When quality, refinement, good taste, and the best technology applied to a car, come together at a time when electrification is the order of the day, this is the result. The BMW iX ! Those were days when we always traveled first class!
With the BMW iX we are talking about the top. Not just because of the high ground clearance, but because we are looking at a top of the range that showcases what we do best. Something that is not available to all builders. All of this comes at a high price, of course(!), but there is no beauty without exception, and this BMW iX shows what you pay for in every detail.
Apart from the propeller brand, and the star brand, and speaking of builders with high sales volume, nothing else achieves these levels of luxury. Of course, as mentioned, the vast list of options for this unit places it around 50 thousand euros above the base price , but it is also true that it contributes a lot to this feeling of being at the top of the tops. If the image is relatively debatable, the quality, space and comfort on board is definitely not.
Non-consensual exterior
The huge grille with the double kidney at the front is not consensual, but it hides a whole range of sensors that elevate the driving experience to another level. There are almost five meters of technology and details that make all the difference. If I were to talk about everyone, this text would become too long. Even so, I can list the carbon fiber panels that help contain the weight, the movable curtains inside the air intakes in the bumper, the electric door handles embedded in the face, the nozzles hidden in the logos for cleaning the chambers and so many , so many others.
Inside, we are first class, wherever we are. More impressive than the very high quality materials , some of which are recycled, and which combine wood with Alcantara-like finishes and crystal controls, or the panoramic glass roof that becomes opaque at the touch of a button, is the soundproofing achieved, even with four frameless doors. Silence reigns and this is not just because it is a 100% electric model, but also because of this extraordinary sound insulation.
Top onboard technology
The instrument panel joins the central screen of the infotainment system as if it were a single curved screen and the steering wheel now has a hexagonal appearance to favor visibility and reading. The options and menus are many, so many that it can take several hours to be explored. Something that can be done, for example, during loading time.
BMW has not even forgotten a place to place the smartphone without it sliding or “rattling” with other objects. Space on board, both for objects and for passengers, also reigns. These can travel in the back with everything they are entitled to and without the floor being too high, as with several electric models due to the positioning of the batteries. As for luggage space, we have “only” the 500 liters of the rear luggage rack.
Supersonic and aerodynamic
Behind the wheel, and with an excellent driving position, we feel torn between enjoying all the comfort and technology at peaceful paces, and pouring out more than 520 hp and 765 Nm of torque with stunning accelerations, even with more than 2 .5 tons of weight. We can even take advantage of a Sport mode and of course, several levels of regeneration to help in the most critical point, braking. Despite the imposing dimensions, the aerodynamics were very well achieved in this BMW iX.
Since of the two engines, one on each axle, it is the rear that usually has priority. Thus, you even get a slight drift from the rear to point you in the right direction. Although tall and heavy, the center of gravity is low, which favors it in this chapter with the BMW iX showing good control of body movements. The 22” wheels also help and don’t compromise comfort too much, also at very high levels.
And the autonomy of this BMW iX?
However, and with the consumption obtained, the expected range is between 450 and 500 km . This in mixed use, and which are more than acceptable values for the price and type of car we have. However, the autonomy announced by the brand exceeds 600 km. Finally, a pure luxury family! I usually say that this is one of those that “I got used to easily”! And it is!
Endless options, and expensive!
In terms of the options present, the highlight is the incredible BMW Laserlight lighting system (€1707) and its impeccable operation. In addition to this, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, designed by Bowers & Wilkins, achieves an unbelievable sound experience with sound being projected from everywhere. To believe that it is really something unbelievable… it has a price of 4455€. The lighting inside the columns simulating a turbine is just one of the details. However, we also have the soft closing of the doors (550€) and the Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof (2780€), or the sports pack (2601€) that contribute to the unrivaled experience with this German luxury SUV.
In short, after a few days at the wheel of this BMW iX xDrive 50, I’ve been laughing a lot. Especially when they tell me about other trams coming from the other side of the Atlantic. Comparisons? None of that, there are absolutely incomparable things!