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When did you last see one of these? Initially BMW said they wouldn't sell the iX in the UK, but it was listed here in the end at £17,000 - almost £6,000 more than a two-wheel drive 325i - and only with left-hand drive. Originally called the 325-4 at its 1985 launch, the iX wasn't so much BMW's answer to the Audi Quattro as a car for people who lived in snowy, out-of-the-way places who might occasionally feel the need for four-wheel drive. It was powered by the standard straight-six engine and seemed to go just as well as the two-wheel drive 325i, although it weighed 300 lbs more. In fact, its 0-60 mph time was slightly better, so it probably put its power down more cleanly. From the outside, only bigger rear arches told you that this was BMW's first on-road 4x4.
FF Developments were consulted over the permanent four-wheel drive system with its viscous coupling (although there was no mention of this in the original launch blurb) which split the torque 33/67 in favour of the rear wheels, and featured some high-tech electronics that allowed the anti-lock brakes to 'talk' to the VC. The iX was an outstanding drive on snow and ice and we reckon one of the Touring estate versions would still make a great buy. Only 15,000 of all types were produced.
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