Review of 2022 model BMW iX reveals window to brand’s future

BMW is in the midst of an electric vehicle offensive with the iX now sitting atop the range with an array of features and rapid performance.

Debate surrounding the electric vehicle future has gone up a notch.

While firmly on the political agenda as the nation looks to meet stringent emission targets, already the tide is beginning to turn.

Last month Australians bought more battery electric vehicles than ever before.

Courtesy of a Tesla influx, the new motoring alternative accounted for 4.4 per cent of the total market. Throw hybrids into the mix and that number jumped to more than 10 per cent.

For years EVs had been hovering below one per cent.

But car companies are delivering new models, and BMW is among those at the forefront.

Five full electric cars are now available Down Under, including the flagship iX. Other vehicles in the range essentially look the same as the combustion engine brethren – but while this all-wheel drive SUV shares some of its lineage with the X5, it’s a dramatically different beast. Albeit a near silent one.

Starting from about $188,000 drive-away, the 2022 BMW iX.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Wow factor personified. This was something spectacular.

GRANT: BMW’s iX certainly lived up to expectations in terms of fit, finish and looks both inside and out. Our youngest child professed his love after just 100m from school pick-up.

KEL: That massive curved display was a showstopper, along with brilliant leather-trimmed seats that even had a massage function.

GRANT: Minimalist styling is at the forefront of cabin design, with the highlight that spectacular display which combines the driver’s 12.3-inch display and the 14.9-inch central screen. There are no conventional door handles either, just buttons.

KEL: Everything reeks of expense. I guessed a hefty price-tag, but hit me with it …

GRANT: One could be in your driveway for just over $180k.

KEL: Ouch, that’s super expensive. Although I’m not surprised.

GRANT: There is a less expensive two-wheel drive version for about $148,000, yet there is also a range-topping M60 version that gets close to $230,000. The xDrive50 we drove is middle ground with a range of about 620km.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Cabin space was gigantic. There was equally as much space in the second row as upfront.

GRANT: At more than 4.5m long it has more cabin space than an X5, although less boot area. Dripping with opulence, the seats are brilliant and it’s cool how the front seat adjustment is made on the doors – a modern version of an old-school Mercedes-Benz feature.

KEL: Despite the lack of buttons it was surprisingly easy to navigate functions. The under-console area was a good storage area and phone holders in the doors were a nice touch.

GRANT: Ride height makes entry and exit easy and collectively it’s a beautifully comfortable ride. Also spectacular is the massive photochromatic sunroof, automatically adjusting for the sun, which can also completely electronically shade occupants at the touch of a button.

Inside the 2022 BMW iX cabin.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Having spent more time in electric cars in recent years I certainly see the appeal, but using a normal household power point to charge is a long process.

GRANT: Buyers would need to spend probably about $2000 to get a fast charger at home. This model does charge quickly, and with a BMW Wallbox it will deliver 100km of range in 1hr 40min, although a public super fast charger can do the same job in six minutes.

KEL: That price ensures it remains prohibitive for most.

GRANT: And if you want a seat cooling function it is part of a $3500 comfort pack, which also includes extra heating in places like the console and armrests.

Rear seat space in BMW iX.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: The power is amazing. It’s really quick.

GRANT: While not Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan territory, it can rip from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

KEL: I really enjoyed the drive, it was smooth and virtually silent. There was the ability to change the artificial sound, but I liked how quiet and refined it was.

GRANT: BMW has forged a reputation for driving thrills but this version of the iX is more occupant-focused. In the corners it can lean and roll, while the steering is not as direct as typical BMW sporting variants.

Using a high powered charging station, 100km of range can be added to the BMW iX in six minutes.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: This was one of my favourite drives of all time. I liked all of the features and the operations weren’t daunting despite the high-tech inclusions. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d have it on the consideration list.

GRANT: Spectacular technology is on show with the iX. The attention to detail, strong features list and uber comfort levels is a window to BMW’s future. It’s too expensive now, but watch some of these innovations become commonplace in brand’s range.