iX TO THE POWER OF M (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The ultimate BMW iX is this one, the M70 xDrive. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 57

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.

Backgroundword count: 116

When the original version of BMW's iX upper mid-sized EV crossover was launched back in 2021, some thought the very fastest version, the iX M60 xDrive, was a little over the top. Well if that's your perspective, then wait until you check out this, that top iX model's successor, the iX M70 xDrive. The stats here are eye-catching; 659hp, 1,015Nm of pulling power punch and 62mph in 3.8s. Whoever said EVs were boring. Wild large luxury EV crossovers aren't anything new of course. We've already had the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53, the Audi SQ6 e-tron, the Maserati Grecale Folgore and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric. Planet-hugging race-ready lottery winners will be pleased to have another alternative.

Driving Experienceword count: 285

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.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227