BMW iX prototype review: flagship EV gains more range and power

The revamped iX retains the same basics, with a synchronous motor mounted on each axle giving all-wheel-drive. The e-motors are the same units as before, but now offer a bit more power – BMW has yet to give specific outputs – and use new silicon carbide inverters to improve their efficiency. The battery remains the same physical size, but BMW has been able to make it more energy dense and efficient.

The result, BMW claims, is both an improvement in efficiency of around 10 per cent and increased performance. The latter means models will sport new model designations in line with the i5 saloon: so the xDrive60 we tested here is actually the mid-spec successor to the pre-facelift xDrive50. The equivalent to the iX M60 will, in turn, get its own higher number. Don’t stop to think about it too much and we’ll all be fine.

In terms of range, the old xDrive50 had an official economy of 391 miles. Another 10 per cent would take the new xDrive60 to around 430 miles, which is a useful improvement.

Elsewhere, there are new hydraulic rear axle bearings and ‘friction-optimised’ wheel bearings to improve the dynamics and ride comfort, while BMW has also worked to reduce weight. There are also new tyres with reduced rolling resistance, while the suspension has been tuned for each of the model levels. Our prototype rode on steel springs; air suspension with variable damping will be available.

The dashboard of our test car was also largely concealed, but one point of note was the round M Sport steering wheel of our test car, which will now be optional on all models for those not sold on the hexagonal version.

From behind the wheel, it’s apparent that the key strengths of the iX have been retained: it’s an incredibly smooth and refined powertrain, and there is performance in abundance if you need it – although there were precious few places to really experience that on our short, supervised test route. 

We did have the chance to try the revamped drive modes, including a new Sport Plus mode that sharpens up the driving dynamics and offers fixed, rather than variable, levels of energy regeneration. That is done to ensure a consistent feel when braking, to give more response and feel to eager drivers.

Meanwhile, BMW has also worked on the drive modes at the other end of the scale, with a new Max mode that it claims could draw an extra 20 per cent or so range, and happily it didn’t notably strangle the on-road performance as some eco modes do.