.
So, what was it really like to drive? While the iX accelerates quickly, its handling doesn’t inspire confidence on twisty roads. Its weight shows in corners, and the steering lacks the usual BMW precision.
We tested this car, driving over 300 miles on various roads, including country lanes and busy motorways, for a well-rounded experience. However, the car’s range was noticeably reduced due to the multiple short trips. Despite its cutting-edge design, the iX’s battery performance falls short of expectations. The official 264-mile range for the 74kWh battery translates to a real-world driving range of only around 200 miles.
Overall Verdict
The BMW iX balances luxury, power, and cutting-edge tech in a spacious electric SUV package. It excels in comfort, a sleek interior, and a thrilling ride. However, if maximising driving range or razor-sharp handling are your top demands, then there might be better options on the market.
