2022 BMW iX | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #351

BMW has launched their first all-electric SUV, the 2022 iX. We share our first impressions on this new EV's technological advancements, styling, controls, and what makes it stand out from competitors like Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. We also discuss whether or not an EV is actually greener than a gas powered vehicle when taking into account how the electricity is generated.

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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - 2022 BMW iX First Impressions
18:42 - Question: Are EVs really greener than gas powered vehicles?

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Preview: All-Electric 2022 BMW iX Offers Fresh Design and 300-Mile Range

2022 BMW iX

Best ‘Green Choice’ SUVs That Are CR Recommended

How Your Car Can Make the Air Cleaner

Alternative Fuels Data Center

Guide to Car Safety

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[storresfalcon]

I learn a lot every time Kelly is on the show. The things she knows are incredibly rare to find anywhere else on other media. 👍

[DoctorSkillz]

Kelly brought those facts for Peter from Toronto.

[jagslr]

Great video. Notice that all of you had issues with the vehicle's controls and ergonomics. Long time BMW sales rep here (now retired) but we would never let you leave the dealership without a thorough delivery service in order to help you navigate through the various controls and functions. This usually took 1 to 2 hours depending on your technology knowledge. Once you're acquainted with the various controls and vehicle functions, it all makes sense. Seriously though, this should be a mandatory stop on delivery day or you'll miss a lot of the great things that make BMW the brand that they are. Understandably, you may have been driving press vehicles and just handed the keys. My wife and I both drive the product and very much look forward to electrifying our next vehicles. Thanks again for the great update.

[identicloak]

To turn off the car, you can set to "Standby mode when doors opened" under "Doors and Windows" -> "Lock/unlock" in settings.
For other ICE BMWs, you can do the same with settings to turn off car when the door is open.
Regardless, everything would turn off when you lock the car.
I can't figure out how the cars could be left on, do you not lock the car after you park and exit the vehicle?

As for the lack of buttons, apparently the voice control has improved over previous generation, and there is also a on screen shortcuts "Quick Access" by swiping down from the top of the screen, or moving the iDrive controller "UP" to program in your desired functions for quick access.

[chriszawertany]

$96000 What a deal-they never mention what electric vehicles cost to insure-Tesla the cheap one $3200 a year-check for yourself.

[lukerinderknecht]

Didn't think it was possible, but the iX makes the i3 look attractive...

[Doodes]

There was much emphasis on the admittedly high price, but it's starting price is lower than that of a Tesla Model S and X which it directly competes with.

[PaulHo]

Keith epitomizes "that sounds like a personal problem".

[jstephens]

Please save the money and test two more affordable models. I realize that some contributors buy these, but average members are more interested in what they can afford. Example: Why test 6 Land Rovers that are consistently unreliable, expensive and low volume sellers.

[TheUsflow]

Great show. Thanks Kelly, Keith, and Jon. I'm really happy with my 2019 VW Golf SE I bought based on CR's rating and report. Simple to use manual climate controls, and adaptive cruise control button on the steering wheel to change the following distance at 1/4 of the price of this iX. Even has a traditional gear shifter. I am getting 34 mpg. I'm also commenting because I have contacted CR repeatedly to correct the clear error in reporting of mpg for the 2019 Golf which cannot be 28 mpg. That figure is from a prior tested car with an entirely different engine and 6 instead of 8 speed transmission and no auto start-stop (which I think does save a good amount of fuel despite what was said last episode, right?). At the minimum CR should report the mpg as unknown or N/A. Thanks!

[jcjammer]

Hmmm, looks like they blended an older BMW grill with the mask from Scream.

[sjwang]

Man, that BMW is hideous and the interior doesn’t look like a nearly $100k car at all!

[irnbrukidsm]

Car reviewers across the world have made a living saying that all SUVs look the same…..an automaker makes a totally different looking SUV….thank goodness at last….a brilliant statement car…..and every car reviewer across the world has really made a big deal about this car…well done BMW

[JW]

I think many of us owe Chris Bangle an appology. I thought E65 was ugly.

[emiliorescigno]

Why does CR constantly harp on controls and displays, and seems to not even have a basic understanding of stuff that matters for EVs, like charging curves, finding public chargers, scheduling, etc?

[JoeMa-hmze]

Ridiculous, the sound system always turns off as soon as you open the door on ANY modern BMW, including the iX. As for most if the settings they felt were difficult, most of those can be managed via a voice command, including the following distance while on cruise control. They are car reviewers, seriously. This is why I dropped my Consumer Reports subscription years ago and see no reason to ever resubscribe. The iX is the best EV-SUV available at the moment and reviews like this will turn people away before actually driving it. I drove it for several miles and didn't have any issues.

[nickolastiguan]

18:42 while Kelly did address Peter’s concerns/comments, perhaps it was not detailed enough for some. Check out Jason’s video on this topic, he gave a much more detailed presentation.

[WSOJ]

This car’s squirrel grill is so fugly that no amount of growing on me can save it.

[DoctorSkillz]

I like the BMW. It’s distinctive. Not every car has to be conventionally beautiful.

[markborkowski]

Putting so many controls in the touch screen is dangerous. It requires the driver to look away from the road.