BMW iX: The electric reset of the decade
With a spectacular interior, killer audio system and good driving dynamics, the BMW iX is a good electric car to get
For BMW, the iX is the electric car tasked with closing out its first century and ushering in its second. It is not the first battery-powered Bavarian — the i3 is already eight years old — but that does not diminish its significance. The iX is a technological spectacle that represents a turning point in the brand's evolution.
Three years after the iNext concept, we are now faced with an SUV as long as an X5, as tall as an X6, and as spacious as an X7. Yet it aspires to drive like a 5 Series and carry the allure of a 7 Series.
Compared with all of them, however, it has a profoundly different road presence, with something almost brutal in its cuts and proportions. The most difficult element to process and accept remains the hypertrophied double kidney grille, though here and there it recalls the i3, whose originality still feels intact today.
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The lounge-like atmosphere, however, remains familiar. Taut lines and diagonals everywhere blend with the kind of tech minimalism pioneered by Tesla.
Exterior
While the iX signals a new direction for BMW, it also shows how far electric car design has matured over the years.
Although it retains many of the brand's signature cues — from orthogonal forms to sharp lines — the overall design does not come across as an eyesore. The most difficult element to process and accept remains the hypertrophied double kidney grille, though in places it recalls the i3, whose originality still feels intact today.
On either side of the front bumper sit two functional vents that cool the brake discs — a feature quite rare to see on an electric car. Another standout addition is the beautiful LED headlights and taillights, which blend spectacularly with the car's geometry. Beneath the fenders sit 22-inch wheels, which surprisingly look smaller than they are, yet still complement the character of the design.
Interior
Spectacular, to say the least. One of the best electric car interiors — period.
While European carmakers love to lean on eco-friendly vocabulary such as "sustainability" and "recycled," BMW is no exception. The iX uses natural leather tanned with olive leaf extract and recycled wool in its eight-way adjustable seats. Big words, yes — but in this case, they are backed by genuine quality and comfort.
There is a strong focus on minimalism, and the "less is more" philosophy is executed well — unlike in many, if not most, Teslas. For example, while the physical climate control buttons are missing, they are always accessible through the infotainment tray at the bottom of the screen.
Crystal accents are tastefully placed on frequently used touchpoints such as the gear selector, volume knob, and seat controls, adding a welcome layer of luxury. And because this is an electric car, the centre console does not consume the entire middle section, helping the cabin feel more open and airy.
The hexagonal steering wheel is both unusual and comfortable to hold, and it also houses controls for much of the infotainment system. Visibility is excellent, aided by the generous amount of natural light that filters in through the photochromic moonroof, making the cabin feel even cozier. The rear seats are spacious as well: you can comfortably seat either two passengers with the armrest down, or three average-sized adults with ease.
The infotainment system is also excellent, especially with the introduction of iDrive 8.5. BMW says the user interface follows a more minimalist approach, and it shows. A single curved slab of glass integrates both the driver's display and the infotainment screen, creating a cockpit that feels subtly driver-focused. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both seamlessly supported.
And then there is the audio. Powered by Bowers & Wilkins and tuned in collaboration with Hans Zimmer himself — yes, the Interstellar Hans Zimmer — the 30-speaker sound system is, quite simply, an experience. It sounds crisp straight out of the box, with tight bass, brilliant treble, just a touch of warmth, and an openness that makes it feel as though you are sitting in a concert hall. It is genuinely some of the best in-car audio you will ever hear. One could easily imagine serious music producers buying this car for the sole purpose of giving their latest tracks an extensive "car test."
Driving
Driving the iX was a little confusing at first. The moment you lift yourself off the driver's seat, the car switches off, so I found myself turning it back on what felt like twenty times before actually getting going.
Once underway, however, there is very little noise apart from some tyre roar. The iX feels excellent in normal driving conditions and will absolutely pin you to the seat the moment you put your foot down, accelerating with startling force (0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds).
The suspension is well judged. It absorbs bumps with ease, though at times it felt as if the car was trying a bit too hard to be athletic — especially in Sport mode. That said, it corners impressively well for something weighing 2.5 tonnes.
Interacting with the infotainment system is straightforward, and the cameras are impressively clear. But, like many electric cars, the iX does love to beep. Still, with refined driving dynamics, brutal acceleration, and a range of nearly 600 kilometres, it is a genuinely enjoyable car to drive.
Verdict
As BMW enters a new chapter, it has made sure to give it a strong opening. With a spectacular interior, a phenomenal audio system, and impressive driving dynamics, the iX makes a convincing case for itself as a luxury electric SUV.
It also manages to fly under the radar with a design that is subtle in some ways and boldly innovative in others. And, in my view, Bangladesh deserves to see more cars like this on its roads.
