BMW iX 2022: electric SUV will hit Australia early next year priced from $135,900

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Globally BMW launched the 2022 iX SUV EV alongside the all-new i4 Gran Coupe, and while the vehicles have a lot in common, it’s the full-size SUV that will arrive in Australia first.

The entry-level iX xDrive40 will be priced from $135,900 before on-road costs in Australia, with the range running up to $169,900 (plus on-roads) for the xDrive50 Sport model.

Adding value to the iX, BMW includes a five-year unlimited charging subscription to the Australian Chargefox network.

When it lands in Australia early next year the iX will face more competition than its Gran Coupe sibling with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X already in Australian showrooms.

In size terms, the iX will be comparable to the large X5 SUV though it measures slightly longer at 4,953mm (up 31mm) and boasts a 25mm longer wheelbase (3,000mm) which should mean greater occupant comfort.

At launch, BMW will offer two variants of iX; the xDrive40 and xDrive50, with a high-performance iX M60 variant with 440kW of power in the pipeline.

For $135,900, the xDrive40 uses two electric motors that send drive to all four wheels. System power is rated at 240kW and torque 630Nm. The xDrive40 is only available with the smaller 76.6kWh (71kWh usable) battery which can be DC fast-charged at up to 150kW. BMW claims a WTLP range of around 425km for the xDrive40.

Australian xDrive40 models will be specified with 21-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, olive-leaf tanned leather-appointed seats with heating and massage function and a premium harman kardon stereo.  

Those after a little more equipment can spend $141,900 plus on-road costs to get the xDrive40 Sport which mirrors the regular xDrive but adds metallic paint, 22-inch aerodynamic alloys, black exterior trim, smoked taillights, chrome kidney grilles and larger brakes. 

For now, the range will be headlined by the xDrive50i Sport which gains a whole lot more grunt; power climbs to 385kW and torque 765Nm. That’s enough for an impressive 4.6 second 0-100km/h sprint despite the SUV’s 2,510kg weight.

But that weight isn’t unfounded; the xDrive50 benefits from a larger 111.5kWh battery (105.2kWh usable) that sees range climb to a maximum of 630km in the WLTP cycle. DC charging is capped at 200kW in the xDrive50.

The $169,900 (before on-road costs) xDrive50 also brings more ample specification adding adaptive air suspension front and rear, soft-close doors, laser headlights and a panoramic sunroof.

BMW will offer a raft of options packages for the iX. The $5,300 comfort package brings ventilated front seats and heated touchpoints including the armrest, wood trim, steering wheel, and lower instrument cluster panel.

Additionally, the $8,500 Indulgence package available on the xDrive40 Sport and xDrive50 Sport adds an interior camera and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.

Like the i4, the iX uses a 14.9-inch central touchscreen and a new tablet-style 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. However, inside the iX is less conventional than either the forthcoming iX3 or i4 Gran Coupe. 

The centre console floats between driver and passenger with a new design for BMW’s control centre with a crystal rotary dial and no traditional gearstick. Even the steering wheel’s hexagonal shape departs from the norm.

Aside from the design, the materials themselves are also unconventional, with recycled fishing nets used to make the floor mats and sustainably sourced wood for trim pieces. 

Outside, the iX does adopt the usual BMW cues including the kidney grille, which is not for air-flow here but rather houses the sensors needed for the adaptive safety features.

The new iX will begin to hit Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2022.

BMW iX 2022: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs and options.

• iX xDrive40 – $135,900
• iX xDrive40 Sport – $141,900
• iX xDrive50 Sport – $169,900
• Comfort Package – $ 5,300
• Enhancement Package (xDrive40 only) – $9,500
• Indulgence Package (xDrive40 Sport/xDrive50 Sport only) – $8,500