Autoportal India

Like most automakers nowadays, BMW is busy electrifying its lineup, having just introduced the i4 sedan and iX SUV for the 2022 model year. The iX is a mid-size SUV in the same vein as the popular BMW X5, except the electric version has a much more polarizing appearance. While every iX has dual electric motors and a 105.2-kWh battery pack, power output and estimated range vary between the two available models.

BMW IX DRIVEN AND TESTED

2023 BMW iX M60 Is about EV Theater

2022 BMW iX Excels as a Quiet Highway Cruiser

Tested: 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 Is a Showstopper
The regular xDrive50 has a combined 516 horsepower and between 305 and 324 miles of range. It starts at $84,195. The higher-performance M60 model joins the iX lineup for the 2023 model year, bringing 610 total horses and between 274 and 288 miles of range. It starts at $106,095. Our editors were asked to spec their ideal iX, and while most of us prioritized range and value, someone emptied their fake bank account for ultimate power and prestige. Using BMW’s online configurator, which currently only features the 2022 xDrive50 and 2023 M60, this is how we’d buy the new iX:

Drew Dorian’s $87,495 2022 iX xDrive 50
2022 bmw ix xdrive50 exterior
BMW
2022 bmw ix xdrive50 interior
BMW
I haven’t driven the more powerful M60 model yet, but I enjoyed my time in the xDrive50 and found it to be plenty quick. I’d go with that model and save my money for some slick upgrades. First, I’d pick the $2800 Sport styling package, which adds 21-inch wheels, clear taillamp lenses, and replaces the black front and rear bumpers with body-colored ones. The no-cost Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic paint looks very nice, and it matches the iX’s optional $500 Stonegrey Microfiber and Wool interior upholstery. Selecting this cloth interior scheme also adds lovely rose gold interior accents. Lastly, I’d add the $2300 Convenience package, which includes a head-up display with augmented reality for the navigation system, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and BMW’s Parking Assistant Plus feature. All in my ideal iX xDrive50i would cost $87,495, which sounds like a lot, but in my experience, this EV SUV is well worth the money. —Drew Dorian

Caleb Miller’s $92,270 2022 iX xDrive50
2022 bmw ix xdrive50 exterior
BMW
2022 bmw ix xdrive50 interior
BMW
The BMW iX certainly isn’t my favorite car to look at, but after recently spending some time in its sumptuous interior and experiencing the hushed and relaxing ride, the iX is growing on me. I opted for the iX xDrive50, since 516 horsepower in a chunky SUV is more than enough. Plus, with the $84,195 starting price, I was able to splurge on options without even coming close to the M60’s $106,095 base price. For the exterior trim, I went for the $2800 Sport option, which adds the more aggressive front bumper design from the M60 as well as dark clear taillights in place of traditional red units. While it also includes 21-inch bi-color wheels, I ended up spending $950 to replace these with 22-inch dark wheels that have a more intricate design and give the iX a more assertive stance. I painted my iX in the vibrant Phytonic Blue Metallic, a no-cost option. Inside, I chose the $500 Stonegrey Microfiber and Wool Blend upholstery, the same spec we had in the vehicle I drove, which is soft to the touch and provides the cabin with a tranquil aura. I also dropped $4000 on the Premium package, since my luxury SUV better have a head-up display and surround-view cameras. The package comes with useful perks such as augmented reality navigation, Parking Assistant Plus, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multi-function seats. I could do without the interior camera, gesture control, and weird fake driving sounds, but they’re part of the package. I didn’t upgrade to the $3400 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system because I think the 18-speaker Harman Kardon setup will serve me just fine. All told, my iX xDrive50 came in at $92,270. —Caleb Miller