Review: The BMW iX Electric SUV is very futuristic and can fix itself

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Approximately 10 years after BMW launched the i3 subcompact hatchback, the first dedicated electric vehicle, the iX medium-sized SUV was revived. The

i3 was one of the firstall-electric cars on the road in the early days of the modern EV era, but it never became popular. With a cruising range of less than 130 miles on a single charge, US sales peaked at 11,024 in 2015 and include a version with an optional extended cruising range gasoline motor. Only 1,476 units were sold last year.

The iX xDrive50 targets the more popular luxury segment and is about the same size as the BMW X5, but quite different.

Built on a new battery-powered platform that will create a lineup of future models, but available in standard iX An all-wheel drive system with 516 horsepower, which is becoming one of BMW's most powerful models. A high performance iXM60 with a 610hp powertrain is also available.

iX xDrvie50 starts at $ 84,195 and is eligible for a federal tax deduction of $ 7,500 for $ 76,695. It's close to a similar Audi e-tron S, recently raised to $ 120,990, and significantly cheaper than the slightlylarger Tesla ModelX, which hasn't been credited.

The iX has a lower stance than the X5 and has improved aerodynamics to extend its officially maximum rated mileage. Of 324 miles. Wheel and tire choices can negatively impact that, with the 22-inch performance tire package dropping to 315 miles and the 21-inch option 305 miles with softer all-season rubber.

With flash door handles, slim headlights and unique trims, the iX delivers a futuristic concept car look that incorporates a unique take into BMW's new oversized dual kidney grille. increase.

However, electric cars usually don't have a large radiator on the front, so they aren't really grills. Instead, it is reused as a housing for some sensors used in vehicle electronic driver aids.

Its laser-coated 3D design is protected by a self-healing polyurethane coating that can repair small scratches and dents on its own. If you apply heat or leave it in the sun for a while, it will not disappear completely, but you can almost make it.

The interior was chosen by Wards Auto as one of the best. It features a relatively minimalist style with a simple dashboard wrap and a widescreen display that incorporates both a gauge cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system interface. It can be controlled as an option by the knob of the center console and voice recognition. You can wave your hand in the air to change the volume and perform some other tasks. Unfortunately, many systems rely heavily on this, which can be cumbersome to make various adjustments, from temperature to the tracking distance of adaptive cruise control.

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Sufficient for both front and rear passengers at your feet There is plenty of space and a complete panoramic sun roof brightens things. Unless you don't want it. The glass has an electrochromatic layer that can be digitally fogged, essentially turning a sun roof into a cloudy sky roof.

 The Dynamic Handling Package combines a computer-controlled air suspension with a four-wheel steering system. Turn the rear wheels to the opposite side of the front wheels at low speed to make the iX easier to operate in tight spaces or when parked.

The additional package adds a 360 degree camera with self-parking capabilities and a virtual 3D view that you can access from the smartphone app if you want to check your vehicle. There is also an in-cabin camera that can record an image as evidence when an alarm sounds and warn of intrusion via the app.

One quick SUV, so if you don't want to violate the law while driving, you have to monitor yourself I have. Accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and hit your head against the seat, especially if you're in sport mode. Tall front seats have a plastic hole in the head, so short people may not be able to enjoy this.

Like many electric cars and some internal combustion cars, iX sends synthetic motor noise called Iconic Sounds to the cabin to compensate. For the silence of the electric motor. The tones vary by drive mode and are some of the best I've come across, but you can turn them off if you're not interested in such things.

The iX is as solid as the air suspension works on rough city streets, but with a smooth ride. On the freshly paved surface, you can expect bliss, a handle, and almost 3 tons of SUV.

You can only feel how heavy it is when you apply heavy braking, but you can expect it from BMW because of its low center of gravity. Curve to do. The power supply is seamless and does not have the disconnected habits that some EVs show.

My actual test with a 21-inch wheel model was a bit below the 305 mile prediction, but its efficiency was in a ball park with mixed city and highway driving. .. One way to stretch it in the cold season is to order a Radiant Heat Package. It can be used with heated seats and steering wheels to add electrically heated panels to the dashboard and armrests and to draw less energy from the battery than cabin heaters.

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iX can be equipped with BMW's Active Driving Assistant Pro, which provides lane centering increase. Adaptive cruise control at high speeds and stop-and-go traffic. You can also tap the directional indicator handle to check traffic and perform lane changes, but you must keep your hands on the wheels to operate.

Overall, iX feels like a product of a company that has been manufacturing EVs for a long time, even if you only have one EV. We are currently selling aelectric version of the 4 SeriesGran Coupe, but it is not an optimized EV like the iX.

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The last innovation is the BMW round logo opening It will be possible. The hood will not open, so fill it with windshield washer fluid.

It's thesignof what comes to BMW.

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2023 BMW iX xDrive50

Base price: $ 84,195

Tested: $ 96,070

Type: 5-seater, 4-door, all-wheel drive SUV

Drive: Dual motor electric

Output: 516 hp, 564 lb-ft

Transmission : Single speed automatic

Range: 315 miles

MPGe: 83 combined