Unveiled in November 2020, the BMW iX surprised even early fans.

It must be said that its style, to say the least massive, contrasts radically with the current products in the range.

A willingness assumed by BMW, which wishes to make this iX the embodiment of its devotion to electric mobility.

Because if the SUV is not the first all-electric model of the manufacturer (i3, iX3), it is he who will be its flagship.

Clean, but not too much

The interior also embodies this rupture. In the current trend, it is much more refined than on the other models, relying on touch controls for most of its functions. The floating edge cabinet is topped by a large curved screen made up of two 12.3-inch panels, one dedicated to driving instrumentation, the other to multimedia and navigation.

If the screen is obviously tactile, BMW has nevertheless made the wise decision to keep the iDrive wheel which makes it possible to navigate between the menus more conveniently while driving.

This is now integrated into the imposing armrest that goes far back between the front passengers, and surrounded by a pretty panel (wooden on our test car) where are elegantly integrated some haptic feedback controls.

They therefore send a small vibration back to the finger to signify that they have been taken into account.

Rolling lounge

But the most significant in this interior is the feeling of space.

This is true at the front, where the wide seats provide comfort and support.

But this is even more true at the rear, where the bench directly inspired by a sofa and the space dedicated to the legs are a real invitation to travel.

You are also inundated with light thanks to the imposing panoramic roof (unfortunately fixed).

And behind the passengers, 500 liters can still take place, with a flat loading floor but positioned high enough.

The external space requirement is therefore well exploited.

Because casually, this iX is 3 cm longer than an X5, both on the wheelbase and on the total length.

A big baby, therefore, whose space on board has been maximized by the compactness of the electric motors.

Unsuspected agility

Engines? Yes, because the iX does have two electric motors. Located on each of the axles, they provide all-wheel drive, indicated by the name xDrive, of the two versions currently in the catalog: xDrive 40, with a cumulative power of 326 hp, and xDrive 50 of 523 hp. It is the latter that was offered to us on a trial basis. Needless to say, with such power, and a torque of 765 Nm instantly available, the response to the pressure of the accelerator is brutal, and the performance quite crazy: 4.6 seconds is enough to go from 0 to 100 km / h! A figure worthy of a good thermal sportswoman… on a machine which weighs a trifle of 2,510 kg, admit that this calls out.

This weight is particularly well managed, and is quickly forgotten on winding course as this iX remains stable on its downforce and transmits its power to the asphalt without any weakness.

The feeling of dynamism is out of all proportion to what exists in the segment of large electric SUVs.

And of course, different driving modes make it possible to accentuate this dynamism or, on the contrary, to calm things down to optimize autonomy.

The latter is also one of the strengths of the iX: 549 to 630 km WLTP announced thanks to a huge battery of… 105.2 KWh!

What to explain the weight… Remains that obviously, this iX is not intended to play the popular cars: its price of attack of 86,250 € (xDrive 40) and even 103,500 € (xDrive 50) testify to it.

Automotive

Bermat GT, the super sports car ... reasonable

Automotive

Electric Maseratis will be born in Turin

The BMX iX xDrive 40 in a few figures

  • Motor: electric, 326 hp, 630 Nm.

  • Transmission: to 4 wheels.

  • L / w / h (mm): 4.953 / 1.967 / 1.695

  • Empty weight (kg): 2.440

  • Boot volume (l): 500 - 1.750

  • Range (km): 372-425

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 6.1

  • Max speed (km / h): 200

  • Price (€): 86.250

  • Bmw

  • Electric car

  • SUV

  • Automotive

  • Car