While seemingly not as EV focused as some other manufacturers, BMW still maintains a solid lineup with plug-in capability, from PHEVs (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). The iX is one of the latter and sits as a purpose built as a BEV, rather than taking an ICE platform and going all electric with it.
The iX has been with us for some time now and conscious of this, BMW have given the iX a light refresh by way of extra battery power and a stylistic nip and tuck. Replacing the outgoing xDrive40, say “Guten Tag” to the iX xDrive45 M-Sport. Presented at $169,990, it is certainly positioned towards that higher end of price bracket when it comes to all-electric urban SUVs, but is it really worth the dosh?
Well, there is that bigger battery than before, coming in at 94.8kW which is combined with dual electric motors to provide a power boost to 300kW and torque to 700Nm to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive AWD system.Electric range according to WTLP figures, sits at around the 522km mark. The xDrive45 is also compatible with 175kW fast chargers so you only need wait for around half an hour to receive between 10 to 80 per cent charge back into the battery.
On the outside, it’s still a clean cut, modern and somewhat polarising look. Its very much like Marmite, you either really like it, or you really don’t. What you can’t deny is just how striking the iX still looks and having experienced most of the new BMW range first hand in recent months and years, that now familiar oversized kidney grill has grown on me.
Up front that kidney grill has added LED illumination which when paired with those frowning LED headlights makes for an aggressive no-nonsense face. Either side you have clean cut lines, flushed door handles and sharp looking optional 22-inch M-Aerodynamic wheels, the standard car gets 21-inchers.
Hop inside and you still have some delightfully comfortable fabric clad chairs. They actually feel more like lounge chairs for when you step aboard, you sort of sink in slightly. Not to a great extent but enough to leave you feeling rather relaxed. The same can be said in the back, with rear seat passengers equally able to find comfort.
With the iX BMW have been about creating a cabin awash with tech but also doing their utmost to maximise available interior space. The have certainly nailed it on that front with immense head and legroom fore and aft, plus despite having a relatively high boot floor, cargo space is rated at a pretty decent 500L.
Standard is BMW’s curved screen display, combining a 12.3” digital instrument cluster with a 14.9” Central Infotainment display. It’s a crisp unit and easy to manoeuvre through. Standard kit includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional with just about all manner of active and passive on board safety features in car in this price segment, Parking Assistant Professional with a panoramic 3D view camera, reverse assist and park assist to name a few features, massage function for the heated and ventilated chairs, USB-C charging ports front and rear, wireless charging pad and a Harman/Kardon 18-speaker 655W surround sound system also does justice to the dulcet tones of Asturd Gilberto or the big beat house of Paul Oakenfold.
Buttons still also replace conventional interior door handles for exiting the car and you have BMW’s “Sky Lounge” panoramic glass roof which will electronically “mist” and “demist” the view of the day’s weather at the touch of a button. My car’s optional $6500 Executive Package also allowed for additional niceties such as soft close doors, heat comfort package, an interior camera and clever sun protection glazing.
So, how does it fare in terms of driving? Well for starters, the iX xDrive45 is somewhat brisk of the mark. Whether in Custom, Sport or “Expressive” modes, the iX xDrive45 will still be able to hit 100kph in 5.1 seconds. While this is nothing to be sniffed at, tipping the scales at 2525kg, you do feel its weight as it gets there.
However, BMW have still pulled out the stops to make it as a dynamic a drive as possible. The steering is direct and, in the corners, it feels tactile and well planted, something you wouldn’t immediately think would be its forte. Amazingly, it manages the fun stuff rather well, not sports car like by any stretch, but it’s still impressive.
For me the party piece of the iX xDrive45 is the quality of ride comfort. It just soaks up the uneven bitumen which when coupled with those aforementioned chairs, provide a sumptuous and soothing journey, whether near or far. If you do journey far, that extended range of 522kms (3P-WTLP) should mean that range anxiety should seldom set in. The quality is also enough to drown out much of the outside world, leaving you cocooned in almost chapel-like quiet, until Mr Oakenfold comes on song again.
Driving it around for a week in a variety of settings, from suburban commuting to trips out to Rolleston and motorway driving, I was able to a little over half a charge. That said, if feathering the throttle in Efficiency mode and using it just for the daily drive to and from work in the city, expect that level of consumption to be far less than I managed.
There is so much choice in buying an EV in this day and age, especially with new Chinese brands entering the market. However, for this price segment, I wouldn’t blame you for pulling the trigger on the refreshed BMW iX. There is so much to like here and while the Marmite looks are not to everyone’s taste, one cannot deny just how much of an all-rounder it is when you factor in creature comforts, space and sporting the same level of driver involvement and, dare I say it, enjoyment we have come to expect from BMW.
RATING: 8.5/10
