Brand New BMW iX 485kW M70 xDrive 112kWh 5dr Auto

The ultimate BMW iX is this one, the M70 xDrive. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

BMW has brought the expertise of its M division to bear upon its iX luxury EV and the result is this fearsomely fast iX M70. M technology adds a race-ready feel to this already uber-sophisticated large Crossover - and it gets the highest possible standard of iX trim - as you'd want from the three-figure asking price.

Background

Thought the original BMW iX M60 was over the top? Wait till you check out its successor, the iX M70: 659hp, 1,015Nm of pulling power punch and 62mph in 3.8s. Whoever said EVs were boring. Wild large luxury EVs aren't anything new of course. We've already had the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S, the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53, the Audi SQ6 e-tron, the Maserati Grecale Folgore and the Tesla Model X Plaid. Planet-hugging race-ready lottery winners will be pleased to have another alternative.

Engines and Tech Spec

Various lottery winner-level luxury EVs are offered in extreme performance forms and of course BMW was never going to resist the urge to follow that trend. Hence the introduction of a top M-engineered iX, the M60, back in 2021, which was succeeded by this M70 version. This flagship iX uses much the same upgraded 109kWh battery as the mainstream mid-range '60'-series model, but mates it with an even more powerful 659hp electric motor total output (40hp more than before), delivered with up to 1,015Nm of torque. The range reading - up to 366 miles - is 9 miles better than before, but performance is much the same as the M60 offered, so 62mph flashes by in just 3.8s on the way to an electronically limited maximum of 155mph. Drive dynamics are much as before, though BMW says it's worked on the dampers for extra cornering stability. The engineers have also worked on the chassis to allow for the extra power - and subtly altered the weight balance. As before, this flagship variant benefits from BMW's 2-axle air suspension set-up, which comes with electronically controlled dampers and is mated to active rear wheel steering. As in any iX, the driver can choose 'High', 'Moderate' or 'Low' Brake Energy Regeneration settings - or leave the system to do its own thing in 'Adaptive'. There are three 'My Mode' drive settings - 'Personal', 'Sport' and 'Efficient'. And there's an 'IconicSounds Electric' artificial EV soundtrack, though we think after trying it, you'll prefer to turn that off and savour this BMW's astonishing refinement. This EV even handles quite a lot like an M-tuned BMW should, the stiff chassis admirably resisting body lean and the electromechanical steering providing accurate feedback.

Design and Build

If you know the BMW iX, you'll recognise this top flagship M70 version by its newly-illuminated M-branded front kidney grille, black mirror caps and 22-inch M light-alloy wheels. Through the spokes of these peep blue brake calipers featuring an M logo. As with other facelifted iX models, the LED headlights are narrower, moving the exterior look closer into line with the brand's latest 'Neue Klasse' design language.  Inside, you get sumptuous leather Upholstery', with redesigned high-set ventilated front seats that position you commandingly at the helm of a BMW unlike any you'll ever previously have experienced - there's so much to take in. The curious hexagon-shaped steering wheel (also revised) is difficult to ignore; your main point of control is a rocker switch for gear selection; and even in a screen-dominated era, the 'Live Cockpit Professional' set-up's gently curving slither-like joined 'Curved Display' is unusual, apparently floating above the angular dash and incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument set-up and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen. The two-part centre console's a bit different, designed, BMW says, in the style of 'a high quality piece of furniture' and free-standing, so there's a lovely open footwell right across the front of the car. As in any iX, there's comfortable space for two or three adults in the back. And you get a 500-litre boot, extendable to as much as 1,750-litres.

Market and Model

Here's a pleasant shock; from launch, the iX M70 xDrive was massively cheaper (by around £8,000) than the M60 xDrive iX model it replaced. Mind you, at around £114,000, it's still pretty expensive, around £21,000 more than the iX xDrive60 model it shares its 109kWh battery with. As you'd expect, this M70 performance variant gets its own unique level of equipment. This includes larger 22-inch M light-alloy wheels, Soft Close Doors that latch themselves when half shut, the 'Parking Assistant Professional' surround view camera system that slots the car into spaces and an 'Interior camera' system that gives you the dubious benefit of in-car CCTV. M70 customers get a headlamp upgrade as well - to piercing blue-themed 'Laserlight' beams which give a range of 600 metres. Inside an iX M70, there's BMW's 'Interior Design in Suite Natural Leather Upholstery' package. And a thumping Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound audio System. Plus you get 'Comfort Access' keyless entry with remote tailgate operation. And the 'Heat Comfort Package, along with ventilated front seats, sun protection glass and a massaging system for the front seats.

Cost of Ownership

We'll re-state the 366 mile EV range figure we gave you in our 'Driving Experience' section. Lots of tweaks feature with this updated model to improve efficiency. The electric motors have been revamped with an improved silicon-carbide inverter to minimise power losses, plus BMW has re-tuned the drive system and worked on the electronics to enhance drive range. In addition there's a new 'Max Range' drive mode that optimises the vehicle's settings for greater efficiency and can apparently increase range by up to 25%. The now-bigger battery (108.9kWh, up from 105.2kWh with the old M60) features a new cell technology that's supposed to offer 30% more usable energy content. Plus there's a redesigned heat pump. And the brand has optimised battery pre-conditioning so that peak charging speeds can be reached faster. This M70 now charges at up to 195kW. At home, this M70 model can be AC charged at 22kW in five hours 45 minutes for a full charge (it'd be 11 hours with an 11kW supply). You can DC charge from 10-80% in about 35 minutes. Over an ownership period of 125,000 miles, BMW claims that the iX M70 will have a 45%-lower global warming potential than that of a comparable diesel model. And the brand is seeking to enhance the sustainability of its supply chain and increase its use of recycled materials for the iX. All of which will help to cut production emissions by 18%.

Summary

Nobody needs an EV capable of going this fast. But nobody ever really needed manically quick fossil-fuelled sporting large luxury SUVs with coupe credentials - and they've sold prodigiously anyway. At least you can enjoy this one without being faintly uncomfortable about parking it at the golf club. As with an ordinary iX, the looks are divisive, but if you like them, you'll argue that this is how a lottery winner's crossover EV of the future should look. And the pavement presence is definitely improved by the M70 body styling. Saving the planet has never promised to be much fun. But at the wheel of one of these, it just might be.