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

Background

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 Experience

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 in early 2025, the iX M70 xDrive was massively cheaper (by around £8,000) than the M60 xDrive iX model it replaced. Mind you, priced at around £114,000 at the time of this review in Spring 2026, it's still pretty expensive, around £21,000 more than the iX xDrive60 model it shares its 108.9kWh battery with. As you'd hope given its six-figure price tag, this M70 xDrive flagship model comes very well equipped indeed. The wheels are big 22-inch M Aerodynamic Multicolour rims with M Sport red caliper brakes, there are 'M Lights Shadowline' bodywork enhancements, dark tail lamps, sun protection glass and the Extended High Gloss Shadowline front Kidney Grille has 'Iconic Glow' illumination. Bespoke M70 drive stuff includes Integral Active Steering and Adaptive two-axle Air Suspension. Inside this flagship model, it's as in a 'M Sport' variant but with the addition of front M Multifunctional sports seats and four-zone climate control. Optional across the iX line-up is a 'Comfort Pack' adds a Climate Control Windscreen, a 'Heat Comfort' pack and Front Multifunctional Seats with Active Ventilation. Key individual options include a high-end Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System; and two options we have fitted here - the 'Sky Lounge Panorama Glass Roof'; and the brand's 'Clear&Bold' Interior Application design package, which sees various controls including the gear selector and the iDrive controller given a cut-glass-like crystal finish.

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.