Car Guide Winner: 1st Place SUV & Overall

2022 BMW iX xDrive50
Vehicle Type: SUV Electric
102
overall score
Category Ranking: 1
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$83,200
Price as Tested:
$102,070
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 3.4 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 26.3 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: 10% to 80% in 40 minutes
EPA City MPGe: 86
EPA Highway MPGe: 85
EPA Combined MPGe: 86
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 315
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [S]
- Driver Monitoring [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
- Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional


Overall Observations
The iX, BMW’s first all-electric SUV, is an impressive vehicle. It delivers dramatic styling, performance, comfort, and technological sophistication in spades. An example of the latter: The iX makes extensive use of carbon fiber–reinforced plastic in its frame. About the size of the X5, the iX looks more substantial, largely because of its bold, hunky shape (including its somewhat polarizing grille).
Equipped with two electric motors (516 hp), the iX’s drivetrain supplies plenty of power, including abundant low-end torque. The steering provides ample feedback, and the optional adaptive air suspension nicely balances a compliant ride with responsive, sporty handling. Smooth regenerative and traditional friction braking deliver strong stopping power. All-wheel drive is standard.
The iX’s cabin features plenty of space front and rear, plus interior storage compartments and cargo room aplenty. Both the exterior and interior materials and fit and finish are first-rate. The iX’s EPA-estimated range is high (324 miles), as is its fuel efficiency (86 MPGe).
Prospective buyers should be prepared to pay handsomely for this largesse, however. The iX’s starting MSRP is $84,100, and that number rises quickly with options, of which there are plenty. Other negatives worth noting: an unintuitive infotainment system, poor rear visibility, and annoying glare from reflective interior controls and instrumentation. Finally, some ADAS features (adaptive cruise control, for example) are extra-cost options, not standard.
For more information on AAA Car Guide licensing:
Click HereStrengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- • Smooth, responsive drivetrain
- • Spacious passenger compartment and cargo area
- • High range, MPGe numbers
- • Compliant ride quality
- • Sporty, responsive handling
Weak Points
- • Difficult-to-use infotainment system
- • Price rises quickly with options
- • Not all ADAS features are standard
- • Poor rear visibility
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 5720.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 195.0 / 77.4 / 66.8
Wheelbase (in): 118.1
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Alenza
Front and rear tire size: 275/40 R22
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: Dual electric motors
Electric motor horsepower: 516
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
9.10Fuel Efficiency:
9.52EPA Emissions Score:
10.00Acceleration:
9.28Braking:
6.87
Handling:
6.23
Quality and Drivability:
8.34
Ride Quality:
8.50Interior Size:
5.83Easy of Entry and Exit:
7.91Visibility:
7.88Interior Noise:
9.39Cargo Capacity:
3.62
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2022 BMW iX xDrive50
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place SUV
More Details
|
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out of
130
|
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