The i3 hatchback, which was debuted in 2014, is the first all-new, totally electric BMW in quite some time, but the wait was unquestionably worthwhile. Simply said, the BMW iX, the automaker’s first electric SUV, is magnificent. The iX only comes in one flavour for its first year, which BMW refers it as the xDrive50. According to BMW, the iX can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds thanks to two electric motors, one at each axle. These motors create an impressive 516 horsepower in total.
Unlike a Tesla Model X Plaid or Model Y Performance, it won’t tether you to your seat, but based on our driving expertise, we are confident that acceleration will far beyond most drivers’ expectations. The iX also inspires confidence in spirited drivers, encouraging them to attack curves as though driving a smaller, sportier car. The interior of the iX is comparable to that of the contemporary X5, and the model’s flat floor (which has a central hump) enables roomy rear seating. Some very bizarre interior elements can be found in the cabin. For instance, the interior is treated to textile and faux suede materials organised in strange, clashing patterns when the blue and black upholstery colour scheme is used.
The iX is without a doubt BMW’s most technologically advanced vehicle to date. The navigation system’s augmented reality overlay, an electrochromatic sunroof that changes from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, and a remote car parking system that can recall how to enter and depart particularly challenging parking spaces are some of the highlights. The iDrive 8 infotainment system, which has a redesigned user interface, individualised user profiles with more customisation options, and more capable voice controls, is also available for the first time on a BMW with the iX.
We are generally pleased with the iX. It provides a sportier performance than the Audi e-tron and a more opulent and polished driving experience than the Tesla Model X. Additionally, it performs on par with or better than any midsize SUV with a gasoline engine, including BMW’s own laudable X5. To find out more about the performance, range, utility, and other aspects of the iX, read our full review below.
What’s the price of EV BMW iX ?
When the iX debuts in early 2022, it will be a completely new, all-electric model in the BMW lineup. The M60 model won’t be available until the 2023 model year, but we anticipate it to sell for a hefty premium over the xDrive50 variant. For the time being, we’ll suggest the iX, which includes nearly all of the luxury and convenience features that a vehicle of this kind should with a price tag of $84,195.
EV : The iX Drive
The iX is a perfect illustration of how electric SUVs are rethinking how big vehicles are supposed to behave. A feeling of being hunkered down is further aided by the weight of the batteries positioned low under the floor. The iX therefore slides around curves with ease, and the mild steering gives the impression that the car is lighter and smaller than it actually is.
The 22-inch wheels and tyres on our test car were an option. In our emergency braking test, they helped the iX brake down from 60 mph to a complete stop in an astounding 116 feet and offer respectable levels of cornering grip. It is simple to navigate using only the accelerator pedal and letting the regen handle the braking because the iX can generate a lot of regenerative braking during routine driving. Because the iX can dance, brakes are crucial. In our testing, the acceleration to 60 mph took just 4.2 seconds. That compares favourably to BMW’s gas-powered X5 M and is faster than the majority of EVs, including the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron.
EV : Comfort and Tech
Thankfully, the iX’s upholstered seats are among the coolest-looking and most comfy ones on the market right now. The front seats provide good adjustability options and efficient seat heaters. On the road, the iX rides fairly well as well. Although there is still a slight suggestion of athletic stiffness rather than complete cloud-like softness, we believe the wider 22-inch wheels on our test car may have contributed to this. Additionally, it is a very quiet SUV, and on the highway, wind and road noise are barely audible.
Some of the newest BMW technologies are on display in the iX, and they’re rather amazing. Although the performance of BMW’s sophisticated driver aids might be hit or miss, they work well in this situation. We were incredibly happy with how well all the features worked, with the exception of the annoying adaptive cruise distance adjustment. In terms of how it answers and its capacity to modify settings, such as the climate control, BMW’s speech-activated virtual assistant also outperforms other voice control systems. It’s more practical than flashy.
With its Android smartphone connectivity, BMW pushes the limit even farther. Android users may quickly pair their phones to the vehicle, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions appear in the driver’s instrument panel. We’ve never experienced integration on this new a level. Despite being wireless, Apple CarPlay does not yet have that level of integration. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system was also included in our test vehicle. It had some cool party tricks up its sleeve, like as “4D bass,” which essentially vibrates your seat in time with the music for a more immersive experience. We thought it was quite impressive. When you can feel the podcasts, why simply listen to them?
EV : Interior and Storage
Amazing, this interior! The iX interior is not only stunning to look at, but also very practical. To begin with, it’s simple to join. It’s difficult to imagine entry getting any simpler than this, what with the big door openings and low stepovers. In fact, it can if it has the optional air suspension, which enables a much lower load height. Once inside, the cabin’s flat floor, both seats have plenty of head- and legroom, and there is also plenty of shoulder room. The visibility is good, especially out the front windows, and the various cameras easily handle anything that is difficult to see naturally.
The iX’s cargo spaces benefit from its excellent utility. A lot more than the Jaguar I-Pace (23.2 cubic feet) and Audi e-tron (28.5 cubic feet), but not quite as much as the Tesla Model X, there are 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seats. The rear seats have simple release buttons at the back hatch and can split and fold flat into three parts. But unlike the Model X, there is no front trunk.
There are some decent possibilities for your personal stuff, but there isn’t quite as much inside storage for little goods. Your best options are going to be the middle armrest bin and door pockets. Child safety seats fit easily in the iX. With ample rear seat room and easy access to the Isofix anchors and top tethers on the back of each rear seat location, it is simple to fit any size seat, facing any direction. The iX is not given that grade for the U.S. market even if it is rated to tow a reasonable amount in several other regions.
EV : Range and Efficiency
With the optional 22-inch wheels, which our test vehicle was outfitted with, the iX xDrive50 has an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles, or 324 miles with the standard 20-inch wheels. Impressively, on our standardised real-world EV range test route, we easily surpassed the EPA’s prediction. Here, the iX travelled 377 miles on a single charge, one of the furthest distances an EV has yet to go.
The iX’s efficiency, or how little electricity it consumes while moving, is also remarkable. We calculated that every 100 miles of driving utilised 32 kWh. That’s one of the best outcomes in the class and is consistent with what we’ve noticed from EV’s with lower power, like Ford’s Mustang Mach-E. The iX has an 11-kW onboard charger, which BMW claims can charge the vehicle from empty to full on a Level 2 home charger in just over 10 hours. Additionally, it has a DC fast-charging capacity of up to 195 kW, which allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in around 40 minutes.
EV : Value for Money ?
Looking at the iX’s price tag at first look, we wouldn’t say it’s cheap. The iX, however, starts to seem more affordable when compared to the products in its sector. The construction feels really sturdy. Everything inside has a beautiful appearance, feels solid, and is securely fastened. One of the best contemporary luxury interiors we’ve seen thus far, without a doubt.
The warranty offered by BMW is comparable to that offered by most luxury brands. With generous rust-through coverage of 12 years/unlimited miles and a battery guarantee of 8 years/100,000 miles, the basic coverage has a four-year/50,000-mile lifespan. A benefit offered by BMW is free maintenance for three years and 36,000 miles, as well as two years of no-cost fast charging on the Electrify America network.
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