New BMW iX vs Audi E-tron: verdict
BMW has finally joined the luxury electric SUV party with the radical iX. To be counted as a success, it must beat the likes of the Audi E-tron...
Our verdict
As we said earlier, there’s no harm in arriving late to a party, as long as you outshine the other attendees. The iX, however, fails to make such an impact in xDrive40 form. It may have a plush, spacious interior and be extremely quiet on the move, but the E-tron shares those attributes and adds to them with a slightly better range and sharper driving dynamics.
It’s a shame, because we know the iX has the capability to be a class leader: the xDrive50, with its official range of 380 miles and cosseting air suspension, feels like a truly polished product. But with a near- £100k price, it’s out of reach for most. For now, we’d go for the E-tron, which is a more well-rounded luxury electric SUV.
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1st – Audi E-tron
For Classy interior; faster rapid charging; more cosseting ride; tidier handling
Against You’ll want to add a few options; fairly inefficient, with a limited range; sheds value at a faster rate
Recommended options Tour Pack (£1950), Comfort and Sound Pack (£1895)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Audi E-tron review >>
Find Audi E-tron deals >>
2nd – BMW iX
For More special-feeling interior; great infotainment system; cheaper to buy outright; more rear seat space
Against Mediocre real world-range; air suspension only available on xDrive50; unsettled low-speed ride; no front boot
Recommended options Comfort Pack (£2200)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full BMW iX review >>
Find BMW iX deals >>
Specifications: BMW iX xDrive40 M Sport
Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 322bhp
Peak torque 465Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.7sec
30-70mph 5.1sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 12.1m
70-0mph 58.8m
Noise at 30mph 55.5db
Noise at 70mph 60.8db
Kerb weight 2365kg
Tyre size (std) 255/50 R21
Estimated range 178 miles
Official range 256 miles
Efficiency 2.5 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 71kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 150kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 11hr 30min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 31min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Audi E-tron 55 quattro S Line
Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 402bhp
Peak torque 490Ib ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.5sec
30-70mph 4.4sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 9.4m
70-0mph 52.1m
Noise at 30mph 56.9db
Noise at 70mph 61.9db
Kerb weight 2520kg
Tyre size (std) 265/45 R21
Estimated range 182 miles
Official range 252 miles
Efficiency 2.1 mile/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 86.5kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 155kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 13hr 45min
Rapid charging, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 26min
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Test weather conditions Cold and damp
Cars pictured
BMW iX eDrive40 M Sport with Phytonic Blue metallic paint (£795), Comfort Plus Pack (£3900), Sky Lounge Pack (£3500), Visibility Pack (£2000), Clear and Bold Interior Application (£1050), 22in alloy wheels (£1000), Parking Assistant Plus (£750) and interior camera (£200)
Audi E-tron 55 quattro Black Edition with Catalunya Red metallic paint (£750), Digital Matrix headlights (£3175), Comfort and Sound Pack (£1895) and panoramic glass roof (£1475)
