First Drive: 2022 BMW iX Is the Newest Option Among Luxury All-Electric SUVs
This new high-tech showpiece impresses with comfort and power, but BMW’s new control layout is frustrating
The 2022 BMW iX is the automaker’s first mainstream, long-range electric vehicle. Unlike BMW’s early experiments in electrification, such as the quirky i3 and i8, the iX and upcoming i4 are fully electric, easy-to-live-with models that use large lithium-ion batteries to power front and rear motors.
Sized like an X5 SUV, the 2022 BMW iX is also a five-seat SUV. Still, we found that there’s abundant room in the BMW for adults in the rear seat, and there’s a relatively-roomy cargo area for luggage. The iX competes with the Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X, and the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq.
Pricing starts at $83,200 before tax credits, which includes the dual-motor powertrain and EPA range estimates between 305 and 324 miles, depending on the wheel size (20, 21, or 22 inches). For now, the xDrive50 is the only version that will be sold in the U.S., although Canadian buyers will be able to purchase the iX xDrive40, which has a lower range estimate of 340 km, or 211 miles.
What we rented: 2022 BMW iX xDrive50
Powertrain: 516-hp (combined), dual electric motors; 105.2 kWh battery (net); 1-speed direct drive; AWD
MSRP: $83,200
Options: Dynamic Handling Package (2-axle air suspension) $1,600; Premium Package (multi-function seats, interior camera, parking assistant plus, personal eSIM 5G, surround view w/3D view) $4,000; Sport Package (21-inch wheels) $2,800; Titanium Bronze paint $500; Radiant Heating Package $950; Active Driving Assistant Pro $1,700; Front Ventilated Seats $500; Credit for the omission of Passenger Lumbar Support Adjustment -$175
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $96,070 (before $7,500 federal tax incentive)
