The term "flagship model" is often used in the automotive industry, and at its core, it's easy to understand. It's the top car in a brand's lineup - the biggest, fanciest, and most luxurious option. The BMW iX certainly fits that bill: it's the largest and most expensive car in BMW's electric lineup, loaded with technology, and intended to push BMW into the true luxury sphere. However, for BMW, the iX's real flagship purpose was to push and develop its electric vehicle (EV) technology.
We ran an iX on our fleet in 2023, and our editor was won over by the car's ability to deliver true electric luxury, even forgiving the styling of that grille. However, a lot has changed since then. The iX has just had a substantial mid-life update, but it's no longer the shiniest, newest EV in BMW's range. That would be the iX3, which sits on an all-new platform, introduces a new design language, and brings a raft of new electric and digital technology - technology the iX was used to pioneer and develop.
So, what role does the iX now serve in BMW's lineup? That's what we're here to find out. To see if the iX is still a true flagship, it makes sense to run the top version. Last time, we ran the mid-spec xDrive50, but this time, we've opted for the full-performance M70 xDrive. If you follow BMW model codes closely, you might note that's different from the previous range-topper. The change from M60 reflects the hard work of BMW M engineers.
View Price on AmazonThe iX M70 produces 570 horsepower from its pair of electric motors, but if you select the launch control system, that leaps to 650 horsepower. With that kind of power, we're thankful BMW fits a hefty battery: it's 108.9 kilowatt-hours in capacity, developed specifically for the high performance required. Fast charging at speeds of up to 195 kilowatts will surely prove useful, especially as the official efficiency is a mere 2.6 miles per kilowatt-hour for a range of 326 miles.
Despite the extra power, the $114,305 starting price of the M70 is actually cheaper than that of the old M60. However, our car has some judicious option box ticking, which raises its list price to $134,255. Given this is supposed to be a flagship, we felt it worth paying $4,500 for the Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system and shelling out for the Comfort and Technology packs, which add features like ventilated front seats and parking assistance.
Inside, the iX still feels like a proper luxury car. The seats are deep and comfortable, the steering wheel is chunky and pleasing, and the physical switchgear is pleasingly tactile. The infotainment system has plenty of tech but is generally easy to use, especially because the iX retains a rotary controller. Early impressions are positive: even on 22-inch wheels, the iX has a notably smooth ride - very luxury flagship - and it steers amazingly.
Source: autocar.co.uk
