BMW’s electric SUV has a unique look and personality.
From its unconventional Johnny-Cab-meets-Ralph-McQuarrie shuttle shape to its geometric kidney grille, the BMW iX looks different on the road. When our SUV of the Year judges saw this big, weird thing, anyone could talk about how it looked.
“It’s disturbing and lacks cohesion.” “I can’t forgive his face.” “It looks like an overweight rodent baring its teeth.” On and on.
Then we drove.
The iX handles itself with a grace that many other mainstream BMWs lack, let alone its luxury EV competition, and despite weighing more than 5,700 pounds, it offers surprising athleticism, balance, and pomp. With 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, the xDrive50i we tested soared to 60 mph in four seconds (the M60 was even faster), and the iX’s light, precise steering provided plenty of feel when the road twisted. Many editors rave about the brake pedal, with associate editor Duncan Brady summing it up: “This is what an EV brake pedal should feel like, lightly engaging at the top of its travel, and the further you go, the more braking power builds up.” But equally so. It’s impressive how the iX plays the role of a luxury cruiser with amazing ride quality and a quiet, comfortable cabin.
And, oh, what a cabin, an indulgent and supremely luxurious space punctuated with exquisite detailing. Bottom: Seat quilting around the sides and front of the bottom; delicate architectural pillars that support the digital displays; cantilevered center console in walnut; driving mode sounds by Hans Zimmer; and efficient electrochromic panoramic glass skylight. The semi-autonomous, hands-free driving feature was again at the top of this year’s competition, confidently placing the SUV within its lines on the highway, even on the twisty two-lane sections of our test loop.
complaint? On the one hand, iDrive is still frustrating about how and where you access certain features and how deeply they are placed in the menu structure. Selecting Sport mode, for example, requires too many touches; this should just be a button, and we’d generally welcome more hard buttons. Also, the visually striking hexagonal steering wheel isn’t for all users, although its shape reveals more of the dashboard to the driver. And, well, most of us are still not fans of this face.
Nonetheless, the iX scores highly in our further development of design criteria. “It represents a bold new era for BMW and sets the stage for bold design,” said associate editor Alex Leanse. While the iX’s finger wiggles aren’t a cause for concern, putting the washer fluid filler under the BMW rondel on the hood is a neat solution. There’s no denying that this SUV looks like a lot of fun. Many of us have a soft spot for its aesthetic when examining the exterior details, including the rose gold detailing, the textures applied to individual components, and the seemingly intricate interiors of the headlights and taillights.
This expertly executed electric SUV represents the future of BMW, from its handling and design to its technology and how it can be enjoyed by those lucky enough to be inside. Yes, the iX does look different on the road – and offers an experience like no other.
Connor Mason is a passionate automotive journalist and the author behind the popular website motonews.info. With years of experience in the automotive industry, Connor is well-versed in all things related to cars and motorcycles.
