BMW IX test: the amazing electric SUV with concept-car look

New flagship of the German manufacturer, the BMW IX comes to hunt on Tesla's lands in the premium electric SUV segment.What is it worth in reality?The answer in this test of the most powerful version, the IX XDRIVE50.

With its ground imprint of 4.95 x 1.97 m, the BMW IX ranks in the category of large SUVs.If it shares the width of the Tesla Model Y, recently launched on our roads, it is however 20 cm longer.This brings him closer to the most stretched model than him of 9 cm.The new Bavarian car, however, heads up in height: 1.70 m, against 1.62 and 1.68 m respectively for American models.

BMW IX XDRIVE50

Two versions are now offered by the German brand: IX XDRIVE40 and IX XDRIVE50.It is the latter, displaying a cumulative power of 385 kW (523 hp), that we were able to try.A value obtained from 2 electric rooted electric motors: 190 kW (258 hp) at the front + 233 kW (313 hp) at the rear.The set is powered by a NCA Lithium-ion pack (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) with a useful energy capacity of 105.2 kWh (111.5 kWh of raw capacity).On the recharge side, the new BMW electric SUV offers an 11 kW on -board charger.On DC terminals, in Ionity stations for example, he will accept up to 200 kW.Enough to make a full 80 % in about 35 minutes.

The specimen tried benefited from many options, starting with a gray metallic paint (sophistograu) billed 1,200 euros and the sport pack at 3,050 euros.The latter accentuates the dynamic character of the car with brake calipers tinged with blue and specific dressing at the level of rocker panels (in high shine black) and shields.

This endowment was completed by 22 inch aerodynamic rims (1021 multicolored 3D finish style) at 1,550 euros.Also included, the comfort of infrared treatment (250 euros) which improves acoustic insulation and reduces the warming of the housing due to the sun.The vehicle was also equipped with the panoramic roof in Sky Lounge glass (3,350 euros).

Pour une ambiance sonore de très haute qualité, notre iX embarquait le système hi-fi Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound à 4 850 euros. Avec lui, 30 haut-parleurs sont répartis dans l’habitacle, dont huit sont intégrés aux appuie-tête.

On board

For its size, the BMW IX does not offer an exceptional chest.Behind the electrically activated tailgate, the volume under tablet and above the double bottom is 500 liters.An accessible button on the back of the vehicle allows you to suddenly fold the back of 3 parts.The platform thus obtained is almost flat.

Due to a floor without a service tunnel, 3 adults can sit comfortably on the bench without the knees touching the front seats.Only the passenger in the middle will be able to deplore a very rigid contact at the back, due to the folded armrest there.The Alcantara, also present on the counterports, brings an excellent finish to the upholstery.If the glass surface is generous, the doors of the doors at the rear do not go completely.

The driver and the traveler sitting next to him will benefit from the higher comfort level added by multifunction seats (option at 1,650 euros) associated with a design Loft Stonegrey finish (550 euros).Diamond -style pimples are used for their settings.

The first laps

"It really feels like being in a concept car," said Maxime Fontanier when he tried the BMW IX.This reflection came to him when he saw the diversity of the materials used in the vehicle, the futuristic design, as well as the large multimedia screen of 14.9 inches which makes it possible to make all the settings.

On the road, the very refined atmosphere with very few pimples will reveal its limits.For example, wanting to modify the driving mode by driving will impose 3 actions.Thus, to go from Efficient to Sport, more in line with mountain piloting.This operation allows in particular to benefit from a greater regeneration to deceleration outside mode B.

A press to press and 2 validations: it is too much when it is imperative to keep your attention on a winding road or in an area with many pedestrians and cyclists!Ditto to adjust the air conditioning, heating and ventilation devices.On the other hand, raising the ground clearance of a few centimeters thanks to the pneumatic suspension in series is made at a simple pressure on the wood of the central console.

Overall, the digital and tactile slab is very rapid, offering an ideal support for the augmented reality GPS navigation system, but also to the reversing camera and the air representation of the vehicle environment.

A robbery diameter of 12.3 m for a large SUV is not necessarily an inconsistent value.With an SUV with rear steering wheels, as is the case with the BMW IX, you could expect better.

The driver's height position, the feedback and the softness of the management facilitate the evolution in the city.The latter will be carried out in a surprising silence of operation that no noise of furniture will disturb.This confirms the excellent quality of construction of this new electric model.

On winding roads

It is easy to imagine that a large SUV of more than 2,500 kg will be quite poorly accommodated by a somewhat sporty driving on winding roads in the mountains.However, it is quite the opposite with the BMW IX which appears so light by swallowing the more or less important ribs.Thanks to the pneumatic suspension, the turns are linked without rolls and without sacrificing the comfort of the occupants softly installed on their seats.

" I did not expect that !", Loked Maxime Fontanier, discovering the skills of the machine.The vehicle is reactive and firmly clings to the dry road.

The manufacturer announces 4.6 seconds to carry out the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h.The powerful brakes appear up to par, as soon as they are not exploited with excess.The progressiveness of the pedal is reassuring.The excellent impression in this decor is also served by a direction very pleasant for use.

From surprise to driving at the wheel

"Even if we are on a very heavy SUV, we have a motor skills at the top, perfectly calibrated damping, and precise commands," appreciated our tryer.

On the departmental, the level 2 autonomous driving system scrupulously follows the route.The radar, associated with cameras, allows the system to assess the vehicle environment even further, especially at night, when it rains and in foggy time.

The new BMW IX drivers will quickly be surprised to note the trajectory control service offered by the new electric car.Thus, if an itinerary has been programmed, the machine will slow down before approaching a turn to change direction."She rides this car almost alone," said Maxime Fontanier at his wheel.

Consumption

German highways offered our tester a very good playground to observe the evolution of consumption.BMW indicates for its IX a value of 20.9 kWh/100 km according to the mixed WLTP cycle for the copy tested.In speed stabilized at 130 km/h, on a relatively flat profile, the figures climbed almost 29 kWh/100 km.

The autonomy would then amount not much more than 350 km, and without air noise.To be compared to the more than 600 km advanced by the manufacturer for wiser combined use.

Worse still, foot on the floor at 203 km/h, consumption flies away.During our test on a portion of unlimited highway, the average displayed was greater than 66 kWh/100 km.Thanks to the large battery, it is possible to travel almost 150 km under these conditions.However, is this the use you want to make from an electric SUV to family comfort?

A high -end rate

The high -end BMW IX XDRIVE50 BMW IX XDRIVE 50. Starts 103,500 euros.By adding the options we have listed previously and those that we have forgotten, the copy tried climbs in an amount greater than 130,000 euros.

However, it is possible to afford the large electric SUV of the German manufacturer for much less.The IX XDRIVE40 version is currently starting at 86,250 euros.The mixed cycle autonomy then drops by 200 km due to a gross energy capacity limited to 76 kWh while the maximum charging power is reduced to 150 kW.The cumulative power of the powertrain also falls: 240 against 385 kW.6.1 seconds will be necessary to reach 100 km/h from a stopped departure with this entry -level model.