Can the ultimate driving machine be a sport utility vehicle? Can it be an electric vehicle? Can it have all-wheel drive? Can it be luxurious? The answer is two-fold: Yes, and the BMW iX xDrive50.

The record will show that the company that once championed the internal combustion engine combined with rear-wheel drive as the ultimate in driving prowess, has not only created one of the best EVs currently on sale, but one of the best modern BMWs to date.

EXTERIOR

All taste is subjective, ultimately the iX embraces its futuristic all-electric powertrain in its styling. It looks a lot better in the flesh as this gives proper scale to its size and the divisive, amongst the rondel faithful, interpretation of the iconic kidney grille.

BMW has not been shy about changing things up and kudos to the designers of the iX who were able to get the attention of even the most jaded modern teenager. In their words, it looks like the future.

INTERIOR

What’s not up for contention is the cabin of the iX. The EV age has revolutionised interior packaging due to the shift in drivetrain location. First comes the space. The inside of the iX feels more spacious than its external dimensions would let on. The design is 100 per cent avant-garde, merging that minimalistic digital aesthetic with quality that feels at the highest end of the BMW ladder. The leathers provide acres of soft touch interaction across every surface.

Whatever switchgear is present has tactile feedback that exudes luxury. There’s even a bit of bling in the form of the crystal iDrive rotary controller. Not that there is much need to use it. Talk, touch, swipe, gesture, and the vehicle responds without pause to these inputs. A fact well appreciated because the large majority of its functions are powered and automated for maximum user convenience in a cabin that is virtually silent at speed.

Cold, hot, or to activate the massage function for the front seats, just ask. Want to turn the volume of the excellent stereo up or down, a quick swirl gesture will do. Don’t wish to answer that incoming call, swipe it away with a wave of a hand.

ON THE ROAD

From the driver’s seat the iX is a pleasant place to be for anyone. Luxury fanatics will indulge themselves in the massage functions as they traverse quietly along the Jamaican roads on a similarly luxurious ride quality. Note, the iX isn’t soft. The chassis and suspension calibration is able to bridge that difficult gap of comfort and performance. At any speed, the BMW is never harsh, barely transmitting imperfections of whatever size to the interior, an even more remarkable task given its 22-inch wheel package.

Many will suspect that this is partially due to the carbon-infused body of the iX, which can be shown off when the doors are open. This extra body rigidity and weight savings given its size contributes to a driving feel no modern BMW currently has. It feels lighter than it should be, yet duly planted. In combination with the electric shove from its twin motors and total of 516bhp and equally impressive 564lb/ft of torque, the iX is a literal rocket with sharp handling.

Range anxiety is a non-issue with 338 miles on a 100 per cent charge, translating to a real world, Kingston to Montego Bay and back trip without once having to give up an ounce of the luxury on tap for occupants. It does come with a home charger and can be DC fast charged at a rate up to 200kW.

So the BMW iX xDrive50 answers all the questions of not only what is possible for the BMW brand, but what the future holds for EVs itself. If the German stalwarts of the inline six cylinder combustion engine and rear-wheel drive can do this, then the cars are indeed safe, no matter what’s under the bonnet or its form factor.