BMW iX review - impressive flagship electric SUV

Verdict – is the BMW iX a good car?

BMW’s flagship electric luxury SUV was the class-leader before its update, and since its facelift in 2025, it strides even further ahead of the competition. Not only is it very powerful no matter which guise you go for, it offers a satisfying driving experience, impressive refinement and great range figures. It’s expensive, though, and we suspect many buyers could be put off by its controversial looks alone.

BMW iX models, specs and alternatives

The BMW iX is the German brand’s flagship electric SUV, and unlike other EVs in the lineup, it was designed from the outset as a standalone model, rather than being based on a combustion-engined counterpart.

SUVs and electric cars are all the rage at the moment, so the BMW iX goes up against some other upmarket competitors such as the Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, Mercedes EQE SUV and Polestar 3.

As with many of BMW’s cars, one of the most controversial aspects of the BMW iX has been the styling. It’s polarising to say the least, with the iX’s tall, long kidney grille making a bold statement. BMW has been unapologetic about the styling direction of the iX, though, because following a facelift in 2025, the brash grille remains, and can even be specified with a surrounding glow that means it stands out even more. The iX’s headlight graphics have also been tweaked, and top-end M70 models now get an imposing new front bumper with large intakes and vertical creases on each side.

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The BMW iX line-up now starts with the xDrive45, which replaces the xDrive40 that came before. Now it gets more potent motors with an extra 81bhp for 402bhp, and the battery is 30% larger than before at 95kWh. Thanks to improved efficiency and that big battery, BMW says that the iX’s 374-mile range is 40% further than that of the outgoing car. The xDrive60 sits above this with 537bhp and an even larger 109kWh battery pack which supplies it with a range of up to 435 miles.

There’s now a new flagship version of the iX; replacing the M60, the M70 is the performance variant boasting a whopping 650bhp – 31bhp more than its predecessor – and heaps of shove to pin you back in your seat. Range for this halo model is up to 373 miles.

The most impressive thing about any version of the iX is how it drives – it seems to defy the laws of physics to the point that you might scarcely believe you’re driving a large, heavy electric SUV. Refinement is also immensely impressive, so the iX really is a car you’d consider if you want the full package and can afford it.

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It doesn’t come cheap; entry-level xDrive45 cars start from just over £75,000 in Sport trim, while the top-of-the-line M70 will set you back over £114,000. Of course, adding optional extra will see those prices skyrocket even further. Still, when you consider it costs less than a Tesla model X, it starts to look a lot more competitive.

BMW has ditched its traditional dashboard layout for the iX, instead opting for a more minimalist approach. A flat floor with no transmission tunnel means there's just a small, floating centre console between the driver and passenger. The dashboard itself is dominated by a wide display that spans from behind the steering wheel towards the middle of the fascia. This is running BMW's latest iDrive software, with around 20 times the computing power of previous models. It feels expensive and more futuristic than other current BMWs; premium materials are used, and all the touchpoints are perfectly weighted.

A tall roof means there's also plenty of space in the front and rear seats for tall adults, making the iX a good choice for families. The boot has a fairly high floor, however, so its 500 litres is fine but not class-leading. There's also no frunk, like you'll find in the Tesla Model X or Ford Mustang Mach-E, but the iX can tow an impressive amount for an electric car.