Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Electric Mid-Size Luxury SUV |
| Body Style | 5-Door SUV |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | iX xDrive50 (Also available: xDrive40, M60) |
Key Specifications (BMW iX xDrive50)
| Motors | Dual Electric Motors (Front + Rear) |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Power Output | 523 hp (385 kW) |
| Torque | 765 Nm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (xDrive) |
| Battery | 111.5 kWh (gross) / 105.2 kWh usable |
| Dimensions | 4,953 mm (L) × 1,967 mm (W) × 1,696 mm (H); Wheelbase: 3,000 mm |
| Weight | ~2,510–2,585 kg (Kerb) |
| Range | Up to 630 km (WLTP) / ~500–550 km real-world |
| Boot Space | 500 L / 1,750 L (rear seats folded) |
Exterior Design
Distinctive and futuristic design with closed-off kidney grille and flush surfaces
Integrated LED light bars and slim, vertical tail lights
Optional Laserlight technology and large aerodynamic wheels (up to 22")
Frameless doors and hidden handles for enhanced aerodynamics (Cd: 0.25)
Love-it-or-hate-it looks – but undeniably bold and forward-thinking
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Ultra-modern cabin with minimalist floating architecture
| Premium materials | olive leaf tanned leather, microfiber wool, FSC-certified wood |
Standard panoramic electrochromic glass roof (changes from transparent to opaque)
Lounge-style seating, open footwell design, flat floor
Heated, ventilated, and massage seats available in both rows
Optional crystal iDrive controller and seat controls
Features & Infotainment
BMW Curved Display
12.3” digital cluster + 14.9” central touchscreen (iDrive 8)
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Intelligent Personal Assistant with natural speech
Augmented Reality navigation, 5G connectivity, OTA updates
Optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound (30 speakers)
Remote software upgrades, customizable themes, and cabin automation
Safety & Ratings
Standard Safety Features
Blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise
Front/rear collision avoidance, cross-traffic alert
Optional Driving Assistant Professional
Hands-free traffic jam assist, automated lane change
Crash-Test Ratings
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (2021) |
Top scores in adult occupant and safety assist systems
Driving Performance & Handling
xDrive50: 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
| M60 (620 hp) | 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds |
Adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers standard
Four-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering) optional for tighter maneuvering
Light steering, whisper-quiet cabin, seamless power delivery
Regenerative braking with adaptive mode based on navigation and traffic
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
| Battery Capacity | 105.2 kWh usable |
WLTP Range
xDrive40: ~425 km
xDrive50: ~630 km
| M60 | ~566 km |
Real-World Range
xDrive50: ~500–550 km depending on conditions
Charging
| DC Fast Charging (up to 195 kW) | 10–80% in ~35 minutes |
| AC Charging (11 kW) | Full charge in ~11 hours |
Pre-conditioning for fast charging and charging route planner via iDrive
Practicality & Everyday Usability
500 L boot space, expandable to 1,750 L
Power tailgate with hands-free opening
Flat rear floor offers excellent rear seat comfort
| Ample storage throughout | under-console shelf, deep door bins, wireless charging tray |
| Towing capacity | up to 2,500 kg |
Warranty & Maintenance
| Vehicle Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage (EU) |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km |
Maintenance Requirements
Brake fluid every 2 years
Cabin filter, tire rotations
Very low maintenance due to lack of engine, transmission
BMW Service Inclusive available for EV-specific packages
On-Road Price & Value for Money
Original MSRP (UK, 2021)
xDrive40: ~£69,000
xDrive50: ~£91,000
| M60 | ~£111,000 |
| Used Market (2024) | £58,000 – £95,000 depending on variant/mileage |
Premium-priced, but delivers flagship EV performance, space, and luxury
Comparison with Rivals (2021–2023)
| Model | Power | WLTP Range | 0–100 km/h | Price (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 523 hp | 630 km | 4.6s | £91,000 |
| Audi Q8 e-tron 55 | 408 hp | 582 km | 5.6s | £85,000 |
| Tesla Model X LR | 670 hp | 576 km | 3.9s | £99,000 |
| Mercedes EQE SUV 500 | 408 hp | 547 km | 4.9s | £94,000 |
iX excels in: Range, luxury materials, tech, and interior ambiance
| Tesla wins on | Speed and Supercharger network |
| Mercedes & Audi | More traditional styling, slightly lower range |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Spacious and ultra-modern interior
Long real-world range
Outstanding tech and infotainment
Flagship materials and soundproofing
Excellent ride quality and refinement
Cons
Polarizing exterior design
Expensive compared to ICE alternatives
No frunk storage
Large size may be difficult in urban areas
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.7 / 5) |
A benchmark luxury EV SUV with futuristic design, outstanding comfort, and cutting-edge technology — the iX is BMW’s most complete electric vehicle to date.
Final Verdict
The 2021 BMW iX isn’t just a new electric SUV — it’s a statement of what BMW’s future looks like. From its luxurious, lounge-like interior to its quiet power and vast range, the iX appeals to early adopters and luxury EV buyers alike. If you’re shopping in the premium electric space, the iX is an exceptional blend of sustainability, space, and innovation.
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Pros & cons
- Smooth and quiet electric driving character
- Potentially low home-charging costs for regular commuters
- Premium badge appeal and refined cabin ambience
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
- Public charging costs and winter range need checking before purchase
Final verdict
The BMW iX is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting quiet electric running and low local emissions, premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Electric |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW iX good for UK roads?
Should I buy new or used?
What should I check before ordering?
Is it suitable for families?
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.