BMW iX xDrive50 Interior | Style over Substance?

[@davidbailey6112]

I own an IX and drove it 3500 miles home from Baltimore to Washington State. I never felt uncomfortable in the seats. The hole in the back rest never hit me between the shoulders and frankly I don't even know it is there. I thought I would hate the cup holder placement, but in actual use, it turns out they work really well. The cups are out of the way and are easy to reach for. I also thought I would hate the crystal controls, and frankly I really don't notice them, and I have to laugh when someone comments on my Bougie seats controls. I agree on the criticism on the cloth interior, I thought it looked cheap as well, thats why I went for the Sensatec in Oyster which is absolutely great. The car is amazingly quiet, easy, and fun to drive and in my opinion is a great road trip car. Note: I am a first time BMW owner and first time EV owner. I narrowed my purchase down between the Tesla X, the Audio ETron and a few other highend vehicles. In the end, for me, I think I got an excellent car, and real value for my very very hard earned cash.

[@piotrrajmundkoprowski4732]

I did not know that car interior reviews could be so interesting until I found Carl.

[@hugoandrade1885]

Excellent not only is it a great review it informs you but it teaches you to know what to look for ir why something is the way it is , i really appreciate it

[@MunroLive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wongman2001]

Oh man, Carl speaks with such authority. Big guy reviewing big car. Love this!

[@pienzenau]

The lights under the tailgate are mandatory in Europe. If the tailgate is open, they replace the taillights which swing up with the tailgate - so the vehicle can be seen in the dark.

[@HoldFastFilms]

They talked about that in previous video. I guess he didn't get the memo lol

[@jkk244]

I believe they’re mandatory in the US as well for any vehicle that has tail lights mounted on a movable surface like the hatch. Imagine being stuck on the side of the road with the hazards on and the rear hatch open. If those auxiliary lights were not present, the vehicle couldn’t be seen well.

[@hotrod182]

@@HoldFastFilms Didn't bother keeping up with the memos, l guess. Detailed interior review, and didn't even go over available infrared heating, or probably one of the finest sound systems available in an EV. Did he even go over the electro chromatic sunroof? I guess not...Hmmm.

[@ramblerandy2397]

@@jkk244 Indeed, although Sandy mentioned he hadn't seen that before [in an earlier video], even the Chevy Bolt has another set of rear lights which pop on at night when the hatch is opened [and lifting the primary rear light cluster.] The Beemer does do it a different way, it's true.

[@grmunson7503]

This video is just a sample of what makes your videos superior to the vast majority of what’s out there-opinions by KZbinrs with no education, formal or from industry experience to be credible. I can count on Munro Live to always provide great content where facts and opinions are given by legitimate industry experts who are entertaining yet informative. All of your presenters do a terrific job, and Carl is a favorite. Thank you!

[@MunroLive]

Thanks. Carl is one our favorites too! ❤️

[@MarcoNierop]

Carl did an excellent job telling us in a very eloquent way this is a crap designed car... Love Carl's interior reviews!🙂

[@MunroLive]

Thanks Marco

[@hotrod182]

This channel is beginning to seem like it is sponsored by Tesla, Lol. Simple design? It is intentional BMW hidden tech, They mention it in their ads. What about the available infrared heating in the dash and door panels, etc. Can you criticize that too, or did you not even realize it might be there? If you don't like the suede, get the leather interior. Remember, unlike Tesla, you have many choices. Hope you also realize crystal is an option. Size of the seat adjuster just comes down to personal preference. How is it that other reviewers aren't complaining about the hard headrest trim protruding into theirs heads/backs? You really think BMW didn't think about it in their design? And you are complaining that a nice quality hatch sunshade isn't cheap fabric? Seriously?? Amazing how other reviewers absolutely say this car is much better than it's Tesla counterpart. Quieter, better driving, better quality and luxury. And according to Edmund's latest test, the ix is the longest range EV SUV on the market right now. Yes, the Model X is rated higher, but got much less range than it's rating. The ix on the other hand got much more range. In reality, the ix has substantially more range than the higher EPA rated Tesla. My friend sold his $149,000 Model X performance for $99K, got the ix, and said the BMW absolutely blows away the Tesla in luxury, quality, and range.

[@gazlives]

@@hotrod182 to me this was a standard review from munro (i have (the hated) bmw i3 btw). they did the same to the original tesla M3. if you were a tesla fan you wouldn't have liked that review. also they haven't driven it yet so i'm sure it's good driving points will come out then. fwiw the interior is a bit of a mish mash to me. maybe the leather is better as you say. in all i do think this was a standard teardown munro has. they didn't compare it to tesla in any detail. which is good

[@davidbeppler3032]

@@hotrod182 how much is BMW paying you? Seriously? Your friend sold his Model X Tesla for a loss, when right now used are worth more than new? Ok. On another note, the BMW ix has an 11kwh bigger battery. It should get about 150 miles more range than a Tesla Model X. Does it?

[@ramblerandy2397]

@@hotrod182 Carl was critiquing the car in front of him. He is an interiors expert. If other reviewers are not picking up the faults that he sees maybe they just aren't as good at analysing interiors as Carl. And he did point out that some of the things he saw he "didn't care for" = not his preference. So he pointed out where he was being subjective.

[@hugovale6360]

Family member has a 25 year-old car with tan alcantara on the dash and oddly enough, it's not dirty at all. It has maintained the look over the decades. It is a very resistant material, even though it doesn't look like it.

[@Clark-Mills]

The foot-vents in the rear are self-cleaning as when the mud dries it's atomised and ejected... ;) Great walkthrough as usual; your team is excellent and they know their stuff.

[@AlexandruJalea]

Atomizor pulverizator from the 31st and a half century 🤣

[@I_THE_ME]

The best thing about the iX is that when you are inside it, you can't see its exterior.

[@b4804514]

As you bang your head on that metal hole thing

[@ariip]

LOL. love the comment. I say that the grill center looks like a baboons ass.

[@alanmay7929]

Crap!!!!!

[@hotrod182]

Guess that goes more for the Tesla. 7 million subscriber channel (Car Wow), did a survey on what EV SAV looked best between the Audi, Merc, Tesla and BMW. The ix was picked better looking than the Tesla 4:1. So why the complaining, If you don't like it, don't buy it. Others won't have to wait in line so long then.

[@kentonian]

@@hotrod182 the trouble is all those idiots that think it looks good will be sat in them while the rest of us have to have the pain of looking at them 🤮

[@theagentsmith]

You always make my day with your detailed videos, been following from the Autoline times. Thank you guys!

[@gabormark2294]

The back lights when trunk is open are needed due to regulatory requirements, when back light opens up with trunk door. Not to illuminate anything for unloading, it is for safety to be visible for traffic.

[@bradweinberger6907]

Audi suvs have most commonly used this as well. Except Audi's lights are visible all the time because they are lower on the bumper

[@t3hpwninat0r]

The "Chrome Delete From Factory" transition is complete in 2022, now we need a "Piano Black Delete From Factory" 😖

[@patreekotime4578]

They just replaced chrome with piano black. 😂

[@chrisheath2637]

No frunk, but you fill the windscreen washer through the lift-up BMW badge, I think a frunk may be more useful IMHO...

[@dougk5456]

Great review. I agree with everything you found. It's like recommending a restaurant, some will like it and some won't. It would be difficult to come up with a design that would please everyone. Hopefully feedback will help them improve,

[@MunroLive]

Thanks for watching!

[@hotrod182]

Well enough people like it as they are selling all they can make. Furthermore, in the Carwow channel which has like 7 million subscribers, the ix was picked 4:1 better looking than the Tesla Model X.

[@tren133]

@@hotrod182 TBF the Model X is essentially a giant egg on wheels, and arguably the ugliest car in Tesla's model lineup. I don't hate the iX design but I would say most upcoming luxury EV SUVs will look better, such as the EQS SUV and the Polestar 3. The Audi fat eTron also looks nicer as well. I'm also very impressed with the new Nio ES7, which has a nice chiseled look to it.

[@bodrulm1]

This car is still well beyond the white goods feel of Teslas. It does feel like a special car

[@ricknplano1401]

Well done. Excellent discussion of specifics. Loved your presentation and topics.

[@MunroLive]

Glad you liked it!

[@Enemji]

15:50 It is a federal requirement to have lights on non moving parts of the vehicle. In this case as the hatch opens up, the lights also go up. Hence the additional lights.

[@zbyszanna]

Wouldn't those be red lights though?

[@jkk244]

@@zbyszanna I believe they light up red and just have a clear lens.

[@paulcamire]

The placement isn’t ideal though, the Audi Q8 and Chevy Bolt have those lights in the lower bumper. If you’re carrying a large load and the hatch is slightly open, the hidden lights won’t be visible on this car. (They turn on automatically if the hatch is open).

[@PhiTonics]

The giant metal inserts in the headrest are INSANE. Who thought that sh*t up? I mean what happens in an accident, you whip your head right into hard plastic and crack it open, am I right?!

[@ScullyD-ee9jk]

No, i own an iX, and not once has my head touched that open hole or its plastic surround. And i'm just average height (5'11") and my wife is 5'5". The open hole has the speaker system for the B&W speakers to allow sound to come through.

[@PhiTonics]

@@ScullyD-ee9jk ok, the guy in the video said he hit his neck on it, your anecdotal case says NOTHING about what I just said. Congratulations you fit, others don't. It's a bad design, this is obvious, my point stands. Me-1, You-0. Come ant me with a real argument or go away.

[@ScullyD-ee9jk]

@@PhiTonics he said it dug into his shoulder blade when he was fully leaned back. You don't hit your head on it and crack it open.

[@PhiTonics]

@@ScullyD-ee9jk read what I wrote smooth brain; "in an accident" and that could be for various people's highs. I'm presuming they don't crash test these with 10 test dummies at every person's hight. And what is your dog in this race?! Go ahead and defend bad design all you want, it doesn't change bad design. I can't even believe you people, the head rests aren't even adjustable, for 105 grand?! Get real.

[@b4804514]

@@ScullyD-ee9jk :{

[@boy638]

The truth is, perceived quality is what most people would care on a first impression like in a showroom.

[@jeangourdeau946]

Interesting! I now find BMW and Mercedes cars to be VERY bling, bling. Not so Audi. Cristal buttons? False stitching all over?? Where's the old BMW. Ever since Bangle, I believe they have lost their ways!

[@gladeous4161]

The hole in the headrest, the floor vents in the back seats, the drink holders in the front, and the sticker grills are just the dumbest designs mistakes on this car. Together, this is a deal breaker for me. Not paying $104k USD for this.

[@StormyDog]

Perhaps the headrest hole is so that carjackers have a place to rest their pistol barrel without causing them undue forearm strain. ;-)

[@peterzerfass4609]

But, but, but....triangles and octagons!

[@grahamstevenson1740]

The ridiculous HOLE in the head restraint ! JUST WHY ? It looks AWFUL and then has a bezel to to draw further attention to it ! It's about a subtle as a lead sledgehammer. I've owned some upmarket European saloons/combis (e.g. SAAB 9000/95 CSE) that screamed QUALITY just by being understated and not YELLING/SCREAMING at you.

[@grahamstevenson1740]

@@peterzerfass4609 Umm, yeah, Maybe. something stoopid like that.

[@hoffinger]

@@StormyDog Or a garrot.

[@ch00rus]

The octagons looks very much like hexagons ☺️

[@fcv1967]

BMW cutting corners

[@johnpublicprofile6261]

DRIVER'S SEAT IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT For anyone who will frequently drive a car for more than an hour per journey the car seat comfort is critical. Unfortunately we typically can not reach a verdict before we buy on seat comfort and whether it cripples your back after long journeys. But it will affect how long you retain the car, whether you will buy similar for your partner, whether you recommend the car and whether you will buy that brand again. The driver's seat is the most vital ergonomic of the car so that raised tunnel in the seat seems a surprising risk. Though to me not worse than the fake huge pair of ######## at the front. It takes giving a car a masculine look to a whole new ridiculous level.

[@AM_SDG]

Agree, I sat and drove many cars that the seat looks good, have power seats but felt so bad, for the example the seat cushion is too short. at the same time experienced some perceived cheap cars with manual adjustment seats, and on long trips, the seats were amazingly comfortable

[@TomTom-cm2oq]

Very nice review. Clearly spoken and concise thoughts. More please.

[@CorwynGC]

I think the lights on the rear are present to meet regulations. The lights need to be visible with the back open.

[@pforce9]

Whenever I hear "BMW" all I can think of is "This is the car company that wants to charge it's customers a subscription fee to use the seat heaters in the car." this is what happens when you let the Marketing department run the company.

[@brunosmith6925]

No... it's when ACCOUNTANTS run a business. NEVER let an accountant (or a bank) give you business advice. They have a long history of driving companies into bankruptcy. Most of the collapses of really big companies are a consequence of accountants taking control.

[@pforce9]

@@brunosmith6925 We can agree that the bean counters and salesmen should never be in charge of a company. Okay?

[@1Jbeats]

I think you misspelled "bean counters" and "wall Street".

[@Maxxwellification]

Well you probably should tell the whole story. You can still opt seat heating upfront and pay for it once. If you don’t you can later unlock it via subscription.

[@pforce9]

@@Maxxwellification I want you to say aloud what you just wrote so that you can hear how stupid that sounds. Why would you even deal with a company that thinks like that?

[@trizvanov]

You can have your place minimalist AND comfortable at the same time. In fact, BMW's i3 was exactly that. There wasn't much going on inside but it was still a nice place to spend time. With this, I like the fact that they use fabric on the seats, which means you don't need to worry as much about having to heat in winter and ventilate them in summer. The decision to have that plastic insert in the front seat that protrudes and hits you in the neck or head is questionable to say the least. I am certain, they've had people on the user-acceptance board, who sat in those seats and gave the designers a feedback. How that got tossed out the door, I've no idea.

[@Nick-uw4tx]

That protruding metal in the top of the seat is a real head scratcher. No pun intended.

[@brunosmith6925]

Really GOOD to have a variety of Munro experts comment on these subjects.

[@MunroLive]

Glad you think so!

[@nobrien1]

I agree with another channel's characterization of the grill as a 'Monkey Butt' grill.

[@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry]

"park bench" jeeeezzz ruthless love it lol

[@aardvarkansaw]

The grill is an area that will take bug strikes and not reduce the esthetics as much as painted metal would.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS CARL..AND ALL THE MUNRO TEAM, FOR A LOOK 👀 OF THE PROS AND CONS 🤗👍😎💚💚💚

[@georgepelton5645]

Another great video by Carl. Personally, I prefer more discussion about the production processes to make the interior components, and how design decisions affect production and visa versa. Earlier videos with Carl and Sue had more of that content.

[@deejay8ch]

"I appreciate it but I wouldn't want to live with it." That quote pretty much sums up how I feel about modern, fussy, gadgety cars in general. 👍

[@hoffinger]

I think it is a tie for ugly with the Pontiac Azcrack

[@grahamstevenson1740]

I wholeheartedly agree. Both look like someone had an accident with their drafting pen and kept adding unnecessary bits on. A pile of crap is how I'd describe it..

[@areitu]

The reason why we call forward leaning cars “aggressive” goes back to how cameras and film worked in the 20s and 30s. The cameras had vertical shutters, so when a photographer took a picture of a speeding car, it would have a forward looking rake because the car wouldn’t be exposed to the film all at once, but from bottom to top. People associated that look with speed, then designers used that look to make “fast” looking cars and it stuck around

[@grahamstevenson1740]

That would only work with vertical run shutters and very few were of that type. Interesting idea though but not many SLRs existed in that time period, if any.

[@mbox314]

Oh neat, an electric button to exist so when I drive into a body of water I am trapped in the car and die. The crystal buttons scream 1980's bathroom faucet.

[@ds7766]

wow. what were they thinking in this design. The triangles look like a cheese grater. The Grill looks like a brassier. The quilting looks really old fashioned. The felt looks like it will get dirty and stained instantly. There is so much that is not pleasant about this design it's hard to focus on any one thing. Amazing job keeping a respectful tone and giving a good analysis of this design.

[@altonriggs2352]

Great presentation. New star of stage and screen.

[@taal223]

My favorite detail is how the suede of the door panels lines up perfectly with the suede on the center console to create a triangle when viewed from the side.

[@AlexLplus]

Rigid boards for the trunk are for sound isolation. It's not for sun shade alone....

[@themightycamel]

[sips coffee] "Mmm.. Piano black."

[@welfarewagonrepairs]

At 16:55 the rigid panels shown are to prevent people from smashing a window and stealing your stuff. This would be obvious to you if you spent any time in san francisco or new york. This is why removing the panel on the door required a clockwise rotation. This rotation would be impossible to do while closed as the panel attached to the door sits ontop of the panel within the vehicle.

[@xxwookey]

That hard cover at the back _can_ be used a shelf. You shove stuff in from the back seat when the tailgate is closed. A hard panel holds it up and doesn't just crinkle up. But it does look like said stuff will just fall out when you open the tailgate so that's a mixed blessing - could be some expensive accidents (electronics, glass). Certainly an unusual design.

[@gordonn4915]

I always consider where French fry’s will end up in the back. The floor vents for sure, and those seat gaps probably.

[@MrSnicol]

Please take this apart and promise to NEVER put it back together again. Thanks.

[@LewdCustomer]

They'll [BMW] make a plug for the front seat headrest holes as an add-on accessory. The aftermarket will offer headrest hole-corks in sporty styles.

[@ckennylin717]

That's available by subscription, correct?

[@copaloadofthis]

@@ckennylin717 😂

[@electricnorwegian5620]

I love these videos

[@MunroLive]

Thanks

[@scdi12]

My experience with BMW: the greater the cost the more the problems. Just like everyone else, BMW slapped something together fast in order to get some Tesla market share. Regarding seats, my Audie Q5 had beautiful leather seats yet during long rides I got pains in my legs I could not explain. During 100,000 Tesla miles (traded the Audi for a MS) those legs pains never ever happened. You can't always judge seats by looks or by a few minutes of sitting.

[@tomadam1465]

Would U ever go back to Ur Audi after riding a Tesla? (U don’t even have to answer:)) We rode across Europe a few times during Covid in our TM3 (4000++ km back and forth). No pain nowhere. Excellent seats!

[@Timo-qb1gf]

Seats are very personal, my previous car was a BMW with Alcantara sport seats and I loved them. Now the Tesla M3 seats are also fitting me okay, although less supportive and make you sweat much more.

[@tomadam1465]

@@Timo-qb1gf indeed, seat went would be golden…

[@RogerM88]

So you complain about BMW repair costs to then praise Tesla ownership? Maybe you should check some reliability reports about the Model S.

[@Humuku]

The additional lights are there due to regulation, as the lights integrated into the trunk lid will not be visible when the lid is open.

[@nicejoy9998]

Great good with morning coffee

[@MunroLive]

☕️

[@jmoore8424]

We're BMW - Our octagons are hexagons - is that a theme?

[@ProjectFairmont]

The doors should be soft closing, my X5 is so equipped and makes for a more subtle experience.

[@goldreverre]

Both Mercedes and BMW seem to be going for more and more gimmicky bling these days... sure it might be "elegant" bling, but bling nonetheless.

[@patreekotime4578]

Elegant is not the word I would use. Literal rhinestone buttons.

[@vermontsownboy6957]

0:20 BMW poised to begin a lease program on a traditional front grill to cover the monkey-butt. Market research indicates it will be more successful than BMW's turn-signal lease program which saw only one subscriber.🤣

[@4theistInfidel]

Could the hardcover in the liftgate be for soundproofing?

[@ericplatzke]

Nice thumbnail! 💎

[@MunroLive]

Thanks Eric. Erin crushed it with this one.

[@mikaeloverby]

The two light back when the trunk is open are there because the taillights are on the trunk. If you stop beside the road with your trunk open, it's a requirement in Europe to have light lit to show your car in the dark. Therefore your often find taillights split. One light on each side for the body and on the trunk. Hope this made it clear. Please mention this in a future video, would like to get your opinion of this inner taillights.

[@deltajohnny]

They only reply to comments that praise them... 🙄🙄

[@mikaeloverby]

@@deltajohnny might be your opinion. I know they read comments the first hours or day. Like it or not, I don't really care but would be glad if they saw all comments. Didn't expect a reply but I hope they saw the comment, to comment it in a future video.

[@deltajohnny]

@@mikaeloverby I'm sure that hey read comments, and I hope that they talk about these additional loghts, which I'd love, but what I don't like is that they don"t reply to comments that expose inaccuracies in information that they offer in their videos. If one says "great video!" it's possible that they say "thanks!" 😁 We all enjoy these videos, but they should know basic things, like that these lights are not intended to help when loading the trunk, and they could mention it in the future 😉

[@mikaeloverby]

@@deltajohnny true true

[@chickenhawk212]

In an accident, that chunk of metal in the headrest is going straight into your brain stem All these cars have a long way to go before their value proposition matches the model s

[@hotrod182]

This compares with the Model X. Which surveys show blows away the Tesla in desirability.

[@nitramluap]

The texture on the dashboard alcantera appears to be heat stamped.

[@dbedford1000]

A fantastic insight into some of the BMW's design flaws.

[@grahamstevenson1740]

Did you mean FLAWS ?

[@NTNLabs]

Carl: "my comfort is missing" :)

[@harshalnaidu]

Absolutely spot on m

[@riodweber]

Good Video.

[@MunroLive]

Thanks!

[@nitramluap]

I think you'll find those 'octagons' are, in fact, *HEXAGONS*. For a detail assessment, that's quite a miss... I think I'd have preferred Sandy's take TBH, particularly given that you're just parroting some of his observations from the initial video that Cory totally missed.

[@fcv1967]

No one cares

[@c-fb]

Amazing car!!

[@MrFoxRobert]

Thank you!

[@MunroLive]

You're welcome!

[@cyberadventures4845]

Thanks for the tour! POS BMW

[@scottaharper4]

I feel like this review was a marketing ad for Tesla (who I'm a fan of). I enjoy a minimalist interior, but Tesla takes it a tad too far on some aspects and there's no mention that the general population still wants a turn stalk or to be in control of their wipers. For an EV to advertise 300+ miles of range and then real-world driving gets right about 300 miles, that's terrific (all-be-it that it comes from having left over battery that isn't always shown as available to the driver). My Model S advertised 400+ miles but I rarely got significantly over the low 300's (which I knew from previous Tesla vehicles). Yes, I realize that you usually charge to about 85-90%, but the comparison still stands.

[@andreamartoneny]

Will you do a regular drive review (not just the automatic drive system)? Thanks

[@Boomtendo4tw]

I like that color. Like a candy grape

[@davidwongnyc]

The xDrive50 version starts at $84k, not $104k as this guy keeps repeating. The M60 version starts at $104k. This is just a hit piece on BMW.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Does artificial suede on the seats get really dirty and does it need constant cleaning?

[@tesla_tap]

Depends where it is used. For non-touch areas like the headliner or side pillars, it's perfect. For anywhere you touch, yep could be a big issue over time. I doubt the the center armrest looks very good after a year. Seems silly to put it on seat wear areas too. It is very durable though so it shouldn't wear out.

[@patreekotime4578]

I just imagine the first time it goes for an oil change.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@patreekotime4578 You made a funny joke!

[@deltajohnny]

And the armrests... horrible choice!!

[@ranig2848]

The suede and color makes me feel like I’m going into some grandma’s living room and have to seat on a sofa covered by suede curtains 😳 I guess that’s BMWs target audience now that it’s clear the younger audience that used to love BMW has other preferences (more tech, clean design, fast without the noise pollution)

[@nater-u1n]

I own this car and it's fantastic, just for comparison, I have driven any number of Teslas before and, except for model S, always came away unimpressed with the ride quality, spartan interiors and real world range. Top two things for me in an EV are range and ride comfort, this delivers in spades! Just look for reviews on yt on real world range testing and see how this beats EPA out of the park in any number of conditions. For fun, check out parking assist comparisons between this and Tesla on yt and see how incredible the results are. All the acceleration in the world means nothing, once you realize, that it is the easy thing to get an EV to do and secondly, it kills your range like crazy. As for looks, EVs were looked at as nerdy and sterile, well not anymore (throw in Hummer EV for a good measure)! If this looks ugly to you, well to irk Tesla shills, model y (and x) to me looks like the dodo bird, an unholy cross between mini cooper and prius. To my any number of friends with Teslas, if you are reading this, I love you, I just can't stand the dishonesty when "professional reviewers" use their influence to diss good products.

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

BMW finally made world history and did Nissan the greatest favour ever. Now it is official: The Nissan model Juke had its vomit taken out by a traditional Bavarian upmarket manufacturer. Well done BMW!!

[@grahamstevenson1740]

It took some doing. Who on earth styles this crap.

[@ruftime]

Thank you Carl! BMW has been increasingly living off their “ perceived” quality for decades……as borne out by BMW’s pathetic resale value😎

[@gdok6088]

As someone who has driven BMWs for years I totally agree. My next car will not be a BMW - period. As for this particular car - Yuk

[@alanmay7929]

Stop talking shit!!!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

15:50 Those become rear taillights when the hatch is open.

[@cypercharged]

The cristals might shine all over the place in a sunny day, and eventually shining in the driver’s eyes…

[@hypermiler3977]

I am missing any positive remarks on the design features such as the wheel shape for use, the wrap around bench for comfort, screen for visibility. You can have leather or leatherette if you want to. Compared to the model S and X dash where you idolize a much more primitive design, not very well balanced review, rather intent on trashing it for being different.

[@michaelkim3432]

Former BMW-fan boy here. Such a shame that BMW squandered their early EV lead with the i3 (brilliant car - my wife and I had 3 of them over the years!) and this is where they're at now. A less than efficient, overpriced luxo-barge. I've seen a few of these on the road, but I'm definitely NOT compelled to give up my Tesla Model Y. This car in my mind is no better than the Audi e-Tron which is full of bad compromises. No thanks BMW!

[@valandil86]

Ive heard that those crystals keep reflecting sunlight strait into your face when its sunny. So perhaps not the best material to use...

[@qingyuhu]

Great video, completely agree that the styling is not necessary and looks outdated already. All the buttons and knobs are just awkward, 104k for that car is simply absurd!

[@bradweinberger6907]

Looks like the shape on that center speaker is more hexagon then octagon

[@peterzerfass4609]

The crystal stuff seems to be just as much a fingerprint magnet as piano black (and would seem like something that would constantly flash and tinkle in your peripheral vision depending on the position of the sun)

[@kevin3777]

A lot of countries (inc EU/UK) require license plates at the front. So this typically covers the fake grill. Making a bad design ever worse.

[@grahamstevenson1740]

Is it just the USA that dispense with front licence plates ? I can't see why to be honest, it makes no sense to me.

[@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry]

What's with the driver's door frame? Curved and smaller than the window's reach?

[@23billd]

Excellent analysis and presentation. Those seats are a paradox. Why the hole in the backrest? I would avoid that car due to the uncomfortable seats.

[@evboy4287]

Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system in the headrest and seats

[@hotrod182]

@@evboy4287 Yup, one of the best, around 1400 watts. But you know the thorough reviewer didn't seem to notice some of the key interior highlights.

[@ScullyD-ee9jk]

As an iX owner, can confirm details in this video are subjectively, and possibly deceptively, negative: - The headrest plastic piece might be a problem for larger people like the test driver in this video, but myself (5'11") and my wife (5'5") have never had an issue with our heads touching it. It has B&W speakers in the headrest that help with sound distribution. I had a tesla owner tell me the front passenger seat was the most comfortable seat he ever experienced in a car, based on padding and material (this was the leather seat). Same applies to the rear seats, I've had occupants comment on how much more comfortable the rear seat is to competing cars. - The grill is a "sticker" cause it possesses the radar and lidar sensors, and a self-healing ppf type material for it to prevent from being damaged from rock chips. Also has a heating element in it to defrost ice (Sandy and his team obviously know this). - Alot of time is spent picking on the "artificial suede" material, but it can be optioned in either vegan leatherette (standard) or olive-extract tanned leather (which is the highest cost option). The crystal & wood controls are also an optional extra, it is not real crystal and is not contributing to a higher cost in the car. Neither the interior material of the seat or the wood/faux crystal contribute to the cost of the base car. - BMW rear trunk panels have always been manual removable rear panels in x4/x5 class cars, and this has nothing to do with cost. They make it so you can fully remove those panels and put the seats flat for larger items (from experience if you want to put a set of winter wheels and tires for change out at a dealership, these manual removable panels are key). Its an intentional feature, not something that should be viewed as a "cheap" item for cost cutting purposes.

[@kennyg1358]

The fact that you bought one of these makes it hard to take you seriously.

[@gladeous4161]

That's a lot of justification for why you overpaid for this car. It still is not worth over $100K with all of the design flaws.

[@hotrod182]

@@kennyg1358 Why not, he is probably smarter than you. Wonder why other reviewers don't complain about the headrest. Why didn't this reviewer not mention that sound came out of those headrest grills. Maybe he didn't know? Hmm. small oversight wouldn't you say? Complaining about a hard panel on the hatch lid instead of a cheap liner? This might be one of the elements in making this one of the quietest riding vehicles around. Ah..they didn't mention that, along with unique infrared heating, electro-chromatic sunroof, etc. Looks like at this point, you might want to take an owner more seriously than an uniformed reviewer.

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

@@kennyg1358 It's extremely efficient for a vehicle of it's size, more efficient than a model X and close to Taycan efficiency at highway speeds (which is insane!!). It's also one of the quietest vehicles on sale and highly rated in regards to it's driving dynamics. It's a good car hampered by a few silly design decisions, but it's still a good car.

[@deltajohnny]

👏👏👏 the video lacks lots of information...

[@jameschilton3556]

BMW used to make classy cars with brilliant engines. This continues the obnoxious styling of their SUVs. Uncomfortable seats are unforgivable in a $100k+ car - whoever came up with the design of that headrest needs another job.

[@patreekotime4578]

Ill say this, it doesnt look as incredibly tacky as the EQS interior, but the crystal buttons are close. And the seat stitching that is supposed to look "dynamic" just looks like a quilt pattern. Which might be an unintentional drawl for the target boomer audience, but quilted seats is the last thing I would expect to see in a $100k+ vehicle. Just as a whole it feels like very amateurish design. Or maybe the original design was much more considered and BMW just didnt want to spend the money with its suppliers and everything got costed down to a lower spec and the result is watered down. Which is strange to me because if Kia and Hyundai and even FORD can have total design in their EV that looks really good (at a fraction of the price) then what is going wrong at BMW? It really smells like cost issues and compromises. BMW wants to make a profit on these but even at $104k it feels like they are having trouble. Sticker on a molded plastic grill? Is that to save money or save aero? Id rather have seen a less aggressive stance with a textured grill. 🤷

[@grahamstevenson1740]

Go on, say what you mean, it looks CHEAP AND TACKY !

[@b4804514]

Too much clutter on the outside and inside. The design is trying too hard to be cool and it just is not for $104k. The front seats are a total no go as are the buttons on a flat surface

[@johnnicol8598]

Could not agree more. Just a mish mash of stuff. It lacks class. You could tell Carl was holding back.

[@hotrod182]

Take a look at it in red leather, totally different character. BMW does give you choices. Leather, suede, wood, crystal or not. Unlike Tesla, much more customizable. Oh, forgot, longest range in an EV SAV according to Edmunds real life testing.

[@0cer0]

@@hotrod182 Customising and mass production are a contradiction in terms. What you get is only the illusion of individualisation - which no one needs who is psychologically stable.

[@808GT]

This crystal stuff looks TACKY af.

[@alanrogers7090]

Dude, those are hexagons, not octogons. Six-sided, (like a honeycomb), not eight-sided, (like a STOP sign).

[@paulvanderveen1986]

I had a Toyota Aygo that had the same rear bench. 😱

[@johnchristopher20]

Could someone at Munro create a style sheet for clarifying communications in these PR videos? Like saying “Instrument Panel” and not “IP” and so on with their industry jargon.

[@Matthew.Sirrom]

I Don't think BMW did us justice with this one ..this car is the most basic I've seen there is nothing else to it that's like wow except for the headlights that follows the curb. to me its a plain cake with a lot of icing and decoration..

[@dzerres]

We had metal trim pieces in the seats of our '64 Ford Galaxy XL. Very cool looking but the metal heated up in the sun and if you were wearing shorts you would get a burn on your thighs. Metal on seats is ridiculous.

[@velocity5646]

Can we get a playlist for more Carl reviews?

[@0cer0]

At BMW, they are so self-confident that the low points of everyday use, usability and long-term quality no longer concern them. They have done extensive clinic tests regarding sound design, but basic ergonomic questions have apparently not really interested anyone. These designers and product managers are like playing children, not serious engineers trying to develop the best possible product. I know BMW a bit from the inside and I literally know that this is how it is.