10 Things That Make The BMW iX Special
The EV revolution is now coming into its own, and 2023 might be the year it truly takes shape. Electric vehicles come in all form factors now, and each market segment is more competitive than the next. This is especially true for luxury SUVs, and German manufacturer BMW intends to make its mark with the new iX SUV. The iX is a new model for 2023 and is essentially an electrified version of the popular X5 SUV by BMW. Just like the X5, the iX is a stylish and spacious SUV that packs a punch and comes with more than a handful of luxury features. Power comes from two electric motors that produce up to 610 horsepower and optional features such as an adjustable air suspension system and rear-wheel steering help refine the driving experience even more. The iX is also equipped with a large 105.2-kWh battery pack estimated to provide up to 324 miles on a single charge by the EPA. BMW has been in the EV game for a while now, but the iX represents an all-new generation of EVs headed our way and so far, it has delivered on all its promises. Here are 10 things that make the BMW iX special.
Related: 10 Most Affordable Electric SUVs In 2023
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1
It Has A Unique Exterior
BMW
A front shot of the 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 parked by the river
The X5 has built a reputation for being one of the most stylish vehicles in its class and the iX has divided a lot of opinions when it comes to its exterior design, but it proudly carries the torch forward. At the front, you’ll see the iconic BMW kidney grille in an even more prominent form, slim headlights, and angular lines that combine for a unique look that has admittedly put quite a few people off. The wheelbase is long and the side profile is characterized by a sloping roofline that merges into the spoiler at the back. The rear end is minimalistic with thin taillights that curve around at the edges. Overall, the iX’s exterior design signifies a design leap for BMW that may be a bit polarizing from some angles, but it definitely stands out among its rivals such as the Genesis GV60 and the Audi Q8 e-Tron.
2
The BMW iX Delivers A Lot Of Power
BMW
A rear shot of a 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 parked by the mountainside.
The iX is a fairly large vehicle, and a vehicle of its size requires a lot of power to propel it forward quickly, Fortunately, BMW has equipped it with potent electric motors that deliver a powerful punch. The iX comes in two versions: the base xDrive 50 variant has a combined power output of 516 horsepower while the higher-spec M60 version produces a whopping 610 horsepower. For comparison, the M60i version of the ICE-powered BMW X5 has an output of 523 horsepower thanks to its twin-turbo V-8. Even EV rivals such as the Genesis GV70 (483 horsepower) and the Audi e-Tron (496 horsepower) fail to measure up to the BMW iX, making it one of the most powerful electric SUVs you can buy right now.
Related: 10 Electric Crossovers That Are Fun To Drive
3
It Is The Fastest BMW SUV Ever
BMW
2023 BMW iX M60 driving on a rainy day
Being an EV, the iX is expected to deliver faster acceleration times than similarly-sized ICE-powered vehicles, but the M60 version of the BMW iX exceeds all expectations. BMW claimed that it would deliver a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, but a real-world test drive performed by MotorTrend clocked the iX M60 at 3.2 seconds. The quarter-mile time was measured at 11.5 seconds at a speed of 121.6 mph. BMW has electronically limited its top speed to 155 mph, but the iX is comfortably the quickest BMW SUV ever. The previous holder of this title was the X5 M Competition with a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. If you opt for the base xDrive50 variant, you can expect to go from 0-60 mph in about 4.0 seconds which is still very fast for a luxury SUV of this size.
4
The iX Offers An Impressive Amount Of Range
BMW
Side Angle Shot Of BMW iX White Color Parked Infront Of A House
The range is the all-important question when it comes to the spec sheet of an EV. It can make or break the deal, and the BMW iX delivers in this regard. Thanks to the beefy 105.2-kWh battery pack, the base xDrive50 version offers an EPA-estimated range of 324 miles on a single charge, while the more powerful M60 offers an estimated range of 280 miles on a single charge. In many cases, EVs fall well short of their estimated range, but the BMW iX appears to have surpassed its claimed range, especially in the case of the M60. BMW has supplemented this range with DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 35 minutes using a 200-kW connection. When charging at home, the iX takes 10.25 hours to charge with a standard 11-kW charger.
Related: 5 Electric SUVs You Should Buy (And, 5 You Should Avoid)
5
The BMW iX Is A Lot More Spacious Than The X5
BMW
2023 BMW iX M60 side view
The amount of space offered is an important metric for SUVs and the BMW iX beats the X5 in cargo space despite being almost the same size. The iX offers 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 77.9 cubic feet of space when you fold down the rear seats. For comparison, the X5 offers 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and up to 72.3 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. Like many other EVs, the iX does not have any space in its ‘frunk’. Even though the iX doesn’t offer as much space as the Tesla Model X, its own figures are quite generous and the iX will not leave you asking for more when it comes to space.
6
The Interior Is Extremely Luxurious
BMW
Shot of a BMW iX’s interior showcasing the digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system.
The BMW iX may have a unique exterior and a powerful and robust powertrain, but the interior is where it really shines. The interior is simple and modern at the same time and is dominated by a large curved touchscreen instrument panel and a hexagonal-shaped steering wheel. Everything is made with excruciating attention to detail and made using high-end and sustainable materials. A panoramic sunroof is standard, and it is made using electrochromic glass that not only enhances the feeling of space inside the cabin but also insulates it from direct sunlight. Heated front seats are also a standard feature, and you can opt for both faux leather and genuine leather upholstery along with a textile seat fabric option.
Related: 10 Gamechanging EVs That Hit The Market
7
BMW Has Loaded It With Innovative Technology
BMW
Dashboard Shot Of BMW iX Interior Features
One look at the interior of the iX, and you can tell this vehicle is a high-tech specimen. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster blends into the 14.9-inch central infotainment system, resulting in a widescreen experience matched by few other EVs. The infotainment system itself features the latest iDrive 8 software by BMW. One of the new features of iDrive 8 is that the iX can predict the traffic situation along your route and adjust it accordingly, along with being able to take you to the closest available parking spot and charging station. The iX is also equipped with a Remote Theft Recorder which sends a feed of all the cameras to your smartphone when the anti-theft alarm system goes off. Even the kidney grille at the front has self-healing properties and can heal minor scratches by itself.
8
The iX Comes With IconicSounds Composed By Hans Zimmer
BMW
A front three-quarter shot of a Silver 2022 BMW iX xDrive50
EVs may be quicker and more efficient than ICE vehicles, but they can never replicate the thrill of hearing an engine roar. Manufacturers try to emulate the sound using speakers, but it is really hard to pull it off without sounding forced. For the iX, BMW has collaborated with legendary film composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer to come up with a new solution: BMW IconicSounds Electric. When played on the optional 30-speaker Bowers and Wilkin’s speaker system, they can result in a truly immersive experience. There are different sound presets available too including personal, sport, efficient, and expressive. Replicating engine sounds can often backfire, but the BMW IconicSounds is one of the best implementations so far.
Related: 10 Upcoming EVs To Watch Out For
9
It Heralds An All-New Generation Of EVs By BMW
BMW
Side Profile Of BMW iX
BMW is no stranger to EVs. The first-ever mass-produced EV was the i3 hatchback which has since been discounted. BMW followed it up with hybrid models that followed the same design language such as the i8, but the iX, along with others such as the i4 and i7, signifies a shift in BMW’s strategy as it joins everyone else in the race towards electrification. The iX and i4 are both considered some of the best offerings in their respective classes, and BMW will look to build upon this base with its future offerings. Competition is tough, though, with the iX taking on established players such as Audi and Tesla and newcomers such as Rivian and Fisker. One thing is for certain, though, the BMW iX is a special vehicle and a clear indication of the innovations we can expect to emerge from Bavaria in the not-so-distant future.
10
It Could Become The First Ever Color-Changing Car
BMW
The iX Flow color changing feature of a BMW iX
At CES 2022, BMW revealed an iX M60 concept that came with something called iX Flow, a unique technology that allowed the iX to change color on the show floor. This was made possible using E-Ink and electrophoretic technology that gives a driver the ability to change the vehicle’s color with the press of a button. It is a complex process that takes into account the abilities of light and dark colors to reflect sunlight and the absorption of thermal energy that comes with it. BMW even says that this feature should help the amount of cooling or heating required by the vehicle’s AC. It is still very much a proof of concept, and we probably won’t see it on production vehicles any time soon, but we can expect the iX to be one of the first vehicles to get it when it does make its way into the mainstream.
