Used BMW iX 2021-present review

Some flagship products enjoy great success, like Apple's Macintosh computer and Heinz Tomato Ketchup, while others become infamous failures – the Titanic perhaps being the most dramatic example of all. What will it be for the BMW iX, the brand's current top-of-the-line electric SUV?

Well, based on the few years since its release, the model has performed well – both in terms of sales figures and critical reception. Now, the used market is enjoying some of that success.

Performance & Range: You'll find the most affordable used iXs are entry-level 40 models: these have a 74kWh battery and can officially travel 264 miles on a single charge – it'll achieve around 190 miles in the real world, though. They also have four-wheel drive (like all iXs), 321bhp and a 0-60mph time of 5.7sec according to our testing. Apart from the slightly disappointing range, these are impressive figures, making the 40 far from a bad start to the range.

Next up is the 50. It has a larger 108kWh battery and a much better real-world range of around 280 miles. What's more, the 50 is quicker than the 40, with its 516bhp launching the iX from 0-60mph in just 4.4sec during our testing.

The M60 sits at the top of the iX tree, yet it has the same 108kWh battery as the 50 and will go a similar distance before running out of juice. Instead, the M60 focuses its attention on performance: it has 610bhp on tap and the ability to hurtle to 62mph in 3.8sec. Does it feel significantly faster than the already rapid 50? To be honest, not really.

Ride & Handling: We wouldn't call iX – even the M60 – a driver's car. You’ll feel its top-heavy weight when you turn into a corner at speed and the steering is lighter than in many BMWs. The Audi e-Tron is a little tidier in the corners and has meatier steering, but if you want a more nimble electric SUV, the smaller BMW iX3 and the Jaguar I-Pace are better bets.

The iX does compare well with some fossil-fuelled luxury SUVs, though. Its relatively low centre of gravity makes it far more composed in bends than the Mercedes G-Class and the Range Rover, for instance.

As for comfort, the iX performs brilliantly against rivals, especially in 50 and range-topping M60 form. These versions get air suspension, which helps it deal with lumps and bumps on the road better than the I-Pace and the Mercedes EQC.

Interior & Practicality: There’s no mistaking the iX's for anything other than that of a luxury car. Upmarket materials have been used throughout, including sustainably sourced wood, microfibre fabrics and pleasingly robust-feeling recycled plastics.

As you might expect from such a giant vehicle, interior space is vast, both in the front and back – you can't get the iX with seven seats, though. Boot space is rather disappointing at 500 litres below the parcel shelf. The rakish tailgate reduces the effective length of the load bay and doesn’t open as high as we'd like. If you're tall, you'll need to duck to access the boot when the car is backed up against a kerb.

The boot floor is at least a useful square shape and we managed to fit a respectable eight carry-on suitcases below the tonneau cover – one more than we could squeeze in the I-Pace and the same tally as the EQC.

Trims & Equipment: Furthering the iX's sense of luxury is its rich equipment levels. You can get Sport and M Sport versions of the iX, with the former trim etting plenty of luxuries, including 21in aerodynamic alloys, heated front seats, a heat pump, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, four-zone climate control, wireless phone-charging, a leather-look upholstery called SensaTec and the 14.9in infotainment display.

Go for M Sport and you'll enjoy sportier-looking bumpers and 21in wheels, bronze exterior highlights and blue seatbelts. The M60 is somewhat of a trim in its own right, getting larger 22in aero wheels, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, and ventilated front seats with a massage function.

The iX is fitted with the latest (and greatest) iDrive infotainment system. It combines a huge curved display featuring a 14.9in infotainment touchscreen right next to a 12.3in digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. The system has logically laid out menus, pin-sharp graphics and lightning-quick responses, plus the added convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay so you can run your phone apps through the screen.

Interested in buying a used BMW iX? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used BMW iXs are available for as little as £44,000 – expect a 2021 or 2022 model in 40 M Sport guise. A new one, on the other hand, will set you back upwards of £66,000.

The 50, when used, shoots up to around £58,000 and the M60 even further to around £78,000.

If you'd like a nearly new iX, have at least £55,000 to spend.

Check the value of a used iX with What Car? Valuations

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Charging speeds: The 74kWh battery in the 40 can’t charge at the same fast rate as the 108kWh battery of the 50 and M60 (up to 150kW, against 195kW). Both can be charged from 10-80% in just over half an hour, assuming you can find a public CCS charger that can deliver enough power.

Insurance and servicing: Depending on your chosen variant, the iX's insurance group varies between the high 40s to the maximum 50 – either way, it'll be expensive to insure.

For two services of a 2022 iX (in 40 M Sport form), we were quoted £648 via BMW.

Reliability

The BMW iX enjoys a positive reputation for reliability, particularly concerning its electric battery and motors, as reported in our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Owners experience few issues, endorsing the vehicle's robust performance.

Dealer service feedback for the BMW iX is highly favorable. Owners highlight the professionalism and knowledge of dealership staff, efficient service appointment management, and clear communication about maintenance needs and costs. The proactive approach of service staff and the simplicity of arranging service appointments have enhanced the overall ownership experience.

The iX stands out for its strong reliability and excellent dealer service, underlining BMW's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in the electric vehicle market.

Discover more about used BMW iX reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

In an ideal world – one where money is less important – we'd choose the BMW iX 50, mainly due to its good electric range. However, the 50 is far more expensive than the 40 – the M60 can (even more so) also be put aside for this reason.

Bar its underwhelming electric range, the 40 isn't exactly easy to fault, too. We'd stick with the 40 and pair it with the M Sport trim, because it's well equipped and just so happens to be cheaper used than the entry-level Sport.

Our favourite BMW iX: 40 M Sport

The 2019-present Audi E-tron is a similar proposition to the BMW iX, being that brand's flagship electric SUV. It won't go as far on a single charge, but (because it's been around longer) the E-tron is the cheaper used buy.

For similar money to the iX, you could buy a used Porsche Taycan. Yes, it isn't an SUV, but it's still decently practical and comfortable, not to mention its interior is very plush. The Taycan is a great electric car, mainly because it's so good to drive.

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Interested in buying a used BMW iX? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.