EV Review: 2022 BMW iX

Photo Credits: BMW, Car and Driver

The New Electric Standard

2022 BMW iX Review

Intro

Once considered a forerunner in electrification, BMW has drifted back in the pack as other automakers have taken the lead in manufacturing electric vehicles.

By unveiling the BMW i3, a four-door EV hatchback that was introduced to the U.S. market in 2014, the German automaker was also pronouncing its commitment to the future, declaring it would have 12 fully electric models by 2025.

However, BMW has fallen behind in the global race to develop the next generation of EVs. It hopes to get back in the race with the 2022 BMW iX, an all-electric luxury midsize SUV crossover that seats five passengers and has standard all-wheel drive.

In fall 2021, BMW will begin selling the iX in Europe, and the SUV is supposed to be available to U.S. car buyers next spring.

BMW has not made the iX a secret. Plenty of auto experts have taken a look or driven the company’s first all-electric SUV. And one of the most discussed topics is the exterior look, which is the same width and length as the popular BMW X5.

Exterior Style

A love-it-or-hate-it front end is dominated by the double-kidney grille. It’s clearly not for everyone. The look is not envied here, but we love that the BMW logo resides at the top of the grille and opens up to serve as a spot to refill the wiper fluid.

Yet make no mistake, there are lots to like about the 2022 BMW iX. It has excellent performance, good overall range, offers super comfort, and has plenty of bells and whistles that will please tech-savvy folks.

Charging and Range

The iX has a 106-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and can travel approximately 300 miles before a charge is needed. A 200-kilowatt charge can give the iX around 90 miles of range in 10 minutes. A full charge at home takes about 11 hours.

Performance

Powered by a pair of electric motors, the iX delivers 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. It can travel 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. The iX employs regenerative braking and a “one-pedal driving” option can bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Expect a smooth, responsive ride in the iX. A standard suspension uses hydraulic damping, allowing for good body control and a soft ride.

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert/intersection assistance, safe exit, lane-departure, and rear-collision warnings, and front and rear parking sensors.

Interior Space

The iX has a spacious cabin that offers considerable technology, displayed on a curved digital instrument panel that includes a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver information screen with glass that’s glare resistant.

The interior uses multiple recyclable materials. We’re also fans of the olive-leaf-tanned leather seating, heated 16-way power-adjustable front seats, and the panoramic roof that is capable of allowing light in or blocking it.

Perhaps the most noticeable interior facet is oddly the steering wheel that’s shaped like a hexagon and not round.

The front seating is supportive and lush, so taking a long drive is done in total comfort. The front and back seats offer considerable legroom. The Cargo area nearly matches the X5 – 34 cubic feet that expands to 72 cubes with the second row folded to the floor.

Conclusion

Depending on one’s opinion of the controversial exterior, the 2022 BMW iX is a well-designed all-electric EV that the company hopes will provide some buzz as it gets more involved in electrification.

J.W.

User Video Review: 2022 BMW iX