BMW iX Review | Luxury EV SUV | Specs | Price in Australia

The global automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with electrification at the centre of innovation. BMW, a brand synonymous with luxury, performance, and German engineering precision, has stepped into this arena with the BMW iX — a flagship luxury EV SUV that represents the future of the brand’s design and technology.

For Australian buyers, the iX is not just another electric SUV. It’s a bold statement that merges futuristic styling, cutting-edge technology, and long-range capability. Competing with rivals like the Audi e-tron, Tesla Model X, and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the iX positions itself as a premium choice for buyers seeking exclusivity and innovation.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll unpack the design, specs, features, pricing, range, trims, driving dynamics, ownership costs, and Australian-specific considerations for the BMW iX.

Design & Exterior Styling

The BMW iX is a departure from traditional SUV aesthetics. Instead of muscular lines and aggressive cuts, it showcases a sleek, minimalist design language intended to highlight its futuristic persona.

• Front Fascia:
  The oversized kidney grille is polarising, but it functions as more than a styling cue. It houses sensors, radars, and advanced driver assistance systems. The grille is coated with a self-healing finish that repairs minor scratches with heat.
• Lighting Technology:
  Slim LED headlights come standard, with optional BMW Laserlight technology providing enhanced visibility. The taillights are equally slim and seamlessly integrated into the rear design.
• Aerodynamics:
  Despite its large SUV size, the iX achieves an impressive drag coefficient of 0.25, aided by aerodynamic door handles, flush glazing, and airflow-optimised wheels.
• Wheels & Variants:
  Wheel sizes range from 20- to 22-inches depending on the trim. Buyers in Australia often lean towards the larger 22-inch wheels for their striking road presence.

The overall aesthetic may not please purists, but for those looking for futuristic elegance, the iX nails it.

Interior Comfort & Cabin Features

The interior is where the BMW iX truly shines. It takes luxury beyond conventional SUVs and integrates avant-garde materials, sustainability, and tech-rich experiences.

• Minimalist Layout:
  The cabin is uncluttered, with slim air vents, floating controls, and the signature hexagonal steering wheel for improved visibility of the digital instrument cluster.
• Premium Materials:
  Options include sustainable leather alternatives like olive-leaf tanned leather or microfibre suede. Recycled plastics and responsibly sourced wood trims reinforce BMW’s sustainability push.
• Seating:
  All models feature heated, ventilated, and massage front seats. The rear seats are spacious with generous legroom, ideal for long Australian road trips.
• Infotainment:
  BMW’s iDrive 8.0 system is displayed on a curved dual-screen setup (12.3-inch instrument cluster + 14.9-inch infotainment display). Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 5G connectivity are standard.
• Sound & Luxury Touches:
  Audiophiles can opt for the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround System with 30 speakers and 4D bass. Ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shading, and crystal-like controls add to the sense of luxury.

The cabin is not just high-tech — it feels like a lounge on wheels.

Powertrain & Performance

The BMW iX is available in multiple trims in Australia, each catering to different needs:

• BMW iX xDrive40
  • Dual-motor AWD
  • 240 kW power, 630 Nm torque
  • 0–100 km/h: 6.1 seconds
  • Range: ~425 km (WLTP)
• BMW iX xDrive50
  • Dual-motor AWD
  • 385 kW power, 765 Nm torque
  • 0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
  • Range: ~620 km (WLTP)
• BMW iX M60 (Performance Variant)
  • Dual-motor AWD tuned by BMW M
  • 455 kW power, 1100 Nm torque
  • 0–100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
  • Range: ~566 km (WLTP)

The performance spectrum ensures there’s an iX for both eco-minded drivers and thrill-seekers.

Driving Dynamics

BMW is known for its driving pleasure, and despite being a heavy electric SUV, the iX lives up to expectations.

• Ride Quality: Adaptive air suspension (standard on higher trims) absorbs Australian outback bumps and city imperfections effortlessly.
• Handling: Thanks to a low centre of gravity from the floor-mounted battery, body roll is minimal, giving confidence in cornering.
• Steering: The variable-ratio steering is light in the city and firm on highways.
• Braking: Regenerative braking is customisable, from coasting to one-pedal driving, allowing drivers to maximise efficiency.

The result is an SUV that blends performance and comfort seamlessly.

Charging & Range in Australia

With EV adoption rising in Australia, charging infrastructure is crucial. The BMW iX is future-ready with its charging capabilities.

• AC Charging: 11 kW onboard charger, ~8 hours for a full charge via a home wallbox.
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 200 kW charging speed (xDrive50 & M60).
  • 10–80% charge in about 35 minutes at compatible ultra-fast stations.

Range (real-world Australia):

• Expect ~370–400 km from the iX40.
• ~550 km from the iX50 in mixed conditions.
• The M60, while performance-focused, still offers ~500 km depending on driving style.

BMW offers five years of complimentary subscription to the Chargefox network, making ownership easier.

Technology & Safety

Technology is the heartbeat of the iX, and it delivers both in entertainment and safety.

• ADAS Features (Standard):
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Automatic emergency braking
• Semi-Autonomous Driving:
  The iX supports Level 2+ autonomy in Australia, including highway assist with lane centring.
• Parking Tech:
  Automated parking with memory for tricky driveways. Remote parking via smartphone is also available.
• Digital Innovations:
  Augmented reality navigation overlays, BMW Digital Key (use your smartphone to unlock), and over-the-air updates keep the SUV future-ready.

Safety ratings from ANCAP are expected to be strong given BMW’s record, though the iX hasn’t yet been independently tested at the time of writing.

Pricing & Variants in Australia

The BMW iX sits firmly in the premium EV SUV category, priced accordingly.

• BMW iX xDrive40: From ~$135,000 before on-road costs
• BMW iX xDrive50 Sport: From ~$170,000 before on-road costs
• BMW iX M60: From ~$225,000 before on-road costs

Prices vary depending on options such as Luxury Packages, M Sport Pro kits, larger wheels, and premium audio systems.

While expensive, the iX targets wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity and competes directly with the Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Audi Q8 e-tron.

Ownership & Running Costs

Electric SUVs typically benefit from lower running costs compared to petrol V8 rivals.

• Servicing: BMW offers condition-based servicing, with packages available for 4 or 6 years.
• Warranty: 5-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty + 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
• Insurance: Premiums are higher given the iX’s cost, but BMW partners with insurers to provide tailored EV policies.
• Government Incentives: Some Australian states offer EV rebates and reduced registration costs, lowering ownership costs.

Over time, the iX is expected to be more affordable to maintain compared to combustion BMW X5 or X7 equivalents.

Competitors in Australia

Key rivals include:

• Tesla Model X: Known for tech, but pricier and less luxurious in build.
• Audi Q8 e-tron: Close match in refinement, but slightly lower range.
• Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Higher luxury quotient, but at a steeper price.
• Jaguar I-Pace: Smaller, sportier, but with less cabin space.

The BMW iX balances luxury, range, and performance better than most rivals.

Pros & Cons of the BMW iX

Pros:

• Striking futuristic design
• Spacious, tech-rich interior
• Long driving range (especially xDrive50)
• Strong performance across trims
• Cutting-edge infotainment & driver assistance

Cons:

• Expensive entry price
• Polarising grille design
• Insurance and repair costs are high
• Limited third-party charging support in rural Australia

Final Verdict

The BMW iX is not just an electric SUV — it’s BMW’s vision of the future. For Australian buyers who value luxury, sustainability, and innovation, the iX delivers an unmatched blend of style, comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

While it comes at a premium price, the iX is a strong alternative to Tesla’s dominance and proves that German luxury can thrive in the EV age. For those seeking a luxury EV SUV that makes a statement, the BMW iX should be high on the shortlist.