The BMW iX created a furor when it was unveiled. The face took all the spotlight, but there's a lot more to this EV than just the aesthetics. The iX instills confidence and encourages spirited drivers to charge the curves as if they were driving a smaller, more sporty vehicle. The iX offers similar interior space as the current X5, and its flat floor (no center hump) allows for spacious rear seating. The iX is BMW's most technologically sophisticated vehicle, which is an understatement. The navigation has an augmented reality overlay and a remote vehicle parking system that remembers how to enter and exit. And, all this is just the tip of the iceberg. The iX It is as good as or better than any petroleum-powered midsize SUV, including BMW's excellent X5, and that is why the iX needs to be on the top of your list if you're in the market for a midsize luxury SUV.
Exhilarating Performance
The iX is a perfect example of an electric SUV redefining how large vehicles are meant to perform. The batteries are positioned low underneath the floor, which results in a more hunkered-down impression. As a result, the iX corners with ease, and the light effort steering gives the impression that it is smaller and lighter than it is. In everyday driving, the iX can provide large amounts of regenerative braking, which makes it simple to drive using only the accelerator and let the regeneration handle the braking. Because the iX can go fast, brakes are critical, and it can come to a stop from 60 mph in just 114 feet. Two electric motors, one on each axle, produce 516 horsepower, combined. It takes only 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. That's similar to most EVs and not far from the BMW X5 M (which is gas-powered).
Polarizing Exterior
Aesthetically, the lines of the new iX are pleasant, but the proportions are awkward. However, when the lights are turned on and you see what BMW designers have done, it's difficult to find anything good to say. Although the front end features acceptable cat-eye headlights, they are flanked by a BMW twin-kidney grille that has been likened to everything from a buck-toothed beaver to SpongeBob SquarePants. The fact that this SUV doesn't even require a grille raises the question: Why did BMW put one? Well, there's a reason. The "Intelligence Panel" sits above the grille and houses radar and other sensors. It is heated so that ice and snow do not obstruct its operations. The lower bumper has two trapezoidal black panels that appear to be from a different car, which are connected to two black side sills along the car's sides.
Snazzy Interior
The iX's interior is both visually pleasing and functional. The large doors and low thresholds make it easy to access this vehicle. The air suspension option, which lowers the load height, even more, is an excellent addition. Since the cabin is flat, there is ample leg and headroom, ample shoulder room, and excellent visibility. There are a couple of things that confuse the user; however, BMW considered so much space. The optional cameras are exceptional for everything you cannot naturally see. Visibility out of the front windows is excellent, and every function has been carefully considered. Tasks usually located at your fingertips in other vehicles, such as controlling the amount of regenerative braking or the adaptive cruise control distance to the car in front, are buried in menus here.
Impressively Comfortable
Some of the coolest-looking upholstered seats are available on the iX, and fortunately, they are also very comfortable. The front seats have numerous adjustment options and effective seat heaters. As a result, driving the iX is also pleasant. It's also a very quiet SUV with minimal noise on the highway. The climate system is one of the iX's interior controls that can be controlled via touchscreen. You must press two buttons to adjust the temperature, but accessing and changing the settings is simple. In addition, two climate zones are available for rear passengers and a range of vents. Overall, the system does a great job of maintaining a comfortable environment.
Features That Will Make Tech-Heads Happy
On top of being some of the latest BMW innovations, the iX is also pretty remarkable. BMW's array of driver-assist technology is occasionally hit-or-miss, but it succeeds here. The voice-activated virtual assistant is also superior to most voice control systems in how it reacts and adjusts elements like the climate control settings. In addition, it is acceptable to be gimmicky (unlike BMW's gesture control). The vehicle's Android integration is even more impressive than its gesture control. Android users can pair their devices to the car and receive turn-by-turn directions in the driver interface. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system is notable. It has a few tricks, like "4D bass," which vibrates your chair with the music for a more immersive experience (although it may be disabled).
Ample Cargo Space
The iX has a significant amount of cargo space, 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Jaguar I-Pace (23.2 cubic feet) and the Audi e-Tron (28.5 cubic feet) have a lot of cargo room behind the back seat, but not quite as much as the Tesla Model X (37.1 cubic feet). You can fold and split the rear seats three times to make them flat and operate the release buttons on the rear hatch. You have less storage for small items, but you can put your personal belongings in the center armrest bin or the door pockets. The iX is easy to install child safety seats. The back of each rear seat spot has ISOFIX anchors and top tethers, making it easy to fit any size seat, facing any direction, with easy access.
Range Anxiety? No Problem
According to the EPA, the iX xDrive50's range is 324 miles when equipped with standard 20-inch wheels or 315 miles with the optional 22-inch wheels, but the EPA's numbers are very conservative. Nevertheless, its efficiency is also impressive. The iX consumes 32 kWh for every 100 miles of driving, which is one of the best results in the class and comparable to less powerful EVs such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. In addition, the iX comes with an 11-kW onboard charger that BMW estimates can charge the battery from zero to full in about 10 hours using a Level 2 home charger (assuming you have the optimal hardware and conditions). DC fast charging is also available, allowing a 195 kW charge from 0- to 80-percent in about 40 minutes.
There is A Performance 'M' Trim As Well
The iX M60 electric SAV is the latest M electric car from the brand. It features a firmer chassis setup, more muscle, a higher price, an M60 badge on the rear, M-branded brake calipers, and unique wheel styles. Because the angular design and prominent grille already complement each other well, we think this is a good choice. It bristles with technology and prestige on the road, making it look and feel futuristic. The M60 delivers 16 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque more than the iDrive50 model. The M60 provides 610 horsepower and a hefty 811 pound-feet of torque when switched to Sport mode. The M60 will shave 0.7 seconds off the iDrive50's four-second 0-60 mile per hour time. The M60 should be fitted with summer tires for the highest top speed of 155 mph (130 mph for the standard all-season tires).
Is The BMW iX Worth it?
The iX is not cheap, but it may seem a good value when you look closely at its price tag. It starts at $84,100 for the xDrive50 model and $108,900 for the M60. The iX has some stiff competition in its category, but if you compare its attributes to those of its competitors, it appears like a bargain. The build quality is excellent. Everything looks lovely and is orchestrated nicely together inside. This is one of the most refined interiors in a modern luxury vehicle. Warranty coverage is comparable to that of most luxury brands and BMW provides four years of free maintenance on all models, with 12 years of rust-through coverage and 100,000 miles of battery warranty. BMW offers free charging for two years, three years of free maintenance, and 36,000 miles. It's also nice to know that you can charge for free for two years (30-minute sessions) at any Electrify America charging station.
Final Thoughts
SUVs are a status symbol, making some people feel safer than in a car. Luxury means space, comfort, and a lot of creature comforts, and the iX has them all. On top of that, the electric motors provide exhilarating torque that you've never felt before in a gas-powered SUV. The iX may not be the prettiest car in the park, but the gorgeous interior, long-range, and sporty performance give it that "X factor." Once behind the wheel, you'll forget what the grille looks like, and you'll grin from ear to ear.