The BMW iX burst onto the scene as BMW’s electric flagship SUV, promising a blend of luxury, cutting-edge technology, and zero-emission driving. My journey with the iX began with high expectations in Munich back in 2021 during its initial launch. Fast forward to 2024, and experiencing the American-spec model on familiar roads revealed a more nuanced picture, particularly when it came to ride comfort. While the iX undoubtedly represents a significant leap forward for BMW into the electric future, a crucial aspect for US drivers became apparent: the importance of optional air suspension.
Ride Comfort: A Tale of Two Suspensions
My initial encounter with the BMW iX in Germany left me impressed. Writing for Road & Track at the time, I lauded its quiet demeanor and “positively lush” suspension. However, a caveat lingered in my mind – would this translate to the less-than-perfect road surfaces of the United States? The smooth German autobahns are a far cry from typical American streets, riddled with bumps and imperfections.
Driving an iX xDrive50 stateside in California quickly answered that question. The standard suspension setup, while competent, proved to be noticeably firm and even jarring over bumps. This firmness compromised the luxurious experience I had anticipated and slightly diminished my enthusiasm for the iX as a daily driver. It felt less like a plush, premium SUV and more reactive than expected.
Experiencing the BMW iX xDrive50 on typical US roads revealed the standard suspension can be firm over bumps, impacting ride comfort.
Fortunately, BMW offers a remedy: a two-axle air suspension. This standalone $1,000 option for the xDrive50 (and standard on the performance-oriented iX M60) transforms the ride quality. Equipped with air suspension, the iX becomes noticeably more compliant, absorbing road imperfections with ease and delivering the luxurious ride expected in this class. For anyone considering the iX, particularly in regions with less-than-perfect roads, the air suspension is not just an option – it’s practically a necessity. Furthermore, opting for smaller wheels would likely enhance the plushness even further, prioritizing comfort over ultimate sporty aesthetics.
Interior and Technology: A Futuristic Oasis
Stepping inside the BMW iX is an experience in itself. The cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury, boasting a unique, high-quality, and forward-thinking design that stands out in the market. My test vehicle featured striking blue wool seats, a bold and refreshing departure from the ubiquitous black leather often found in this segment.
The interplay of the blue interior with golden bronze accents created a visually stunning environment, both bathed in sunlight and illuminated at night. The seats themselves are comfortable, although finding the ideal driving position might require a bit of adjustment due to the high seating position and expansive windshield. The overall sensation is akin to piloting a sophisticated, glass-encased pod rather than a traditional SUV, contributing to the iX’s distinctive character.
The BMW iX interior showcases a unique and luxurious design, featuring elements like blue wool seats and golden bronze accents, creating a sophisticated and inviting space.
BMW’s technology interface is equally impressive from a visual standpoint. The graphics are clean, modern, and attractive, characterized by minimalist icons and a cohesive design language throughout the system. The presentation avoids any cartoonish elements, maintaining a sharp and premium feel.
However, while aesthetically pleasing, BMW’s iDrive system isn’t without its usability quirks. While it surpasses Mercedes’ MB.OS in visual appeal, the latter arguably offers a more intuitive and feature-rich user experience. BMW’s system can feel cluttered with numerous, rarely used functions buried within the app menus. Moreover, certain functionalities that have become commonplace in modern automotive software are lacking. For instance, seamless voice commands for music streaming, readily available in Mercedes, Cadillac, and even Chevrolet models, require relying on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the iX.
Despite these software shortcomings, the iX excels as a serene and peaceful cruiser, especially when utilizing smartphone integration. Unlike some competitors that constantly bombard the driver with alerts and software interventions, the iX largely fades into the background, allowing for a relaxed driving experience. Features like the high-quality sound system, panoramic sunroof with electrochromic shading, and a rich head-up display enhance the overall ambiance without being intrusive. It’s a vehicle designed for comfortable long-distance journeys where the technology complements rather than dominates the experience.
Performance and Efficiency: Balancing Power and Range
BMW’s commitment to in-house electric motor development pays dividends in the iX’s impressive efficiency. Despite its substantial 5,659-pound curb weight and spacious cabin, the iX achieves remarkable energy economy. During my testing, I averaged 3.3 miles per kWh over 140 miles of mixed highway driving, including sustained 75 mph cruising and some traffic congestion.
The BMW iX demonstrates impressive energy efficiency, achieving a notable miles-per-kWh rating, contributing to its excellent real-world driving range.
The EPA officially rates the iX xDrive50 for 324 miles of range in mixed city/highway driving. However, my observed efficiency suggests a potentially even greater real-world range, particularly on highways. Applying my 3.3 miles/kWh figure to the 105.2-kWh usable battery capacity yields a theoretical highway range of approximately 347 miles, highlighting BMW’s tendency to underpromise and overdeliver on EV performance metrics. Even with spirited driving or less-than-ideal conditions, achieving 300 miles of range should be easily attainable.
When it comes to charging, the iX supports DC fast charging speeds up to 195 kW, placing it among the faster 400-volt systems currently available, though slightly below competitors like the Mercedes EQS SUV and Rivian R1S. In a previous charging test, the iX charged from 10% to 80% in 41 minutes in cold conditions, a respectable performance for a large battery EV. Given its excellent range and efficiency, frequent fast-charging stops are likely to be infrequent for most owners.
However, the iX’s built-in charging station locator is a significant drawback. The system lacks the necessary filtering to distinguish between public DC fast chargers and slower, private Level 2 chargers, rendering it largely ineffective for route planning. The absence of prominent charging networks like Electrify America from the search results further diminishes its utility.
Quirks and Considerations: The Not-So-Perfect Aspects
Beyond the charging locator, the BMW iX presents a few other puzzling design choices. The cupholders, as noted in other long-term reviews, are awkwardly positioned and shallow, prone to spillage. Similarly, the vehicle’s power-on logic is somewhat inconsistent. While it automatically powers off, starting the vehicle requires a physical button press, a peculiar halfway approach compared to the seamless entry-and-drive systems found in Tesla vehicles.
The BMW iX’s cupholder design has been identified as a usability issue, with a shallow and awkward placement that can lead to spills.
Aesthetically, the iX’s exterior design can be polarizing. In certain configurations, particularly with the “Sport” package’s black triangle front fascia elements, the styling may not appeal to all tastes. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate whether the iX’s bold and unconventional exterior resonates.
Conclusion: Brilliant Yet Baffling – A Work in Progress
The BMW iX is a vehicle of contrasts. It embodies brilliant design and engineering in many respects – its luxurious interior, impressive efficiency, and potent electric powertrain are undeniable strengths. However, it’s also marked by baffling inconsistencies, from the ride comfort of the standard suspension to the usability of certain tech features and ergonomic oddities.
The iX signals that BMW is on the right trajectory with its electric vehicle strategy. With a few refinements, most notably making the air suspension standard and addressing the software and ergonomic shortcomings, the iX could solidify its position as a truly exceptional luxury electric SUV. For now, it remains a vehicle with immense potential, requiring careful optioning (specifically, the air suspension) to fully realize its luxurious promise. It’s a reminder that even in the realm of premium EVs, the journey to perfection is ongoing.
