The 2022 BMW iX is a futuristic electric luxury SUV

The BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle makes a bold first impression. This EV is what’s referred to in the automotive industry as a “clean sheet design.” BMW created it from the ground up, using nothing from its previous automotive portfolio. The visionary iX offers cutting-edge electric performance, the latest technology, luminous luxury and all the comforts of a midsized SAV. Its composite space frame is made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics, aluminum and high-strength steel. It has an extremely powerful electric powertrain and a drop dead cool interior. Combined, the car’s futuristic 14.9-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen stretch across half of the dashboard and run with 5G connectivity.

By John Coulter

Photo: Courtesy of BMW

Important facts about the pure electric BMW iX xDrive 50:

– There are three iX xDrive 50 trims: Convenience (MSRP: $88,050), Premium (MSRP: $93,175), and Sport (MSRP: $94,325).

– All 3 trims achieve 0 to 60mph speed in 4.4 seconds, and offer a total range of 305 to 324 miles.

– The iX xDrive 50 relies on a 111.5 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack with an advanced active thermal management system and a usable capacity of 106.3 kwh. Power is channeled through dual all-electric motors with a total power output of 516-hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. The EV comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

– 2 years of complimentary on-the-go charging with Electrify America, the largest open DC Fast Charging network in the US. Enjoy two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions.

– 10 min of DC Fast Charging replenishes up to 90 miles of range.

– The EV’s multiple energy recuperation modes include a sensor enabled real-time adaptive mode and a pure one-pedal drive mode. Drivers can pick one of 4 differnt settings: High, Medium and Low, plus Adaptive Recuperation, which is the iX’s standard operating procedure.

– The BMW iX xDrive 50 uses a High-performance Lightweight Integrated Brake system with ABS, Cornering and Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Drying, Drive-off Assistant, and Automatic Hold.

– The iX is the most aerodynamic SAV ever built by BMW. It slices out a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd. The battery module is positioned for a low center of gravity, creating exceptional handling. The iX features up to 22” aerodynamic wheel designs, integrated flush door handles and frameless windows, which help to lower drag.

–  The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 includes standard BMW xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive – an advanced system that delivers enhanced traction, so you can navigate with ease even in adverse weather and road conditions. The electric all-wheel drive system in the BMW iX transmits exactly the right amount of torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations.

– The EV’s Live Cockpit Plus features the BMW Curved Display with configurable 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" central information display. The multi-input iDrive 8 system is operated by voice, touchscreen, or iDrive touchpad Controller. Navigation, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and multiple Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for map data are included.

– Connectivity includes: BMW TeleServices, BMW ConnectedDrive Services, Bluetooth and Dual front USB-C and four rear USB-C power delivery sockets, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility, Remote Software Upgrade capable.

– Audio System: SiriusXM with 360L + 1 year Platinum Plan Subscription, HiFi Sound System with 205-watt digital amplifier and 12 speakers.

– Comfort and convenience features include:
• Wireless device charging (Qi standard) with active cooling
• Parking Assistant and Back-up Assistant
• Multi-color, adjustable ambient lighting
• A Power tailgate
• A Universal garage-door opener
• Comfort Access with Smart Access 2.0 Ultra wideband (UWB) technology for keyfob and smartphones plus digital key sharing
• A Thermally insulated windshield
• A Panoramic Eclipsing Sky Lounge roof
• 3-stage heated front seats
• Automatic 4-zone climate control with preconditioning
• Automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror and driver's-side exterior mirror
• Power front windows with "one-touch" up/down operation
• A 12V power socket in center console
• 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
• Power adjustable front seats and steering wheel

– Shy Tech features including self-healing Intelligence Panel kidney grille, functional badges for washer fluid and rear view camera, and camera lens washing systems.

– Exterior colors include: Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic,Sophisto Grey, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic, Storm Bay Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, and Adventurin Red Metallic.

– Built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant using 100% renewable energy, the 2022 BMW iX uses game-changing sustainable materials, including olive-leaf tanned leathers, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, and floor mats made from ECONYL (regenerated nylon made from ocean waste).

– The iX xDrive 50 is eligible for an up to $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.

WRITTEN MARCH 2022