Currently reading: New 2022 BMW iX: high-tech SUV priced from £69,905
UK trim and pricing confirmed for new iX, which offers range of up to 249 miles in xDrive40 guise

The new, strikingly styled BMW iX electric SUV flagship will launch in the UK in November with a choice of two powertrains and pricing starting from £69,905.

The entry-level iX xDrive40 uses the same twin-motor, four-wheel-drive configuration as the xDrive50 range-topper but with power output reduced from 500bhp to 296bhp. It has been priced to match a “comparable” conventionally fuelled BMW X5. A range-topping iX M60 version will be launched later this year.

The iX xDrive 40 can complete the 0-62mph dash in 6.1 seconds, with a 124mph top speed. The iX xDrive40 offers a claimed range of more than 249 miles per charge from its 70kWh-plus battery pack, which can be charged at up to 150kW.

Meanwhile, the iX xDrive 50 will be priced from £91,905 and will offer 516bhp, a 0-62mph time of 4.6secs and the same limited 124mph top speed. It has a 100kWh-plus pack boosts range to 373 miles, and features 200kW charging. It also features active steering and air suspension.

Both models will be offered in the UK in Sport and M Sport trims. As standard, Sport includes a 12.3in digital instrument display, which links with the 14.9in touchscreen to create a 'curved' display unit, an 18-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system, 21in wheels and a range of driver assistance systems. 

M Sport trim adds an aerodynamics pack with bespoke front and side aprons, rear diffuser and air curtain, M Sport brakes and an Anthracite roof.

98 Bmw inext tracking side 0

BMW has optimised range by increasing the energy density of the batteries, rather than the size of the units themselves, in an effort to keep weight down. The xDrive40 is capable of charging at speeds of up to 150kW, which, BMW claims, is fast enough to gain more than 56 miles of charge in as little as 10 minutes, whereas the xDrive50 has 200kW charging capability for 75 miles in 10 minutes.

Both cars, the company claims, can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in less than 40 minutes and use less than 21kWh of electricity per 62 miles travelled, on average.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

BMW’s first electric SUV is an electrified X3. Is that enough?

Back to top

Over the course of 125,000 miles, BMW claims, the iX xDrive40 has a 45%-lower global warming potential than that of a comparable diesel car.

The company is working to improve the sustainability of its supply chain and the increased use of recycled materials for the iX helps to cut production process emissions by 18%.

BMW now also procures the cobalt and lithium used for its EV batteries itself, to ensure that “environmental and sustainability standards are observed”.

Join the debate

Comments
19
Add a comment…
simonleecarter 3 June 2021

jamesc (below) is correct. Wait until much closer to the 2030 cut off before going electric. If you buy now your car will be obsolete in no time and you will have paid far too much to become an early adopter guinea pig. Before long electric cars will have a longer range, be much lighter and more affordable. You never know, BMW may even build a pretty one...

 

jamesc 3 June 2021
Styling aside, the main issue for me is the really poor range for the 40 and the fact you have to step up to a much faster (ie unnecessary) and pricey car to get a decent range. These will be out of date before you know it - Looking at Audi it shows that such over-inflated, expensive, poor-range launch cars eg eTron are soon overtaken by the next gen (Q4 eTron) which offer more of everything for almost as much internal space.
Harry P 3 June 2021

It may be a technical success, but the styling is simply hideous.