BMW iX vs Audi e-tron Sportback: space and practicality
The Audi fights back here thanks to its larger boot, although the BMW still has the edge in some specific areas
Often, interestingly styled cars end up sacrificing interior space in favour of a swoopy roofline, but that’s not the case with the iX. There’s acres of space for occupants in the front and rear, with the vast amount of kneeroom in the back a particular highlight. Our test car had an optional panoramic glass roof – an item that can sometimes compromise headroom – but even taller adults won’t find their heads brushing the ceiling.
As it’s built on a platform intended solely for electric cars, not one adapted from combustion-engined models, the iX also has a completely flat floor, with no protruding transmission tunnel. This makes it feel spacious front and rear, with even the middle rear passenger having somewhere to place their feet in comfort.
The BMW is impressive in this area, then, but the Audi can hold its own (even in slightly less practical Sportback guise). It boasts a deep glovebox and a much bigger boot than the iX (665 litres versus 500). It’s also roomy front and back – although the middle rear seat suffers from a firm backrest, as it forms part of the folding armrest that can drop down between the two outer seats.
In addition, and unlike the BMW, the Audi has a small ‘frunk’ storage area located under its bonnet, although the Sportback model’s sloping roofline means the BMW has the edge for total boot capacity with rear seats folded down, with its 1,750 litres playing the Audi’s 1,665.
