2022 BMW iX SUV review - ugly EV or tech genius?

The new 2022 BMW iX is the flagship i series EV model, hosting the latest tech, longest electric range and boldest (ugliest?) styling yet from the Bavarian car makers who already sell the i3 and iX3. Jonny Smith waited until he could drive the 380-mile iX on UK roads in British spec, and tested the current top spec (deep breath) iX xDrive50 M Sport, priced from £81,700. The iX xDrive40 starts at £70,000.
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BMW claims the iX is a ground-up new SUV, but it does share some suspension and suspension details with the iX3 (which Jonny reviewed earlier in the year). The car is predominantly aluminium panelled, but features this carbonfibre 'cage' structure, which is visible within the door shuts. So much technical effort in the manufacturing, yet the iX has a huge bonnet (that cannot be opened, and thus does not feature any storage) and fairly bland side profile and a boot luggage capacity smaller than a 5-series saloon. Hmmm. It competes with the Jaguar iPace, Merc's EQC, Audi E-tron and Tesla's X.
BMW iX tech spec
iX xDrive40 = 326hp, 630nm, 71kWh battery
iX Xdrive50 = 523hp, 765nm,
Battery
iX50 = 105.2kWh battery (111.5kWh gross)
iX40 = 71kWh battery (76.6kWh gross)
Range
iX xDrive40 = 257 miles WLTP
iX XDrive50 = 380 miles WLTP
Power
iX50 = 523hp (254bhp front motor, 309bhp rear motor)
iX40 = 326hp
Torque
iX50 = 765nm
iX40 = 630nm
Length = 4953mm
Width = 1967mm (2230mm Inc mirrors)
Height = 1695mm
Wheelbase = 3000mm
Kerb weight
2440 kg (iX40)
2585 kg (iX50)
Towing capacity
2500kg (braked)
750kg (unbraked)
0-62mph
iX50 = 4.6 secs
iX40 = 6.1 secs
iX50 charging stats
DC rapid @ 200kW = 35 mins (10-80%)
DC rapid @ 100kW = 49 mins
DC rapid @ 50kW = 97 mins
11kW home Wall box charger = 10.75hrs
7kW home Wall box charger = 16hrs
3 pin home plug = 33 hrs (0-100%)
iX40 rapid charges up to 150kW.
iX50 rapid charges up to 195kW.
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Filmed and edited by: Matty Graham @ Pixel Click pixel-click.com
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
****************
Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:50 BMW i4
1:39 Dimensions
2:00 Frontal design
3:17 BMW iNext
3:27 Side design
5:12 BMW iX3
5:45 Difference between iX40 and iX50
6:55 Bonnet DOES NOT OPEN (NO FRUNK)
7:27 Screen wash weird feature
7:40 Audi A2
9:21 Onboard curved screen infotainment
10:16 Real world range
11:40 Rear end design
13:08 Boot space
14:47 Driving impressions
17:09 Charging stats
20:11 Cabin design
20:32 Polygonal weird steering wheel
22:33 Flat floor spaciousness
23:25 Magic frosted glass pano roof
25:03 Rear cabin
28:04 Verdict
29:38 Supported by Continental Tyres
#2022bmwix #newbmwsuv #bmwix #thelatebrakeshow

[@davids4696]

This is the best IX review I've seen and I've seen a lot. It is indeed incomprehensible how a ground-up BEV measuring 4.95m could have a boot like a 3 series touring. I also found the seats uncomfortable after my Volvo. And the ix 40 has 71 kw usable battery, smaller than a Tesla Y costing half as much...

[@paladin1843]

The width and length of the cargo area from the back of the second row are actually virtually the same as the X5. The sloping rear (a la the X6) reduce the overall space. If you stack your luggage to the headliner, you'll likely notice it. If not, probably not.

[@davids4696]

@@paladin1843 thanks, useful to know

[@frederickcheng351]

Where are you located that the MY costs half as much? In Canada, the iX xDrive 40 starts at $83k vs the MY’s $87k…literally a no-brainer. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davids4696]

@@frederickcheng351 in Switzerland model Y is 62k and IX 40 about 120k with equivalent spec. Admittedly the 40 is much more of a luxury car but given poor packaging and range, the price difference is a deal breaker.

[@frederickcheng351]

@@davids4696 wow! I know prices of goods vary around the world but this is such a huge discrepancy…

[@JackFromMorley]

I think this is brilliant. Purposefully punish SUV buyers with the most horrendous product possible in order to drive people back to more space and energy efficienct body styles. Well played BMW, well played...

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Blimey, I think you are absolutely right.

[@Zero_Ninety]

The Pontiac Aztec was ahead of its time.

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

Except their new sedans are equally as ugly - push them to other brands is more accurate. I’m likely buying a Lotus as my next instead of the M4 I had planned

[@mahargrekab]

Forcing them back to their ICE cars !

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

The emperors new clothes eh?

[@nickporter4279]

It's a regression. The i3 is one of the best pieces of structural engineering I've seen, making full use of what you can do with an EV. Front-seat space is on par with a 5-series, and you can still fit adults in both rows with the seats moved halfway - despite being BMW's smallest modern car. It has a frunk, which many larger EVs (including this one!) lack. It's by far the lightest >100bhp EV - yet the current version can just about crack 200 miles on a good day. Similar weight to a Mini Cooper 5-door, despite being a bigger car with an electric powertrain. Wheels pushed as far as possible to the edges of the body, tiny turning circle. It doubles up the refrigerant for the powertrain cooling and climate control. It's by far the cheapest car with a carbon fibre chassis on sale. No B-pillars, frameless windows, and the most emphasis on sustainability of any mass-produced car that I'm aware of. Also an extremely modular design, not that BMW took advantage of that at all. Fast forward to today, in which the key people behind the i3 and i8 are gone from the company, and in the interim there was half a decade with what appears to have been an EV sceptic at the helm. The resultant iX seems to be a prime example of how much things have changed at BMW. On paper it has some of the i3's key traits, with the carbonfibre construction, out-there styling and a few little details like the frameless windows... but under the surface... This is a car which has *less* usable space than you'd expect, not more. It has no frunk at all, despite being enormous (I think the iX has a lot more of the CLAR combustion architecture in it than we've been made aware of - otherwise it's just flat-out bad design). The charging port lighting is a flat-out downgrade. And the weight... admittedly this is a 105 kWh luxury SUV, but Tesla's Model X manages less with similar battery capacity, 7 seats, a huge frunk, metal chassis, way more horsepower, colossal HEPA filter and the world's most complicated doors. The price is nuts, too. I don't hate the iX's styling now I've had time to get used to it, but technically it's a step backwards from what they achieved nearly a decade ago.

[@doctorbashir3497]

YESSSSSS. I had 3 of them. The i3 was awesome. Quirky but good looking. Fun. Peppy. A clear early lead, that they then blew. This iX is awful. The seats look nice though.

[@bloccoaspirale1867]

I agree, the i3 is exquisite and still ahead of its time.

[@idib1739]

Probably one of the most insightful comment on the iX i've seen so far.👍

[@SykesAJ]

Nail on the head. This thing is the size of a Range Rover… how on earth did this happen?

[@nickporter4279]

Something else I miss from the i3 is the chunky PNDR/stop/start stalk coming off the steering wheel column. It's tactile and eyes-free intuitive, which are traits that modern cars can struggle with. Also means that only the driver gets access to those controls. The iX replaces it with a PNDR slider in the centre console, and it looks like a quality piece of engineering, but again, a little bit of a downgrade, and a disappointing break with i-division history. A reminder of how little the iX has in common with its predecessor. Interesting to note that Volkswagen have paid attention and are using a slightly i3-esque PNDR knob on the ID3/4, even if BMW themselves seem to have forgotten about it. Nitpicky I guess, but it's an unusual feature that I really like on the i3. One thing they *have* kept on the iX that I'm glad about is the high level of regen. Once you've familiarised yourself with the regen's stopping distance, you can drive these cars more smoothly than anything that needs disc braking: totally linear response to your pedal inputs.

[@Strike86]

Jonny's barely contained contempt for SUVs tickles me. It's okay Jonny, let it out - you're among friends here. I can't stand the revolting things either.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

😬

[@gasdive]

I have one. I have a Sierra (Jimny) but I needed to carry more, more easily. (a hang glider and a power harness was really stretching what a kei car can do). I've got a Suzuki Grand Vitara 5 door (there's a 3 door version). Mild lift, BF Goodrich A/T but otherwise stock. It gets me up logging tracks to hang glider launches. It crosses paddocks and beaches to pick up gliders. Carries 5 pilots and all their gear back up to launch for a second go on the iffy days. Plus 2 wet salty Golden Retrievers on the weekend beach trips. I couldn't really do what I do with a sedan, much as I'd like one. So I hate the size of it, but it is what it is and it is what I need.

[@hollyandtheev6519]

SUVs - cars for people who don’t like cars.

[@MasterChief37]

@@hollyandtheev6519or cars for people who have active kids.

[@Sazuza2]

former A2 owner here! thank you for the shoutout, loved that car, hugely underrated. (put spacers on it, a whole new world)

[@jonathantaylor1998]

"WHY are we buying vehicles like this...?" Couldn't have said it better myself, Jonny - bravo, sir. 👍

[@CyAn-S]

What is the point of that question? What would you buy then?

[@aarontate8827]

@@CyAn-S buying a ten year old diesel in 100 time's better than the environment than any new car....

[@JTM610]

@@aarontate8827 source: trust me bro

[@TsLeng]

People buy them and that is what matters. This seems like the modern version of the car nut whine * I can get a xxx-yy that comes with a mAnUal , rWd, mOAr pwoahh, liGhtarh, that that zzz-aaa* why would people buy that. Jesus, about time we accept that most people don't care about what prtrolheads want and have vastly different requirements and expectations.

[@ChopperMeir]

@@TsLeng unfortunately I think you're correct. There really seems to be a mindset that driving is the last thing in a consumers mind for the masses and manufacturers know this. Watch any car advert now and there's zero information about the car, it's just marketing speech or gimmicks but it works.

[@Sinnistral]

Do we start throwing up now, or wait until the video premiers? 😭

[@shieldssafc]

As an i8 owner, I find the enormous grill hilarious. They nailed the i3 and i8 designs, this isn't evolution, it's regression

[@slava_trushkin]

I agree. Good old i3/i8 looks way more modern. They are ones of the most pleasant cars to look at, whenever I see one, I smile because it looks so good. iX though, when I'll see one on road, will trigger same emotions as X4 and X6 do - utter disgust.

[@CyAn-S]

I like the way this looks in person. Just like the new 4 series, it is in my opinion not as bad in person as on video/in pictures.

[@milesforrest6920]

If they made a 2020s version the the 80s M1 as an EV it would sell like hot cakes. It would temp me back to BMW even.

[@jigrodrigues]

That's subjective. Both the i3 and i8 are, imo, quite ugly things

[@MasterChief37]

But these sell the i8 was a dud. BMW didn’t do what they should have done an made it an EV not a hybrid.

[@glenf4115]

They reused some of the i3 tech but omitted it's charging light, frunk, interior space and sustainable materials? A decade later and the best BMW has is "I prefer the i3 cockpit, if they were to have scaled up the i3 cockpit I wouldn't have a problem with it".

[@mark_p300]

Woof. That thing fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

[@mohammadmlone4813]

The design, the crystal glass, focus on quirks like gesture control and even the steering wheel- you summed it up best when you suggested this is a car designed for the Instagram generation. Great review as always.

[@willswomble7274]

Sigh. Much as we ancients hate and are utterly bewildered by it, it IS (or was rather) the instagram generation. No idea whether they all have a spare £120,000 either.

[@hfvhf987]

These cars will be in scrap yards by the time that generation are old enough to drive lol

[@CyAn-S]

I like the car and I never use instagram or twitter. So who are you or the reviewer to judge anyone? I think it is quirky and interesting, even from the front. Finally a BMW that is not a CTRL-C CTRL-V from another one.

[@castletown999]

Or perhaps the Chinese market. It is the biggest cat market in the world.

[@queensberryrulez5306]

@@willswomble7274 i have😊

[@donzadonz1]

Something that would be a welcome addition while reviewing ev's is the software side of things, that covers things like how updates are delivered and for how many years, the ease of use and features built into the system, including the ease of repairablity without having to need access to a bmw dealership. I mention these because it is important that cars do not end up like appliances that become e waste once the original owner is tired of it. For all the claims of better emissions by switching to ev's bring, if we let manufacturers get away with creating cars that are disposable then all our efforts for a greener electric future will be for nothing.

[@davidlazarus67]

Or if they have a subscription plan for many standard features?

[@glenf4115]

As a multi-BMW owner family I can guarantee you the software OS you start with will be the one the car has for it's life. They have so many dealerships they need to keep happy you will see service reminders every year to keep the $ coming in.

[@4literv6]

I highly suggest researching how much of an average car is recycled. I was pleasantly surprised to find out car recycling is such a massive industry in the U.S. that currently almost 90% of a junked car gets recycled. With evs made of ever more recycled and renewable materials. I expect that to climb higher as the transition to ev matures. Mercedes even brags of up to 94% of it's cars are recyclable.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Back in 2013 the i3 was a ground breaking EV , carbon fibre, great design , great materials , This iX is none of the above , what are they thinking 🤔 😳 ?

[@RB-es1vx]

If you see the video I think he mentioned it has carbon fiber.

[@17addidas]

I recently saw the ix ( in white) in the back parking lot of my local BMW dealer . I own 2017 i3REX with almost 100000 flawless Km . First impression : its huge... Quality finishes - as expected and Im not put off by its looks. This I say as driver of another styling " freak"..... Because with time , the performance and sheer fun of the driving experience will make it lovable in all aspects .

[@kkgolf5371]

Everyone is hating.. I don't see what is so ugly at all. I have driven and seen in person and the fact that it is different scares people. Are Lamborghinis looking?? No but people pay 300k for them

[@fat_biker]

I have a rough idea how big electric motors are, so I'm going to ask... what is going on in the giant inaccessible likely void under the 'factory sealed bonnet'? to save a couple of bonnet hinges, a latch & a plastic moulding, they decided not to offer a 'froot'?

[@jimbobjimbob8275]

I think it's the the standard equipment big ego is installed.

[@AntsAasma]

Probably a mess of wires and pipes connecting CLAR equipment meant to be in a ICE car to the EV platform.

[@gathonar]

Probubly just wanted to not bother with a frunk.

[@raydoherty5419]

As a previous i3 owner I really thought BMW would be doing better than this to be honest. Still think that’s their best EV to date.

[@KokoFixed]

I'm sensing that BMW's leadership is the issue.

[@CyAn-S]

There is an electric 3 series coming, with normal styling. relax.

[@jryalls]

The i3 and i8 were unbelievable bits of design, they started off the night looking like that and ended up looking like this.

[@KurisuDE]

I love it when he gets his book out and talks about serious facts.

[@craigcampbell1843]

The fact that they’re putting these huge grills on their EVs now proves they’re not needed for performance. It’s just a styling cue they should drop but are holding onto for some reason even though no one likes it.

[@Horizon301.]

It’s a bmw grille not with a slight modification - it being blocked, other than that it’s what other cars have gotten and it’s pretty popular. They look great in person

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@Horizon301. they’re not even providing more air flow than the old four piece grill design because we all know there is a crash bar running behind the middle of it that used to be covered by a bumper and not extra grill, and no. They definitely don’t look good in person. I live less than a block from the local BMW dealership and every day when I drive by them I throw up a little in my mouth.

[@Horizon301.]

@@craigcampbell1843 on this car it’s blocked off. But the design itself resembles that seen in their latest offerings. Even with the 1 series, I think the grilles look much better in person and I see the 1 series all over now when previously it was mostly the Golf, I would assume sales increased. I’ve also seen many 4 series and personally, I would say that it’s one of the best looking BMW’s out there, second probably being the 8 series. Teslas here in the south west are more common thsn fiestas so I would rather see an i4 and iX over the ugly whales cropping up all over the place. It’s the only electric cars I would genuinely consider and in many ways the design is pretty conservative, especially on the i4 for an EV.

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@Horizon301. you are the first person I’ve heard say they actually like the new larger grills. BMW claimed they were for added airflow on their high performance modes which obviously isn’t true because there’s a crash bar running through the middle of them whether it’s covered up by a bumper or not, and because now they’re putting them on vehicles that don’t even need a front grill. I actually know someone that owns one of the new big grill cars. He said it’s a great car and that he bought it in spite of the hideous front end because he can’t see it when he’s driving. Only everyone else does. And again I know exactly what they look like in person. I drive by and walk by them every day. I live a few hundred feet from the local dealership.

[@Horizon301.]

@@craigcampbell1843 most people I’ve seen admit to liking it only said it was after seeing it in person. I can’t help much if others don’t like it. As for the reasoning behind it, I didn’t know anything if what you mention but it’s obvious that a 7 series doesn’t need the biggest grille on any bmw when the G11 which is the same car has no issues. It’s obviously a design piece. We have all Audis in my family and have only ever had 2 BMW’s both if which were the 7 so I don’t think my opinion stems from that of someone loyal to that brand. Context helps so you know I’m not a die hard bmw fan 😂. In the case of the 7 though, I also like that more than the ore facelift which we had, only issue is the new ones coming out next year I assume so it’s pointless to buy. If you don’t like the new grille, ultimately you just stick to the 3 series, most people have the biggest issue with the 1 series, iX and 4. The X5, 7 and X7 grilles aren’t anywhere near as extravagant. The grilles on Audis are also getting bigger, the A6 for example has a very wide grille that’s unlike previous generations. It’s just what they have to do with their relatively short life cycles. I would rather they didn’t do it as much now as there isn’t much innovation bar making everything touch screens and making the exterior look like a slab. Case in point, every new gen VW Group product that’s being made now. Overall, I don’t think the bold design will hurt BMW, it will only increase sales, either because people like the design or because people from other brands now want the modern model as most BMW’s that only just got redesigned were still very dated with manual handbrakes and the like. It’s why I chose the A5 over the 4 series as it’s night and day.

[@peterfurness7296]

This is crazy, my model 3 SR+, has half the battery and similar range, more boot storage, a front boot, comfy seats, a practical charging network, a pleasing look from the front and costs less than half the price! BMW have been selling EVs for years this is atrocious.

[@mauriceschoenen]

But is has no beaver faux grill!

[@vonrichthofen5734]

I guess looks are subjective, but the M3 isnt a looker either. If the Porsche Panamera had a lttle down-syndrome brother, this would be it.

[@TheJAMF]

@@mauriceschoenen Can be fixed with a cheap sticker. 🤣

[@DanRyzESPUK]

You're comparing a sedán with a SUV, you're mixing apples and oranges. For actual comparisons it should be with the Model Y.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

That's the price of driving higher (SUV) having more space internal, more luxury, very low noise level compared, M3 compared is a high speed rattle can, I drove the M3, The Model S, not yet the iX. You should compare it to the model X though and drive it side by side. Its like comparing the VW Polo GTI with a Touareg.

[@__PHIL__]

List of things I like about the iX. 1. The headlights. Thanks for reading.

[@martinogold]

I like the wheels and, erm.... Yeah, the wheels are nice.

[@nathanorchard201]

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should! Sometimes with the new electric cars the designers just seem to have a wet dream and style them to the nth degree. What will be interesting is what will actually sell! Do we actually want white interiors, illuminating logos… Great video, always enjoy the honest commentary on the cars!

[@matthewmason8982]

Every time I hear a new dad ask for advice on a new car for the family, everyone chips in an SUV recommendation. It’s utterly bonkers how out of touch people are with the actual interior space available in them compared to any saloon/ hatchback comparable 🤯

[@jur4x]

If I was in that situation, I would go with S-Max or Galaxy over Edge, and Kuga, or Puma. Or Explorer, which the do offer in Europe now. Sharan over Tiguan.

[@matthewmason8982]

@@jur4x Or if you’re having your first child, a Golf is plenty. My SiL does fine with a Polo FFS

[@TheHouseofKushTV]

New dads have tiny children that need to be put into, strapped into, and (later) taken out of a child seat. That is INFINITELY easier to do in a crossover or SUV, where their seat is at your level, than a saloon where you have to 'bend down and lean in' while holding a squirming sack of potatoes that may or may not be screaming into your ears 😊

[@matthewmason8982]

@@TheHouseofKushTV I have three kids. The difference is marginal, at most. Certainly not worth anywhere near the myriad of negatives SUVs create.

[@MasterChief37]

I’ve run through C class touring, 3 series wagon, Volvo v70, VW Touran, 2 x A6 Avant and now and iX, I was always pro wagon anti SUV, now I have and SUV I can’t believe I didn’t buy one years earlier.

[@gtnathan]

Thank you for an honest & perfectly balanced review. You address the good, the bad & the ugly with no hesitation & it's so very refreshing.

[@W92Baj]

The front is gopping, the boot is frankly an embarrassment. With the blingy buttons it seems this is aimed at a specific market. Expect to see these outside schools in Chelsea with kids pouring out. Also am I the only one who thinks you can sod off with these sealed off areas like the bonnet? Its my car, I paid for it, I want access to all of it

[@TheShinyShow]

Reminds me of that Alfa with an unopenable bonnet. Maybe there's nothing in there that can be serviced by the home mechanic, but you should still be able to access it.

[@floki1664]

That's because you're living under the assumption and automotive standard of having a bonnet. There is no bonnet on this vehicle, you want a bonnet, buy a vehicle with a bonnet. But don't act like it has a bonnet you aren't allowed to access lol. There is no bonnet. Only wasted space. As for the rest of your comment it just sounds like an opinion from somone who doesn't like this car. Which is fair. But that's all it is, an opinion from a Minecraft youtube channel.

[@W92Baj]

@@TheShinyShow Precisely. It's a growing trend. The problem is, where does it go, or stop?

[@MadDaCube]

It doesn't have frunk. What do you want to access? The electric motors? The high voltage system? Even EVs with a frunk don't give you access to that. And for good reason probably.

[@W92Baj]

@@MadDaCube Again, it's not specifically that bonnet of that car. It's a general comment about locking away things you own and making them inaccessible

[@clasqm]

BMW 2020's EVs: A bonnet you could land a jet fighter on. No frunk.

[@davidlazarus67]

it makes you wonder what they have done with that space?

[@Hallo-Hallo]

Yesterday I saw a ‘new’ X5 driving behind a iX , I have to say, the X5 looked ‘20 years’ old…

[@anderslaursen5810]

Somehow manufacturers conveniently “forget” that in calculating the force the air has on a moving car, the frontal area is equally important as coefficient of drag - and the frontal area of this type of vehicle is massive…

[@FabriSlv]

Otherwise they'd all have to admit that the Citroen Ami is more aerodynamic than their fancy sport car 😉

[@thk4711]

During the transition to electric cars BMW has somehow lost the ability to make good cars. They just put some expansive stuff together without any innovation and I am afraid the engineers and designers don't even try anymore to be good. The have all given up.

[@aussie2uGA]

The scary thing is they haven’t given up, they just don’t have the technology yet to do it right. Rather than embarrass themselves trying to make a new proper i8, they’ll provide this ix while they continue to learn.

[@ulwur]

They have somehow convinced themselves that that grill shape has some inherent quality worth paying for and caring about.

[@CyAn-S]

A bit too much drama here. Their cars are still good. That you don't like the styling is another thing. Besides. never base your verdict on just 1 review. I have seen several iX and i4 reviews, and many think the cars are excellent.

[@ventudeca]

after I tested it I bought it. I love it and in 4 days from receiving it I have already drove 1110 km... I love it!!!

[@Secretlyanothername]

Glad you got one, it seems like a great SUV.

[@utubedaj]

Great review! Want to like the car as it has the sort of engineering goodness that used to make BMWs great but it’s wasted with 2.5 tons, no third row seats and bonnet with no storage. Such a shame!

[@mysticriv]

$100 grand is a bit much and this car is a bit late - sorry I’ll have an Ioniq 5 over this any day.

[@cbix86]

Great review as always and watching you trying to be objective about this hideous thing was greatly entertaining. I get we are all going EV in the future, but the 3 big German brands seem to be making a right old mess of it especially in the design department with the exception of the E-Tron GT. For me the Koreans and the French seem to be making a much better job of it and from someone who has driven German cars for the last 10 years it brands from Korea and France that’ll I’ll be going to next time round, I wouldn’t have said that 10 years ago!

[@Rob_Dekker]

“That’s a boat… we are nowhere near the sea” 🤣 Focus Jonny!

[@MrSteveBertone]

Ah you hit on a very good question, the answer of which no one knows! “Why do people buy SUVs” Saloons look nicer, People carriers (EG Zafira) have the family space, Pick ups or 4x4 (eg Defender) have the ground clearance or go any where ability.. Estates have bigger boots, are more practical and frankly better looking. For example I own a 2019 mondeo Estate.. 4 adults and camping gear and I still have room… my best friend has a Jaguar XF saloon? When he has his Kids and wife in the car, that’s it, it’s full.. boot has a Push chair in some nothing else fits.. my father has bought the Jag XE saloon, he can’t fit his golf clubs in it with out lowering a seat, which means he then can’t fit the dog in too.. I asked him why he didn’t buy the XE/XF estate and he couldn’t answer me.. I do not understand SUVs they’re not all that practical and while I admit some do look nice, I do like the Mach E, I’d far rather something like an electric Estate

[@Jimontherun]

I can remember when BMW made stylish cars.

[@puffytiger9439]

Great review Johnny, especially liked seeing the Allegro steering wheel - I laughed and reminisced at the same time. The tech in these flagship EVs is amazing but leaves me cold. Less is more, except for range where more is definitely more. Keep up the good work - I thought you were the hardest working person on youtube until you introduced me to the legend that is Colin Furze.

[@diraziz396]

Hi Jonny. that Bluish shade on the side at the Intro is Genius. much better then Blacked out. Thanks for the Interesting stuff.

[@ScottPC]

I noticed in the podcast you couldn't turn off the traffic announcements. BMW does this weird thing where its a button on the dash with the 1,2,3,4,5... buttons. I have no clue why its not in Radio settings....... Might help you out in future recordings!!!!

[@SMlFFY85]

I'd rather put an engine and wheels on a skip and drive around in that.

[@simonbrooks6073]

Our i3 was and is on the right track. At least this one is ground up EV again. Just imagine a new i3 with a little more boot space, a more efficient motor and 350 km range. BMW have lost their way a bit.

[@hw5533]

Imagine having the funds, teams and ability to make an amazing car and coming up with this...

[@mrpuckles8704]

Just wanted to say you can store the parcel shelf under the false floor in the boot, it pulls up further than it looks. Also you can turn things like the gesture control off.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Oh. Does it? Damn, sorry about that.

[@Sur-Ron]

Another SUV, just what the world needs!!! BMW used to be my favourite car brand (I used to have an e30 touring) now it’s my least favourite brand, when they released the x6 that was when it all went downhill

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Yeah. That. But imagine if that rear end design was on a 5 series EV estate/touring.

[@stephengeorge3854]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Taycan Sport Turismo Gran Turismo Sport does that job

[@MatFinch]

A great balanced review, rather than just dismissing it entirely based on its looks. Always love how you give us the stats, focus on the details and practicalities of living with it.

[@graememcburnie8140]

Another great review from TLBS , I have just taken delivery of the latest BMW X3M40d which is my second version of this and the sales person that I use was raving about this new iX, he had just come back from a few days product training on it. He assures me that it will be my next car that I buy from him and has promised me a long weekend loan when they get there demo car in. Hate the looks but you don’t see it when you are driving it!.

[@paulhearn9632]

Great review once again Jonny. Beaver Teeth grille...love it! Interesting you like the wheelarch shapes which look a bit Peugeot 207 to me? I'm afraid I have a major downer on how 95% of BMW's are driven and feel/fear this will appeal directly to those who already drive one. I find the huge amount of Tech, even for basic controls, worrying for the driver to play with when - as above - 95% of current BMW (and a huge proportion of SUV) drivers can't find the indicator stalk...or even know what it's for. Interestingly as the level of iDrive has numerically increased, Driver competance within that vehicle has gone in the opposite direction 🤷🤷 The dash bracket that holds/supports the screen on the left....🤔🤔🤣🤣. I think current BMW Design deserves a Renault Avantime, a Pontiac Aztec and would love this to be it...although with the Tax Breaks given and the ability to own/drive it through a Business means it will, no doubt, find a place...which is... probably in the wrong lane of every multi-lane road everywhere. 🤣🤣 On a different note, I would like to see every new car coming with it's Manufacturing Footprint declared and not just it's WLTP impact, which you could then share with us and we could then work out if we could ever pay it back based on our useable mileage.

[@robsmith1a]

It may have a low drag coefficient but still a pretty big frontal area so I imagine it isn't that easy to push through the air. I used to be able to pretty easily tell one car from another but with the rise of the SUV I find it largely impossible without looking at the badges or grille - BMW make it easy in this case if not in a good way.

[@JayeOFarrell]

Big frontal area doesn't nessecarily mean it isn't efficient. Check out the front of the out going LMP1 cars. It's more crucial how the air flows around the shapes and doesn't stall. What is down wind of the leading edge is often more important.

[@henrik1743]

All EV's are just not made for REALLY long trips on the motorway to be honest, they are made for short to medium trips where you charge at home

[@CyAn-S]

It is apparently fairly efficient at high speeds.

[@CyAn-S]

@@henrik1743 Wrong. If you have watched AANY specialized EV channel like Bjorn Nyland you'd know that doing long trips in an EV is not a problem at all. Unless you live in a country with no chargers.

[@henrik1743]

@@CyAn-S I sub to him yes, a Citroën ec4 has like 180km range at 100-110 km/h at 0 degrees Celsius in Sweden, what a joke

[@siimens]

Great review, so sorry to hear about your audio guy, I hope he gets well soon.

[@TheTriumfAnt]

It shouts, "Look at me!" And some people love that.

[@jonboyjon1976]

Forget the iPace or the EQC, I honestly would choose an Enyaq or ID4 over this ... thing. In fact, it's borderline over the £25K MG EVs. Sorry, but this is just so ghastly and feels poorly designed.

[@tommarino69]

I just don't understand BMW anymore, virtually everything they currently sell is hideous and most people tend to agree. Yet they continue to make ugly, over-designed, awkward looking cars. When I was growing up in the 00s, the then current BMWs were everywhere, but now all I seem to see are older ones, it's mainly new Mercs, Audis, Jags that are around in brum, I very rarely see any new bimmers.

[@SMlFFY85]

Same near me, Audis and Mercedes everywhere but I don't think I would use up the fingers of one hand to count the number of current Beemers I've seen on the road. I cannot fathom what the powers that be at BMW were thinking allowing such ugly cars to go into production. I don't think it would be over the top in saying literally no one outside BMW likes their latest designs.

[@eclecticcyclist]

Agree. My son still drives a '91 5 series 330 TDS Touring and it looks great and is practical.

[@Zero_Ninety]

20 years ago they made the E39 5 Series and the E46 3 Series. Not they make this...thing.

[@Zoltan1251]

dont you like M4?... or at least M8, those are still really good looking to me... the grill just looks like a sticker for EVs, thats just bonkers

[@MadDaCube]

Sales tell a different story. BMW has overtaken Merc in global sales this year and extended their lead over Audi. And that's why we won't see any changes in their current design approach. These cars are selling despite the internet hating them.

[@rosettedsouza7265]

Great review Jonny, been awaiting this one and also looking forward to the i4 m50 ASAP please. Best wishes from BC Canada.....

[@YsanneOshea]

I really like your narration. To the point and not too fancy. Not afraid to say it's naff or impractical or just badly designed. Excellent. Thanks for the content. Really enjoying the LBS.

[@spotty_cat26]

Un-necessary Evolution. I like that phrase. I can see me using it often. I think it sums up pretty much every new addition to modern cars, that nobody asked for. Keyless ignition, electric handbrakes, electric folding seats, having to talk in an american accent for voice control where, as Jonny states, a button is what you want, not a (will become very greasy) bloody touch screen tv nailed to the dashboard.

[@neuronichangfire]

Thank you for your honest reviews. I'm perplexed by so much of BMW'S build decisions. I hope they find their space in this electric future. Bring back the BMW design brilliance directed towards the ultimate driving experience. Design that makes sense.

[@Petelmrg]

I think you’ve about nailed it on this review - echoes the same things I thought about the ‘what could have been’; enjoyed the review, thanks.

[@17addidas]

I recently saw the ix ( in white) in the back parking lot of my local BMW dealer . I own 2017 i3REX with almost 100000 flawless Km . First impression : its huge... Quality finishes - as expected and Im not put off by its looks. This I say as driver of another styling " freak"..... Because with time , the performance and sheer fun of the driving experience will make it lovable in all aspects .

[@joeyg90]

You'd spend so much time parking in such a way, so that you always approach the car from the rear and not have to look at the front. Ps. Great review as always, give me the tech / ev drivetrain in an estate and I'd be really tempted.

[@MrJayscinema]

Like it or loathe it, I really like the fact BMW have risked being a bit marmite-ey with their latest design story. Makes a really change from all the cars looking the same

[@TheRealFLX81]

If you take a dump on a car's hood, it also stands out from the crowd.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

A snarky but honest overview that is informative and entertaining. THANKS.

[@stephenlane9168]

Great video. Loving your work Jonny. I'm really liking certain technical elements of the IX - its need to be a 7 seater though

[@johnhaynes9910]

An excellent and thoughtful review. For the look/feel of driving something very different, the BMW i3 is still excellent visually and for this kind of money and however technically clever, the Jaguar is still far more stylish. Having said all that, I'm not convinced that the current battery technology is anywhere near right, if you get one lease don't buy seems sensible, you don't want to own any of them when something technically better turns up plus, they are all way too expensive !

[@nickporter4279]

That's always been the case with cars though. The next generation brings better fuel economy, safety, features, space, comfort or performance... now we can add improved energy density and charging speed to the list. The auto industry survives on the concept of progress, actual or perceived.

[@ecotts]

Toyota have Solid State batteries coming: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXfHnYSanp6SgpI kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZe2hHuPhNeEhKs

[@FabriSlv]

@@ecotts everyone has 😉

[@petesplaneta9340]

Another great review Mr Smith. I think that quiet despondency and despair is how I feel watching this. So many wasted opportunities. There is a lot of design might in BMW. Why can’t they do it properly and while they do focus on cars that most normal people want to use. I would love to have an electric BMW 3 or 5 series equivalent in a touring shape, but for now I’ll make do with a model 3, which has almost as much luggage space as this monster!

[@gasdive]

The model 3 has 650 litres. This iX has 500 litres.

[@G1installs]

@@gasdive model 3 has 425.

[@gasdive]

@@G1installs I've been looking at this since your comment, and boy it's it a black hole... Tesla quotes 15cuft, which translates to your figure of 425. The cuft number looks like it was rounded and cuft are big, so that probably isn't as accurate as the "425" looks. People have actually measured it at 457, but then there's the underfloor cargo area at 96 litres and the frunk at 71, which comes out to 624 total. If you just put "model 3 luggage space" into Google, Google responds with 649, but doesn't say where that figure comes from, and the first few links just say 425 (which is the Tesla "15" figure converted). However, whichever way you cut it, the BMW giant SUV is in the same ballpark (as our American cousins would say). Which is nuts.

[@petesplaneta9340]

@@gasdive these things are never simple! One thing is clear though. Model 3 has similar luggage space and this BMW is a bit pointless.

[@steveo6944]

One word hideous

[@13Pandam]

Always enjoy your reviews Jonny even when the car is absolutely not my kind of thing, I think your observations/ comparisons make the difference. I do worry that all the gizmos being added to cars these days are a dangerous distraction, apart from one. As I get older and my reactions slow I do feel that ‘Lane assist’ would be very useful when turning over a cassette.

[@LasseThomsen]

OK, I stick my neck out here and say that I have a 2014 X5 40d sport and I test drove an iX 40 at my local dealer and I love it! Anyone that currently have an X5 will be right at home after a few minutes of driving it. Very smooth drive, and quick if you want it to be. The steering wheel is a bit odd to start with but you soon appreciate some of the angels you can hold on to on longer journeys. I don't have an X5 for the boot although it's handy to do the University removal run. I have it because I like not to be blinded because I sit a bit higher up and I can see more of the landscape when driving. The iX is a lovely car and yes I like the front too.

[@rjnation5042]

Good lord it's fugly, I agree it's got great tech but it's an incredibly comprising package, your honesty is so appreciated, Rj in Oz

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers for that RJ 👍🏽

[@martinj7083]

This bloated piece of EV tokenism could have been designed to highlight how good Kia's EV6 is: vastly better-looking, almost as quick in AWD form, even faster-charging and half the price.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Amen to that. Kia wins.

[@mattleistner313]

Vastly better looking? The EV6 looks incredibly ugly at the rear!

[@ash2730]

@@mattleistner313 you must be blind

[@anthonyfinch4401]

Wish I could afford an EV6. Think it looks great!

[@jonathanfrankel6787]

Definitely the Ioniq 5 is nicer looking and far more desirable.

[@user-qy7pu9qd9h]

We got the brand new BMW iX during Christmas time 2021. It is our 4th BMW and we were excited to ride on it. On January 10 2022, the iX made its freeway debut. We would never have thought the first drive would have been a nightmare. My husband drove the iX fine until that moment- about 20 minutes on the freeway. A loud “Bang!” struck us frozen. At that moment, the bonnet hood smashed the front glass! My husband on the driver’s seat, and I next to him, found ourselves being entirely blindfolded by the bonnet hood and were entirely unable to see the traffic. It was a moment of fear, fear of losing our lives.

[@P.Galore]

excellent honest and thoughtful review.

[@DSrealestate-narangba]

Looks like a Renault 5 at the rear with the tailgate up.

[@Evolve_windows]

Aperture is certainly the same shape 👍

[@mrclown7469]

Despite being incredibly overstyled, it manages to look bland and boring overall. Remarkable really. The hodgepodge of lines on the C pillar also look like a badly played game of Tetris.

[@NerdonWheels]

Excellent perspective. Thank you!

[@havardstle3788]

Best review of the IX I've seen so far. You sum up all the problems with that car. I bought a new I3 this year, but would newer go near this one! I'm not looking forward to seeing th IX on the road.. Johny, it would be werry helpful if you'd put km on the screen when you mention miles.

[@StuartPlumbley]

I don't think its any more ugly than the Jag i-pace. Sure "in isolation" the front of the Jag looks nicer, but as a package I think they both look as bad as each other. However the interior of the iX is another level compared to the faux luxury offered by the Jag.

[@Auto_Funk]

What a disgusting thing... I do like the interior. I'd like BMW to go "retro" and bring back a modern take on the E30 and E34 era front end, with round lights set into horizotal slats.... I think that would be a really strong look amongst all the fussy design that you see nowadays...

[@tcaudiobooks737]

Beauty is beautiful, you can't put a date on it, it either looks good or it doesn't. There's a reason why people still marvel over those auld BMWs before 2002, and Grace Kelly's face.

[@Auto_Funk]

@@tcaudiobooks737 I completely agree!

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Jonny, great video and review as usual. A member of the family has just ordered one of these !!!! Just one observation - it sounded quite noisy - road noisy.? Just watched a review of the new Renault Megane EV and it appeared to be absolutely silent.

[@AndySnap]

A great review, as ever JS. The IG filter you mention is called 'BMW badge' and for some weird reason, some/many people think that by applying it to their car, it makes it desirable and will impress friends and neighbours. Others however laugh, a few even puke... Me a BMW owner in the future? Not a chance, until they look stylish like they used too, many years ago..

[@Smidge204]

All of the sensors are conveniently located right behind the front grille plate, guaranteeing a repair will cost 10K+ when you get into even a minor love tap with a car in front of you.

[@castletown999]

Amen. I wonder how many sensors are really behind there. I have a feeling it's something they came up with as a response to comments on its ugliness. " If they don't like it, tell them the bit about the sensors".

[@MrLundefaret]

In regards of the design. BMW has a tendency to paint itself into a corner it needs to revolutionise itself out of. When I first saw the iX i got an instant flashback to Chris Bangle. In the day he got critizesed to the extreme, but looking at his designs now, it was a needed change of direction. So older and hopefully a bit viser, I have decided to not make judgements on BMWs new design direction before I understand the direction, and understand in which way it will be developed. So I have endured the M3 and M4, the iX, etc, and then I saw the design concept XM (not in the flesh unfortunately.) I understand the logic of the direction. BMW needs to balance the femenine and the masculine, and it needs to separate itself from its past and at the same time take care of its heritage. I think the XM is a really interesting concept, and as with Bangle, I see how this new direction first will be stirring up the kettle, and then calming down to hopefully generate new BMW classics.

[@davidevans4089]

An entertaining review as always Johnny, well done.

[@yohai71]

Thanks for the review, top notch as ever. Now, who else sees the rear end of a 1981 Renault 5 Turbo 2 when the boot is open?

[@Perthshire]

Quote from Richard Porter on the iX from Smith and Sniff Podcast, 16/11/20 "It is the single shittiest, most sloppy, poorly resolved, badly surfaced, badly detailed piece of car design that I seen in, possibly ever. It’s horrific and they should be ashamed of themselves. A Chinese start up run up meth addicts would do better at designing a car. It is

[@stephen300o6]

That said it is much better than Bristol ever managed for a fraction of the price.

[@Perthshire]

Never had a chance to check my post before it got pinned. Can't edit it now. Should have said - ""It is the single shittiest, most sloppy, poorly resolved, badly surfaced, badly detailed piece of car design that I seen in... possibly ever. It’s horrific and they should be ashamed of themselves. A Chinese start up run by meth addicts would do better at designing a car." Check out the podcast for much, much more trashing of the car, though. Had me in stitches!

[@tupolev141]

It's as usual a bit too busy. And daring in one way and terrified of too much change in another. This was also their chance to make the kidneys again half the size by stopping them above the licence plate.

[@pclayton5063]

That pretty much covers it. What's disappointing is that your typical BMW buyer will be lining up to buy it.

[@markwilliams5654]

@Old Fart I think your name says it all .....lol

[@simonmurfin1910]

Another great review but it’s a no from me. I don’t like the exterior looks, the rear legroom looks no better than our i3 and a huge amount less than our Q7, and the luggage space is far too small for a family car like this. I also think the i3 interior and use of space is very good indeed and I really done see myself buying a BMW again for many many years if this is the best they can do

[@TomsManShed]

Nice review Jonny ...love the way you matched your boots with the interior :)

[@mikec6947]

...and the hat! I wouldn't dare with my size 14's.

[@jacktyler7599]

Two thoughts: 362 comments only 5 hrs after being posted. Remarkable accomplishment, Jonny. And...a uniquely presented review, as always, that's informative, very well shot, and thorough. Very well done.

[@mattleistner313]

I quite like the appearance and the style of it! 👌 I'm sure most buyers don't care about 7 seater anyway. 😄

[@Secretlyanothername]

The only time I want seven seats is when I need to drive a table of friends home from dinner. They'll have to get an Uber instead!

[@tayne5009]

Did I miss the range details? I heard WLTP 380miles and saw an indicated 272miles but could it do 272 miles?

[@grumpyto5]

Excellent review as always. So glad you pulled out the Allegro mk1 steering wheel. It must be galling for the BMC designers to know that they were 50 years ish ahead of the game. As for the IX front the kidney faux grill is becoming a caricature of itself can we not get back to the narrow one please BMW?

[@tonysimi5763]

I would rather have a model Y performance!

[@ianscott947]

For first impressions its all about the looks and this looks like a beaver playing Darth Vader dress up games.

[@DEADB33F]

Great review. Although whenever you mention a 'ground up car' (4:57, 28:51) I can only think about this thing going through one of those giant industrial car shredding machines. ....probably the best thing for it.

[@paramdeepdhaliwal9694]

I used to follow u since the days of fifth gear I always watch ur video even I suggest ur show to my buddies too I m indian born canadian keep it up cheers

[@simonhobbs9097]

Great review as alwaysJonny, big BMW fan so disappointing that you don’t love it, but X5 does a better job and at a much lower price tag, £100k eek. The Koreans appear to be winning the electric battle at the moment.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Simon. There's a lot of cool stuff on this iX but I feel it simply doesn't answer questions that anyone asked!

[@chrise2329]

I like the interior with the exception of the steering wheel. The exterior doesn't seem any better in real life than in the pictures which were shocking. Also, how on earth does it weigh 2.5t with so much carbon / composite??!!

[@gathonar]

I think the carbon fiber just covers steal parts, its used as an asthetic on this car only.

[@proinseasokiellig4388]

Great review.

[@dankrafted]

i saw one of these yesterday, quite liked the back end (lights look nice) until i got up close, its kind of offensively bland... glad i never saw the front though, i didnt fancy cleaning the vom from the steering wheel.. the rest of the tech looks good though, just needs to be put in a nicer package. one thing struck me though.. all that tech, amazing features etc and still a manual sun visor, youd think they would electrify that automatically, nice auto tinting windscreen

[@spunkbubble1]

Find its mother and ask if she loves it’s face? Or alternatively ring Bodmin and send the beast away, far away, as far as it’s AA battery will propel it

[@jackscott8931]

I... dear God I don't have the words.. it makes a Ford scorpio look like a DB7 .. It makes me feel physically sick

[@Car_and_classic_lover]

Same! Lol

[@eddstarr2185]

Thank you for an excellent review and analysis on the BMW iX. Just between you and me Jonny, after two rounds of my high-octane eggnog, the appearance of the iX dramatically improves. 👍

[@crisholmurb007]

Thanks for an honest and very useful review!