Visual Drama

BMW's first all-electric SUV in India is the rather aptly named iX. How does it fare in our fair city? We show it the town and a bit of the countryside to find out

- Jim Gorde

HAS THE APFEL FALLEN FAR FROM THE Bavarian tree? I'd soon find out as I stepped inside the curiously named iX. It is an X5-sized SUV, measuring just below five metres long, nearly two metres wide, and running a long three-metre wheelbase. It is big, but not particularly intimidating. It looks modern, with blue accents around the exterior pointing to its electric powertrain. There is an iX5 but that's restricted to the hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain for now. Like the brand from the northern side of the same state, BMW will re-align their model nomenclature soon enough once they branch out further.

BMW's iX model is sold in a sole "xDrive40" guise here in India. Two motors, one each front and rear, provide all-wheeldrive capability and make for good traction. More on the powertrain later, but let's get around the details. The iX is priced at Rs 1.21 crore (ex-showroom) and for that eight-figure price tag, there is premium styling, generous proportions, a luxurious interior, and an open, innovative, and spacious cabin with several storage spaces. It has an aura of luxury and the material used ensures it feels just as premium as the price it commands.