2022 BMW iX XDrive50: InsideEVS In-Depth Review

It's true that the Tesla Model X is still the only electric three-row SUV on the market. The 2022 BMW iX does not change that fact. However, it does put some pressure on Tesla in the EV SUV space, and that’s still months ahead of the Mercedes EQS SUV and Rivian R1S. If the third row isn’t a must-have for you, the iX is a fantastic alternative to Tesla.

At first glance, the iX’s look probably isn’t for everyone. At this point, BMW grille talk is an overplayed song, but the massive twin kidneys on this SUV are too big to ignore. Hey, at least they have some pretty cool hidden features. Beyond the controversial front fascia, the rest of the exterior is neatly styled, with futuristic cues all over. The crimson red and copper pairing on our video car is my favorite spec, mainly because of its Iron Man–like vibe.

BMW saved its best design work for the cabin. Large swaths of eco-friendly leather drape over the seats, dash, and door panels. In place of the usual metal or plastic are shiny crystals for the seat controls and infotainment control wheel. The iDrive 8 infotainment is a massive improvement over the prior generation, with a huge 14.9-inch center touchscreen and more responsive software. This is far and away the best interior space of any BMW on sale today.

With 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque on tap, the iX xDrive50 is a deceiving monster in a straight line. It’s the same size as an X5 SUV, but it boogies with M3 pace in a straight line. And even with a curb weight of nearly 5,800 pounds, the big BMW handles itself with grace in the corners. It’s more engaging to pilot than any of its similarly sized combustion siblings. There is already a more powerful iX M60 version, but this car feels exciting enough to be the pinnacle of the range.

At the charging station, the iX puts in a solid performance. It is not Tesla-fast, but nearing 200kW means that it gets the job done plenty fast. This is a bigger batter to fill than some of the staple EVs like the Ioniq 5 for example, so it’s good that BMW delivers a decent charge curve. That said, peak speeds above 250 would be a nicer scenario.

The iX xDrive50 shows that BMW is serious about making quality electric vehicles that challenge segment leaders. Though some may rule it out because it can’t accommodate three rows worth of passengers, the iX is otherwise a solid SUV.

#bmw #ix #review

[InsideEVsUS]

Can you name another car with two sets of taillights? The Lucid Air is one of them!

[Ray__E]

At first I absolutely hated the style. But the more I see it, the look is growing on me. It's not perfect or the best looking vehicle on the market but it's okay in my opinion

[runedahl]

I don’t understand why so many YouTubers are so obsessed with the grill or in this case fake grill of the BMW cars. For a lot of carmakers the grill is often what separates them from other makers. When you see the grill of a Rolls Royce, Bentley, Alfa Romeo or Audi you knows what is coming. It is part of their identity and it separates them from others. Sure there is a lot of cars that looks boring and very similar but that does not make them good looking. In a few years the public perception of what is good looking might have changed. If you draw a parallel to film music there are some riffs that has to be there if you are composing the team song for a new James Bond movie. It does not matter whom the composer is that guitar riff has to be there. Otherwise it will just be an other spy movie. The same goes for BMW and the grill.

[beinlikeerrth]

The grill is a throwback to the old days of bmw with the tall long kidney grills - I love it 😍

[stennordenmalm]

Suddenly BMW is at the EV race top. A yt clip shows this car doing 345 miles at highway speed, 70 m/h. Very impressive and way longer than BMWs own claims.

[MYJ]

Many Audi suvs, the Licid Air, the BMW i3 all have a second set of taillights because the main set is in the trunk or tailgate.

[hopemarie]

Does anybody know what “The greatest car ever” website is about?

[bavariancarenthusiast]

It is special - looks different from the outside, you need to see it in real world. It's on my top 3 least for next car.

[CourtneyThompsonPemberton]

I wonder how it compares to the Rivian R1S

[paulh]

Hi,
Wondering if you (and the team 00 Dominick, Martyn, Tom and Kyle can do some foot work and find out for us what the heck the deal is with the Inflation Reduction Bill and the Chevy Bolt. Are they going to raise their prices after Jan1? Will they qualify for the 7.500? is the 7, 5000 a rebate, or credit or a joke? HELP

[dece]

Tesla Model X doesn't even hold a candle to this car. I challenge anyone to name 1 single feature of the car that is better than the iX.

[mtumasz]

3:05 Clearly, you missed the whole first generation of Opel Insignia Estate somehow🤣

[annawilson]

Thought BMW iX XDrive50 had autopilot EyeQ5. Had been interesting to see a review of that.

[Cedricmaker]

I scare my son and say "those nose will suck kids in", and my son now point out every one of those BMWs on the street and ask me to drive faster to escape

[updlate]

When was this review filmed exactly? There is no ix 40 available in the US as claimed, and the ix m60 is already available. The cheapest model X is currently $121k, not $115k. When comparably equipped to the base model X, and after tax credit that the BMW still qualifies for, the price difference in comparably equipped vehicles is something like $35, 000, which includes some valuable options you can't get on the model X like 4 wheel steering, HUD, surround view cameras, radiant heating, and massaging seats. The only reason this tested iX is over $102k is because it has the expensive but unnecessary sports package (trim pieces + larger wheels), full leather interior, and the most expensive paint option. Definitely agree that this is currently the best SUV in the market, or at the very least the best value. The only benefits in the model X right now, IMO, are it's slightly faster 0-60 time, its available (but expensive) 6 and 7 seat options, and sentry mode.

The e-tron is also a solid option. Although it doesn't have great range / efficiency, it does have a great charging curve. I guess we'll have to see what Audi brings to the table for the refresh, where its been widely hinted at that Audi will be increasing the vehicle's range.

[PluginDuo]

Man that is one nice EV SUV! we're between the ID.4, Model Y.... this is very tempting.... now, for the

[Gorgula]

Should have focused on how big the BMW emblems were, that's the first reason people buy these.

[markgold]

The level 2 charging is only overnight if you empty the car to zero and fill it to 100 every day, which is a really bad idea. For most people it will only require a couple of hours

[RussellFineArt]

Gorgeous car, however, ironic how a car that doesn't need a grill, got a MUCH bigger one!! Would like to see BMW designers lose the buck tooth grill, it's uglier than sin!

[EM..]

The seat patterns, headrest design, grille, and wheels need to be less offensive looking in my opinion.