Review 2022 BMW iX xDrive50
Based on the Vision iNext concept that BMW showed back in fall 2018, the production 2022 iX is the brand's first all-electric SUV—and it's mighty compelling. The iX offers an electric driving range of over 300 miles per charge, which is impressive enough to earn it an Editors' Choice award. Two electric motors provide full-time all-wheel drive, and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body panels help save weight. The iX's cabin is quite spacious with plenty of modern technology features on display, including a slick curved digital instrument panel screen. Upon its arrival at U.S. dealerships, it will find itself competing with rivals such as the Audi e-tron, the Tesla Model X, and the upcoming Rivian R1S..
The more powerful and more expensive M60 model won't join the lineup until the 2023 model year, but we expect it to command a significant premium over the xDrive50 trim. For now, we'll recommend the xDrive50, which comes standard with most every luxury and convenience feature that its price tag should.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
At launch, the iX will be offered only in xDrive50 guise, which is powered by a pair of electric motors that combine to make 516 hp; all-wheel drive is standard. In our testing, the iX scooted to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. A high-performance variant called M60 will join the lineup next year and boasts a maximum horsepower rating of 610 hp. The iX is offered with an optional adjustable air suspension and a rear-wheel-steering system. During our test drive of an xDrive50 model, we noted plentiful power, surprising energy efficiency, agile handling, and a smooth ride.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The iX sports a large 105.2-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates will offer up to 324 miles of driving range per charge. When we tested the iX on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test we were surprised by its range. Normally, highway driving quickly reduces the overall driving range of an EV and the result is a fraction of its overall range estimate, but the iX recorded an impressive 290 miles of range in our test. DC fast charging capability is standard and the iX can recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 35 minutes when hooked up to a 200-kW connection. BMW has partnered with EVgo to provide a network of public charging stations for iX drivers, but the SUV is able to charge on other popular networks, as well as through a Level 2 home charging station.
