The Munich automotive masterminds have now applied their knowledge to the iX xDrive50, redefining what’s possible for a BMW and an EV. (Photo: Rory Daly)
Will the ultimate driving machine be a sports utility vehicle (SUV)? An electric car? Four-wheel drive? A luxury car? There are two answers: Yes, the BMW iX xDrive50.
A look at the record reveals that the company that once promoted the combination of an internal combustion engine and rear-wheel drive as the ultimate driving technology has not only built one of the best electric cars currently on sale, but also one of the best modern BMWs ever.
exterior
Taste is subjective, but the iX finally incorporates a futuristic all-electric powertrain into its styling, and in the flesh it looks much better, giving it a proper scale of size and adding a polarizing interpretation of the iconic kidney grille among Rondel devotees.
BMW hasn’t shied away from change, so kudos to the iX’s designers for managing to grab the attention of even today’s jaded teenagers – in their own words, this looks like the future.
interior
The cabin of the iX is nothing to complain about. The EV era has revolutionised interior packaging thanks to the repositioning of the drivetrain. First of all, space: the interior of the iX feels larger than its exterior dimensions would suggest. The design is 100% avant-garde, combining a minimalist digital aesthetic with BMW’s finest quality. Leather offers a soft feel on every surface.
All the switches have haptic feedback and feel premium. The Crystal iDrive rotary controller is a bit flashy, but you don’t really need to use it. You can speak, touch, swipe or gesture and the car responds to these inputs instantly. This feature is appreciated for maximizing user convenience in a car that is virtually silent even at speed, as most functions are motorized and automated.
If you want it to cool, heat or activate the massage function in the front seats, just ask. If you want to turn the volume up or down on your excellent stereo, just give it a quick spin. If you don’t want to answer an incoming call, just wave and swipe.
on the road
From the driver’s seat, the iX is a homely haven for everyone. Luxury lovers can soak up the massage features and enjoy an equally plush ride as they zip along Jamaican roads in silence. It’s important to note that the iX is not soft; chassis and suspension tuning helps bridge that tricky gap between comfort and performance. At any speed, the BMW is never harsh, and imperfections of any size are barely transmitted into the cabin. This is even more remarkable when you consider the 22-inch wheel package.
Many would speculate that this is partly down to the iX’s carbon-inlaid body, which is on display when you open the door. Given its size, this body’s stiffness and light weight contribute to a driving sensation not currently found in modern BMWs; it feels lighter than it needs to be, yet firm and stable. Combined with twin-motor electric propulsion and a combined 516bhp and an equally impressive 564lb/ft of torque, the iX is a literal rocket with sharp handling.
Range anxiety is never an issue as the car can travel 338 miles on a 100% charge, meaning passengers won’t have to sacrifice any of the luxury they could be enjoying on a round trip from Kingston to Montego Bay. A home charger is included, allowing for DC fast charging at speeds of up to 200kW.
So the BMW iX xDrive50 answers all the questions not only about what the BMW brand is capable of, but also what the future of EVs itself holds: if the German powerhouse with an inline-six internal combustion engine and rear-wheel drive can make it happen, the car is certainly safe, regardless of what’s under the bonnet or what its shape is.
