BMW’s iX xDrive50: A Bold Electric SUV That’s Not Without Its Quirks

BMW’s iX xDrive50 is a daring new electric SUV that pushes boundaries in performance, technology, and design. As one of BMW’s first all-new EVs built from the ground up, it represents a significant leap forward for the brand. However, like any ambitious project, it comes with both triumphs and tribulations.

Power and Performance That Thrill

Underneath its controversial exterior lies a powertrain that delivers serious thrills. The iX xDrive50 pairs a 190-kW motor on the front axle with a more potent 230-kW unit at the rear, generating a combined 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds—impressive for a vehicle that weighs nearly 5,800 pounds.

The instant torque delivery makes the iX feel surprisingly agile in everyday driving. Merging onto highways becomes effortless, and passing slower traffic requires minimal planning. BMW offers multiple driving modes that adjust throttle response, steering weight, and even the optional “Iconic Sounds” created by film composer Hans Zimmer. These artificial powertrain noises use Shepard tones to create an illusion of infinite acceleration—a sci-fi touch that some will love and others will want to disable.

For those seeking even more performance, BMW introduced the 610-hp iX M60 for 2023, which slashes the 0-60 time to 3.6 seconds. While not quite in Tesla Model X Plaid territory, it’s quick enough to embarrass most gas-powered SUVs.

Range That Delivers (Mostly)

The iX’s 105.2 kWh battery pack provides EPA-estimated ranges between 305 and 324 miles, depending on wheel size. During testing, I achieved 209 miles of real-world range starting from 80% charge with 17% remaining—about 10 miles better than EPA estimates would suggest, even with significant mountain driving in Sport mode.

Charging is reasonably quick, with the iX capable of pulling up to 195 kW at DC fast-charging stations. This means adding approximately 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes or charging from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes. At home on Level 2 charging, expect to replenish the battery in around 11 hours.

A Ride That Soaks Up the Road

Despite its substantial weight, the iX delivers a remarkably composed driving experience. The low-mounted battery pack provides excellent weight distribution, allowing BMW’s engineers to tune the suspension for comfort without sacrificing handling. The optional Dynamic Handling package adds adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering, enhancing both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.

On 22-inch wheels (the largest available), the iX still manages to absorb most road imperfections with surprising grace. The steering is precise and communicative, making the SUV feel smaller and more nimble than its dimensions suggest.

Design That Divides Opinion

Here’s where things get interesting—and potentially controversial. The iX’s exterior design is, to put it mildly, polarizing. The front fascia features BMW’s new corporate grille, which has already sparked heated debates among enthusiasts. The overall proportions feel awkward to many eyes, with severe lines that don’t quite harmonize.

However, the iX isn’t without clever details. The grille is made from a self-healing polymer that can repair minor scratches and chips over time—especially when exposed to heat. The roundel above the grille pops open to reveal washer fluid nozzles, a more elegant solution than Mercedes’ awkward fender-mounted system on the EQS.

Inside, the story changes dramatically. The cabin is a showcase of premium materials and thoughtful design. Crystal-cut glass controls, unique wood veneer capacitive buttons, and high-quality leather create an atmosphere of luxury. The electrochromic glass roof can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, enhancing the already spacious feel.

Technology That’s Both Impressive and Frustrating

BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system represents a significant evolution, featuring a pair of large displays that appear to float above the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, both offering crisp graphics and smooth operation.

However, the menu structure is a labyrinth of tiny icons with poor organization. Nearly 30 icons populate the main screen with no logical grouping, making it difficult to find specific functions while driving. While customization is possible, the out-of-the-box experience feels overwhelming compared to more intuitive competitors.

The iX comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity. Six USB-C ports are scattered throughout the cabin, and there are clever phone slots in the center console and doors.

Driver assistance features are comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Steering Assist all available. The system works well in most situations, though I experienced two instances where my palm accidentally contacted the capacitive steering wheel controls during turns, causing the cruise control to unexpectedly resume.

The Bottom Line

The 2023 BMW iX xDrive50 starts at $85,095, with well-equipped models pushing toward $100,000. This positions it as a premium offering in the electric SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model X, and various Mercedes-EQ models.

Judged purely on its driving dynamics, range, and technological capabilities, the iX is an impressive achievement that showcases BMW’s engineering prowess. The electric powertrain delivers exhilarating performance, the range is competitive, and the ride quality is exceptional.

However, the numerous ergonomic quirks and design choices prevent it from achieving perfection. The steering wheel controls can be dangerous if accidentally triggered, the door releases require awkward manipulation, and the infotainment system’s organization leaves much to be desired.

BMW has created a vehicle that’s simultaneously brilliant and baffling—a technological tour de force wrapped in a package that may leave you scratching your head. Whether the iX’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses depends largely on your priorities and tolerance for idiosyncrasy.

For those who prioritize driving dynamics and don’t mind a learning curve with the technology, the iX offers a compelling electric SUV experience. For others, the combination of its controversial styling and ergonomic issues might be too much to overcome, regardless of how well it drives.

Tags: #BMW #iX #electricSUV #EV #electricvehicle #BMWix #xDrive50 #electriccar #luxurySUV #sustainablemobility #greencar #automotive #cardesign #EVtechnology #electricperformance #BMWinnovation

Viral Sentences:

• BMW’s iX has a self-healing grille that repairs scratches with heat
• The iX’s cabin is so gorgeous it almost forgives the awkward exterior
• BMW’s new iX can add 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging
• The iX’s Hans Zimmer-designed sounds use Shepard tones for infinite acceleration illusion
• BMW’s iX weighs nearly 5,800 pounds but handles like a much smaller vehicle
• The iX’s door releases are positioned so awkwardly you’ll need both hands to exit
• BMW’s iDrive 8 has nearly 30 tiny icons with no logical organization
• The iX’s steering wheel controls can accidentally resume cruise control mid-turn
• BMW’s iX offers 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque in electric silence
• The iX’s 105.2 kWh battery provides up to 324 miles of EPA-estimated range

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