2022 BMW xDrive50 iX - Electrified (and Polarizing) SUV of the Future

2022 iX xDrive50 review. If you want to haul the family in an eco-friendly way but can't do it by bicycle, BMW offers the all-electric iX xDrive50 SUV for your consideration. Built using a more sustainable way in factories powered by renewable energy, the iX seats five, packs powerful performance (516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque), and is rated to travel up to 324 miles on a charge. It also sports, well, controversial styling inside and out. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped iX xDrive50 in Sophisto Grey with 22-inch wheels. And those wheels do make a difference.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos.
00:00 Intro
1:45 The Nose
1:58 Performance
2:46 Powertrain
4:17 Driving Dynamics
7:40 Interior
9:17 iDrive User Interface
10:40 Charging
12:08 Back Seat
13:30 Design
14:23 Cargo
15:40 Red Light Green Light
16:42 Summary
17:43 Epilogue
18:16 Fun Fact
autotrader south africa bmw ix3

[@mrd5024]

Looks like someone put a big grill on a Honda Odyssey

[@cornbread70s4]

Love your reviews for years Tom. Very professional AND personal. Thank you and Martin for all the hard work and dedication!

[@gtilover11]

Funky looking rig but I'm obsessed with that interior.

[@omarkhan8181]

This is an excellent review. I have watched many reviews on this vehicle and I still learned a fair bit from your review. Very informative yet beautiful to look at and fun to listen to. Thank You and keep up the good work!

[@JDelta87]

Thanks for dropping those gem locations in and around Seattle, Tom. Much appreciated!

[@stopthefomo]

The badge can only do so much in the face of real competition

[@sanzalejandroelement]

As always a great review, thank you

[@anbax]

I appreciate that you are still doing the same trunk test. love it! :D great review

[@feyrbrand7]

Before watching this, I very much disliked the iX’s design. Now I not only appreciate it, but this car is one of my favorite EV SUVs. Great review!

[@sapphirebluegabe]

I had the pleasure of driving this and love it!

[@fuelon]

thank you for the great video as always, Tom (and your twin! lol).

[@DaveIngs]

Great review as always Tom. I really enjoy your fine work! Even though I own a BMW, I strongly dislike run flat tires. However no run flat tires AND no spare? That is crazy!

[@andreh.dupuis8475]

The hood can be opened by user, just need to pull 2 releases, one on each side just under the dash. This being said the only thing of interest to me is to access the brake fluid reservoir and 12v battery.. I agree that the common user has very little interest to go there, BMW probably wants to outline that there is no user maintenance item under the hood. I might open it once in a while to verify the brake fluid visually, it also has a warning icon on the dashboard should it fall under a certain level.. cheers

[@teacake6941]

Great Review!

[@donoleston9715]

Great job Laycee put it on my bucket list

[@dedelstein]

Another great review. Thanks Tom. Happy to see full CarPlay integration. Not having it in my Audi means I have to do without some of the built-in MMI features (like map in the dashboard). Where the rear hatch meets the rear panel, the BMW looks like the old Lincoln MKT. If you want toasty seats, try the 2022 Audi A4 Allroad - one light is all you need!

[@nateisright]

This might be the best CarPlay integration I’ve seen. Very slick.

[@jeffwilliams7351]

Tom, excellent and thorough review as always - you are one of my top choices in my current vehicle purchase search. I currently own and love a 2015 MB S-550 w/75K mi and well-equipped with $116K MSRP. Your review and others got me to my local area BMW dealer yesterday and a lengthy drive and walk-around of their iX demonstrator ($93K) with air suspension and rear steering. Excellent ride comfort, low noise, and great driveability overall. What a blast to drive! Drives smaller than it is. ALERT: After our drive, my 5'6" wife complained the plastic piece in the seat top was rubbing her head. Getting worse and worse as we drove. Deal breaker, as we and the salesman could not adjust the seat in any way that would prevent this unpleasant hard plastic piece from bothering her. How could this have gotten past the BMW engineers? Apparently, thousands of people who are in a certain height range are going to have this problem in this vehicle. She has no issues with the seats in her Lexus ES-350, etc., and her height is fairly average for women. Please check this out, Tom. Thanks.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Good to know JS. It’s why test driving is critical.

[@CR-di1lg]

This is growing on me too. Lived in Seattle for a short while and actually had an office on Dexter Avenue North! Nice city for sure.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I miss 333 Dexter Ave North

[@nbkknlq]

Great video

[@johnkimbell1093]

Another beautifully photographed, even-handed, and good-natured review. In a world gone mad, your reviews and demeanor are always a small island of calm rationality. Thanks for the break...

[@GrahamQuigley]

Nice ride! 🤙

[@Reko_89]

Excellent review! This vehicle has truly grown on me! Saw a white one in person and it was absolutely stunning!

[@yakovd5992]

Thank you for review. How many percent do you recommend to charge BMW IX50 for daily use to keep battery safe?.

[@farmerbold1144]

I just got a 2022, BMW iX XDRIVE 50. And I love it. I really, really need this info/instructions video. Therefore, thank you very much.

[@NZCarGuy]

Good review. The leather on the dash in your demo car was not synthetic though. It’s the full leather Amido interior. Only the SensaTek interiors feature leatherette on the dash. Easily identified too since they lack the olive lead motif stamped into the two leather interior options (the other being the Castanea option).

[@theMLBfan]

Really appreciate the insider info on your local area at the end. It's one of the great things that sets you apart from other reviews. I'd love to visit that area someday. I'm from MN so, as you know, not the most scenic state.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hey, I'm from Minnesota and I'll disagree with you. Duluth is like a small Seattle, tough one that gets very cold in January.

[@theMLBfan]

@@DrivenCarReviews Oh I agree, Duluth is one of the bright spots. We love to take our kids up there even though it's nearly a four hour drive. We try to visit a few state parks each year. Washington looks pretty stunning though.

[@jefffaller8474]

Tom, Wow ! as a first time viewer of your site i'm very impressed. Great insight, video production, sound and supportive info graphics. As a middle aged EV enthusiast myself (also living in WA) who daily drives an i3, I really enjoyed your mature, balanced, upbeat review. Sure, I suspect this vehicle is grossly overpriced, like my i3 was to the first owner, but most BMWs are leased out the door giving the second owner a more realistic purchase price. Personally, i'm sick and tired of watching ridiculously immature automotive bloggers (not journalists) that tale every EV review as an opportunity make a huge deal out of things like the frunk size, and charging time when there's a huge trunk and YES most charging takes place in your garage (which absolutely needed to be said). Reviews that dwell on the irrelevant just show their reluctance to the transformational technology that's before us. Thank you for being such a breath of fresh air. Lastly, I agree that lack of spare is a big deal especially without run flats. Furthermore, on my i3 you're not going to find a local tire shop anywhere that has basically a motorcycle tire in stock for 3 days if you get a flat (which I have) so its a tow to the dealership. Once again, great content, and a breath of fresh air.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks Jeff, welcome to Driven!

[@SeattleNoname]

When the iX will be available for purchasing at Seattle dealerships?

[@jamesellsworth9673]

One of my favorite automotive commentators!

[@shopafelic]

Thanks for the bonus fun fact! Was going to visit Seattle September 2020 before COVID decided to stay...

[@javierporta164]

Hi Tom! Longtime viewer from NY here. We all love your reviews, thanks again! I have a question: since most of the times you have the cars for several days, wouldn’t it be nice to shoot some nighttime footage? I would find it very interesting to see the front lights, rear lights and also the interior ambient lighting, now that lights are getting fancier… Martin Campbell is going to hate this idea!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You're confusing me with a guy that has a large team that could pull night time photography off. When you see decent car photography at night it means it's being lit. Just going out with a camera at night would give you some light pin points. So... no. Not going to happen.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great review!! The front end is challenging but it doesn't look too bad

[@noesrp6595]

I’m trying to like it, but I can’t get there. Maybe I need to see it in person. When I purchased my 2021 eTron Sportback last year, I initially wanted white, but then switched to Daytona Gray last minute. So perhaps in person will help.

[@johnelegant1727]

Tom’s has always been a professional. Also fun to listen to and easy to learn from. The iX will be such a fulfilling car for many - as well as a really good handling, quick SUV. Thanks Tom.

[@MrZimmmy]

Hey Tom, great BMW is M50 video! Beautiful SEATTLE locations, well written and your practical advice and conversational tone make me an easy listener. You say you're a photographer. Where could I find your website? Thank you. Danny Z from SF!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've neglected the website. This is the place.

[@guniseran]

I am curious to know if the engine light is already on when roiling off the assembly line

[@anthonyk119]

Is there a spare tire on the exterior, underneath the rear car trunk. Between the rear tires?

[@cruisyguy]

Is that actual sunshine? LOL Keep up the good work Tom, I really enjoy your reviews from here in Minnesota.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

MN rocks. I miss running around Lake Harriet. And Duluth.

[@GElley-jn9ic]

I love it! If I had the money I would buy one.

[@samuelmcgraw7927]

Thanks Tom! I'm looking forward to trying BMW's new lineup of electric cars.

[@xerexon2k]

thanks for your review! Well made. I always liked to be snug in my driver seat in my bmw. This looks like driving a living room. Didn't know people like that from a driving machine..

[@jmoranretana]

Love the engineering, the interior and performance numbers. But that exterior design is not right. Do not let engineers design exterior! :P (I am an engineer).

[@alphagodvon]

It looks better in person see it in person

[@michaeljjensen]

Aerodynamics is engineering so do involve them. But don’t let anyone, whoever they are, let something this ugly out the door.

[@beautifulthailandsoundofnature]

Where are you filming the review. Seem very nice neighborhood.

[@tommihelich2613]

Great plug for a great city. The rotating restaurant on top of the Space Needle is absolutely beautiful on a clear summer evening.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That's gone. It's now just a bar.

[@tommihelich2613]

@@DrivenCarReviews still good views. Too bad it’s restricted to adults.

[@gust5992]

Greetings from Morges, Switzerland. I didn’t know BMW has a plant in Moses Lake,…..wow,….that’s great!! As a former Edmonds resident, I miss WA State. Btw - Was that Fred Meyers in Lynwood (in the background) as you were charging?…

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The station is near Ballard. Enjoy Switzerland!

[@jeffwilliams7351]

Nice review, would have liked more on the ride and noise aspects, which others have said are excellent. Thanks for comments on side support offered by the front seat, as this is a key factor for me. My current vehicle is a 2015 MB S550, which has outstanding seat support and comfort along with a great ride (ABC option) and very low noise level. Hard act to follow, but looking toward a new EV. Now Mercedes EQS SUV at the top of my list, and will have to drive this BMW IX and the Mercedes when they are available. Other issues I have with this IX is meager choice of exterior and interior colors and being locked into packages instead of individual options. I want the 20" wheels, but that keeps me from other options I also want! 🤨 Etc.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, I try not to go on and on to waste people's time. But as I said, this is quiet and has an excellent ride quality. Best of luck in your choice.

[@paladin1843]

Didn't think you could get the exterior bronze trim Iin the US without the Sport package - which this one is not - in the iX50. Available in the iX40 I think, but that's only available in Europe. What's up?

[@Skoell1983]

People are constantly complaining that the production cars never look as cool as the concept cars. Now BMW is building just that, and people are complaining that it looks like a concept car. My sense of humor exactly. I ordered one in January because I fell in love with the design at first sight.

[@velprox1]

The front grill looks like a cheap sticker on a kids power wheels

[@4literv6]

That is a fantastically apt analogy. As someone whose assembled more than a few of those as a side gig, I cannot unsee that now. 👍🏻😀

[@Dark_Vader888]

You nailed it and yes I had a Power wheels.

[@AdamJakowenko]

Great review as always. Even with a "red light", you were still too nice about the front cupholders...needs a 4th category called "deal breaker" 😀. Same as it was with the Polestar 2 (although in that case it's because there's only ONE that's easily accessable). European car designers need an American cup holder consultant for models sold in the US 😆

[@anthonyc8499]

Polestar's cramped backseat with the driveshaft tunnel was the deal breaker for me, but every "deal breaker" is just someone else's yellow light or shoulder shrug.

[@naaspam1185]

@@anthonyc8499 The vast majority of rear and all wheel drive cars have driveshaft tunnels. Not sure why it's suddenly become a deal breaker for so many people recently. Unless someone has 3 people in the backseat often, it isn't really an issue for most people. Just remember folks, it's your car, you don't have to sit in the backseat! ;) That front cupholder design though, boggles the mind.

[@naaspam1185]

I'm still super confused why they did that with the cupholder. It's such an unforced error. They have plenty of room to move it forward and higher.

[@anthonyc8499]

@@naaspam1185 the Polestar 2 is relatively cramped compared to other cars it might get cross-shopped against. Other EVs in particular have flat floors which helps with the space usability and practicality.

[@naaspam1185]

@@anthonyc8499 Sure, it's valid if you need to lay things down across the floor of the rear seats. I guess I don't run into many of those situations where I wouldn't otherwise just put the thing in the trunk or on the seats. I think Polestar designed it that way by removing cells and wiring from under the rear footwells to add leg room, and then using the tunnel to pack the wiring / electronics, and maybe a battery module in there. You notice how high and uncomfortable the rear seat floor is when they don't do that. (eg. model 3) Polestar may have needed to do that to manage headroom as well since the headroom is pretty weak with the hatchback setup.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Tom, I’m pretty sure Acquaman will approve the look of the exposed CFRP body! 💪🏼

[@TheLetsboogiedown]

Aluminum+carbon fiber?... Basically totalled in a fender bender

[@porsche558]

Always a little snark from the evil twin LOL! I never tire of your reviews!

[@troyklassen1473]

For an electric it is well done but only for a select few. Did you get a change to cover the 2022 NYIAS this year?

[@eddstarr2185]

Wonderful review, Tom. I'm less concerned about looks, I'm noticing the price tag. These tech-heavy vehicles are very expensive . $60k seems the new entry-level price for all sorts of cars so it must be a real humbling experience for the budget conscious to car shop, with more questions than money. Maybe there's an electric 2 series on the way?

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

Makes me want to squeeze into my BMW distant cousin MINI SE back seat

[@jody024]

101k specced out. Ridiculous.

[@MrRey84972]

Right wtf

[@anthonyc8499]

Do you usually go to the SoDo Costco or Shoreline one?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

SoDo. Always.

[@joemartino6976]

Recently placed an order for the BMW i4 sedan. Very similar front end to this and I like it. The Tesla Y front end, in comparison, looks unfinished. About 80% of the way, the designers looked at the front end and said “Let’s go have lunch.” Apparently, they never returned…

[@McSMACKthe1st]

Look out because you said something bad about Tesla. The Tesla fans will come and respond. 😂😆🤣 I did once on another video and they didn’t stop.🤣😆😂 Just have fun with it especially since you’re completely right on the front end design thing.👍🏽✌🏽

[@eweuflesu23]

Or they decided that greater efficiency was more important than a garish advertising symbol of the brand?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm in the i4 right now. Video is coming in a few weeks. Starting to log jam up.

[@bhbae1]

Unfinished is better than ugly

[@pauwelasurfer]

Will the M60 come with a spare tire?

[@jpnw3272]

Maybe the sea lions were scared at the iX appearance. :) Great review. I only wish BMW did better with the i4 though. They need a X3 equivalent for the states. (I know of their iX3.)

[@dchow007]

Another great review with great insight on the car company. I have been in the market for another EV but this one is not it. Great car but I'm looking at a car that will help save the environment but not break the bank. The car iX is 2x the price of a midrange/pricey EV (Kia, Subaru, VW). Hope they start coming out with an affordable EV for the working people.

[@Mr.J2U]

An all electric BMW for the working class? I wouldn't hold my breath!

[@marioseoul]

Seattle ❤

[@seymorefact4333]

👍🏻🤣😂👍🏻 Pontiac is making a chrome back! Love that Pontiac grill.

[@aurorajones8481]

Good to hear the "masses" comments. I personally dont like it but as you say it doesn't photo well. I'm sure it looks good in person as you say and its nice to know the "masses" dig it.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I still remember the first time I saw it in person and my first thought was "it looks so much better in the flesh". It's not a must-have design for me but I'm always for companies taking chances.

[@josej.6329]

I see a Honda Odyssey from the front 3/4 view.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

$0.43/KwH 😱 Great review, Tom 👏🏻

[@davids7799]

Amazing car.

[@velprox1]

I remember when kias were ugly and bmws were pretty. Oh how times have changed.

[@ma7mgte]

Anxiously awaiting the Cadillac Lyriq...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hoping to have something for you mid June

[@user-cb7yi8hz4l]

Since at the moment in the U.S. the 50 is not available with air suspension or rear-axle steering, I would really appreciate opinions about how much of a difference the air suspension makes. Will the heavy 50 without air suspension be disappointing or still a ride worth the astounding price?

[@florinvid]

I would say it should still be very comfortable. I have the air suspension, it is very comfortable, but it's not a Rolls Royce, though according to some, it has Rolls levels of quietness

[@ToobyDooWap]

Just found this channel as I'm considering an iX. In a world full of annoying youtubers, you stand out as head and shoulders above. Like your style.

[@michaelarch3779]

Front end looks like an Edsel!!!

[@wbridges100]

Tuesdays are always good days…

[@mfarrel]

Great review as always Tom! We looked at an IX when buying an IX3 (X3 electric), the front end looks are growing on me but definitely love the look of the interior.

[@seybertooth9282]

And the EV-haters go "OMG? 2.5 tons? That's too heavy!!! EVs bad!" before they hop into their 2.5 ton ICE SUVs and drive off.

[@4literv6]

Well said! 😀

[@mondvogel6124]

i think this car is a beauty!

[@ktpinnacle]

Nice range and a nice ride. But every time I walked up to it I'd have the feeling I was stepping into a six-figure GMC Terrain with buck teeth.

[@dongidongi]

Following MBs footsteps on non openable hood.

[@omgitsme435]

We hated this thing. Felt really cheap for the price. And the cupholders! Who thought that was a good idea to put it there blocked by the center console.

[@BHBeckenbauer]

Oh wow… whoever at BMW USA specced this test car needs a talking to 😂

[@aurorajones8481]

14:00 YES! I think its because these EV shapes are odd in general. In sedan, hatchback and SUV the silhouette obviously due to wind is ODD. Id hate to be a designer working w/ those constraints. None of them look good. Not a one. I think the EV6 is the best out of them but even that is odd. In sedan the Audi and Porsche have almost nailed it but no one buys sedans, the air is odd. The S is old but generally shaped well.

[@eweuflesu23]

And, after all, a car should, first and foremost, be a fashion and status symbol over all else?

[@bruintoo]

Jaguar I-PACE is the probably the most gorgeous bespoke EV CUV right now even after 4 years. The EV6 looks like a mishmash of design ideas from I-PACE, DB6, etc.

[@Jon-Lars]

Edsel X Frankenstein.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

The least controversial aspect of this is the styling. Pricing, sealing the hood shut to prevent repairing anywhere other than the dealer and subscription fees?? What is this, the 2017 iDrive snafu again. There's much to admire about BMW's history of making fun driving cars, but those days are long gone. It seems the company is run more like a hedge fund with the accountants in charge.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The hood is fairly easy to open, any shop could do it. I forgot to ask Martin when we were driving otherwise I would have done it.

[@andreh.dupuis8475]

Maybe marketing and design more than accounting in my opinion..

[@asfandyarkhan2169]

@@DrivenCarReviews can u do mehran 2018 euro 2 review?

[@mjhowson2389]

The dark paint color masks the bizarre black cladding, especially below the rear bumper. I know the glass knobs within the interior are optional, but even without them, I find the interior to be the least successful. Too many odd angles and shapes. Also, BMW seems to have taken the "looks like an iPad stuck on the dash" to a literal extreme. Those anchors holding the touchscreens in place are not very elegant. As you mention, the cup holders seem like an afterthought, as does the glovebox. Why is it strapped in the cargo area? What happens if you are driving and want your passenger to check out how to use something, or what an error on the dashboard means? Do you pull over and stop or ask them to crawl into the hatch? BMW made some very odd design choices. The power, range, performance, and even flat charge curve, are competitive. I think many will cross-shop this with the Tesla Model X and upcoming Rivian R1S. The design isn't for me, but everything else seems well done.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

The design is slowly growing on me.

[@TurfSurf]

Chris Bangle designed some of the weirdest looking bimmers ever, this one isn't too bad.

[@shotgunreport]

Driven looks great on my 4K monitor.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I do my best

[@toronado455]

non user-accessible front compartment seems like a strange new trend.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Besides the front end, the lines aren't that bad. BMW still does rear ends well. Interesting how casual observers, non car people, liked the design, but journalists/enthusiasts hate it. Enthusiasts hardly ever love a new vehicle design. No matter what it looks like. The vehicle must be a decade old before people suddenly think it looks good, because by then, they're complaining about the design of another new version of something lol.

[@M1911jln]

Yes, they are that bad.

[@alh06]

This looks horrendous in person, as a non car reviewer. Saw one at a Beemer dealership on Saturday. The front end looks like a geometric beaver.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Sea lions? They’re discussing the front of the iX. Wondering if they’re related…

[@christopherprose3881]

Ugly Unattainium. Way to go BMW! 100k? Again? Every car company on the planet is in a mad rush to have a model or two (or 10) priced at more than 100k. The design is not really awful (but it will never be pretty) and it will stand out from the crowd, but I would never pay that much for an EV that looks like it does. There is just too many other more practical and appealing EVs on the market now, thank goodness. But the world needs a Civic-priced EV that is the size of the new HR-V with 300 miles of range. Still, yet another great review, Thomas!

[@tomhoots]

I've heard that the sea lions were just nice and quiet until you drove past them in that thing....

[@word42069]

It’s got some cool kit and seems decently capable. Sadly it’s kinda tacky looking with all the flat sections and stubby headlights. It doesn’t look like a $100k vehicle.

[@MaxTheCat1960]

For someone who spends a lot of time talking in front of a camera, the comment, "I'm not a selfie guy" rather made me giggle!!

[@shopwithaaron]

Thx Tom! Rather uninspired exterior shape and details...more successful inside!

[@maxaudi2804]

$101k nicely loaded and looks like a Buick Enclave ?

[@QuietStormX]

Why do so many have a issue with the BMW Grill? It's from BMW History, go check....

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've seen that history look back and I'll take it with a big lump of salt. The heritage grille doesn't really look much like this. The old grille was a lot more slender and long.

[@benhaze1010]

Ok I am sorry but 5600 lbs on 22 inc wheels is just so disturbing. Auto Journalists have to start calling out the concerning issues with the electrified vehicles. Since when being as heavy as a heavy duty pick up truck be an acceptable compromise for mass market vehicles? Why is no one discussing the safety issue of a 5600 lbs involved in a head on collision with any current passenger vehicle? Come on.

[@dragonfencing5147]

i3 was the original avant-garde EV design. iX is the continuation…took them long enough….8 years!