I Drive The Surprisingly Wonderful BMW iX xDrive50 For The First Time!

[@KyleConner]

What a surprise! This thing is absolutely stellar. Can’t wait to run it through all of our EV testing but after my first impression, I feel this is the best electric SUV on the market! What do you think - is the styling a deal breaker? Personally I think it looks awesome from behind.

[@updlate4756]

I don't think the front looks bad in a darker color; I prefer the gray. Every driving video of the car I've watched, I actually thought the front looked pretty decent on the road. It's the side profile that looks really odd, especially the back quarter. Just a really odd shape. Personally, I HATE cars that put that weird black bar connecting the back window to the back of the car. Looks cheap, odd, and pointless. Also, I really don't like the straight black side skirt in lighter colors. In a darker color, both of my complaints are non-issues. For what you're getting from this car though, I think it's a solid price. The base trim of the xDrive50 is almost exactly $30k less than a base model X after federal credit. Well appointed with some solid option choices and it can still be $25k cheaper. Fully maxed with every paid option including premium paint, larger upgraded wheels, sports appearance package, leather seats, and all of the other completely unnecessary interior appearance options and it's still about $6500 cheaper than the base model X after tax credit. I think a lot of buyers will be deciding between this and the e-tron, with fewer feeling the need to pay the upcharge for the model X. This is better than the e-tron imo, but the new generation e-tron 55 (fat e-tron as Bjorn calls it) that's coming within the next few years will supposedly be a big upgrade over the first generation with a huge increase in range. May be worth waiting for if you're not in a hurry.

[@umairanwar]

BMW is testing clientele and badge loyalty by building really great but really ugly cars. What's a person to do?

[@JamesKirk1988]

Looks super nice, overall. Like you, I don't care a ton about car styling, more about practicality and performance. So glad traditional manufacturers are taking the US EV market seriously. I think this will be a huge seller.

[@Chrisb8s]

@@updlate4756 I am so glad that I am not alone.. it's so aggressive in the front and wimpy in the back.. like the aero engineers took over the rear of the vehicle

[@neilhewitt2761]

I could never bring myself to own something that frankly makes me want to vomit every time I look at it. It's absolutely hideous. However, it ticks all the other modern "premium" SUV boxes, huge on the outside, not that big inside, massively overweight, shouty and tasteless but people can delude themselves that by making their lease or PCP payments on one of these they're genuinely saving the planet. One born every minute springs to mind!

[@reinplat]

I think the grille looks quite ok on all the dark color specs. The brighter the paintwork, the more obtrusive the grille gets.

[@dorist7280]

Of all the car reviews on KZbin I have watched for years, your review is #1 for me. I am an older generation. For me, the most critical in-depth reviews of the car are when you are driving. Ride comfort, quietness cabin, seat massage, how easy or inconvenient to access all the functions and futures when driving. Kyle does value reviews tremendously. He talks about all the technical lots that the car does while going it and does it by an actual demo on the public street. Because that is where I drive my car every day, I will be in the market for an electric vehicle soon. I am grateful for his ride review about Mercedes EQS and other non-electric cars reviews, too. I like the front grille design of the BMW iX50. One request, I would appreciate it if you show if Power Auto Folding Side Mirrors are available or not. Please keep up with essential add-value car reviews. You're the best. Thank you.

[@CrankyOldNerd]

Base Model X is now above the etron/BMW pricing. 5 Seater X are now 112k now, which is ridiculous.

[@CrankyOldNerd]

it does when supply is near zero.

[@CrankyOldNerd]

@Smith Rukami my comment was on the Model X, not the IX5, that's what I thought you were referring too.

[@thumper1747]

I loved the i3 from concept to the 42kwh i3S and have bought one. This iX will make one hell of a used car and the fact that people hate will just make it a better buy

[@c-fb]

I think that if you are a i3 owner (or former) you appreciate the iX more than the average man. I love the similarities it has to the i3, I have a less than a 1 year old RRS P400e that I’m thinking about to trade in for a M60, but i love the RRS too, i just wish it was full EV.

[@brandenflasch]

The darker colors are definitely the way to go

[@jondigene2233]

I don't get why everyone is hating on the looks of this car. I like it! In the right spec, I even love it :)

[@petrkubena]

Well, that front grill looks like a ballsack. At first I hated the looks of the car, but it grew on me. Bit like i3.

[@someguyonaguitar]

It definitely takes balls to design and produce a car this ugly

[@apb1236]

I cannot I unsee this now. I will now and forever call BMW’s grille “the ballsack”.

[@mdbeniamin777x]

I orderend one for my wife while i have a cross turismo which ive been owning for a month here in moldova theyre gonna start bringing them next year thats crazy honestly

[@KyleConner]

Sounds like a great 2 car solution!

[@tominftlthomasp3559]

I love a comfortable seat. They really do look good too!

[@zollotech]

Thank you for your quick review. Too bad current BMW design is less than desirable, but interior wise it seems great. I still don’t get how many manufacturers have not figured out that you should put a frunk. I hope we see some much better design in the next few years because yikes, that grill and lines going everywhere…

[@jh5kl]

thats just not true, if you cover the grill, BMW design is at the top, they ve been nailing it, the issue is that they oversize the grill size intentionally making it automatically catch all the attention and not a good way, to a point it detracts the genral design in their cars. but then because people think criticizing BMW makes them look cool, people pretend there isn t a bunch of brands that have ridiculous oversized ugly grills in their cars and trucks for ages, and keep lashing at BMW for something many brands do

[@googadisbeotches9360]

True... the Lexus grills are horrendous.

[@farinic]

seeing ix everyday for a year.... trust me it will grow on you ....and you will love it... its self healing after all ;)

[@neilmac4730]

I've ordered the f150 lightning and even that will have a frank.

[@theseb1979]

To be fair I saw one in the flesh the other day on the highway. It looks pretty good from the side and the rear 3/4 view. The front could do with a rethink though.

[@skywalker2852]

Interesting to see BMW play in this space. Tesla beware that real interiors on EV are here (and more are coming)! Not a fan of the grill or the wheels on this sample. Kyle, the reason for the duplicate tail-lights when you raise the liftgate is not because "they can't stay on" but they would be invisible (since they are pointing to the sky) - the redundant set allows the vehicle to be seen (running lamps, 4-way flashers) then the liftgate is open.

[@bigbeebrian]

I think It's a big ask for a consumer to overlook the exterior, especially for 90K.

[@FactsAboutTheWorld.]

I think the tesla M3 front end is kinda ugly too and bland. The only tesla that looks good is the model s

[@mohamedarafath6023]

I find the bmw iX exterior quite nice actually…

[@tonys9413]

@@mohamedarafath6023 yeah, I bet that big offensive schnauzer is familiar to you.

[@semjonsuperhero]

You just never saw it on the roads) And those ugly us indicators 🙈

[@Christopher.s]

Even the interior is horrible looking. Yuck

[@KeeperOfTheSevenKeys.]

I don't know why everyone hates the front end, think it's fine and keeps the classic BMW style grill. Interior style and that infotainment UI really isn't to my preference, glad to hear the steering wheel feels better than it looks. Overall really solid mid sized SUV just way too pricy, not my style, and coming from the family of mechanics them trying to lock you out of service outside of a dealership is a huge deal breaker. Plus looking at the size of the hood, there probably should have been a frunk.

[@DaveTony206]

Really appreciate your reviews/first drives - just want to say thanks for taking the time. 👍 and I 100% agree with your comments about the climate control UI within iDrive.. like, how did that make production?? But overall, I think more fondly of the iX after watching your video. Thanks.

[@valed8958]

People talked about this “ugly” grill but somehow the horrendous Lexus grills are ok? What about the #1 SUV by many the Hyundai Pallisade grill…

[@flightlinevr6302]

On Lexus grill is looking kind of futuristic and scaling it works quite well. The BMW kidneys can't be scaled so easy, at a point they start to look like rabbit teeth or big nostrils.

[@valed8958]

@@flightlinevr6302 but the “complaint” about BMW’s grill it’s the size of it. Lexus’ are way bigger yet it’s called “futuristic” ….😏

[@flightlinevr6302]

@@valed8958 It is not the size, it's the look the kidneys get when you make them bigger. It looks like a photoshop fail. Lexus and even Audis grill can be scaled up without looking ridiculous.

[@forgotten_world]

There's something on this vehicle that speaks to the soul, but I really miss a panoramic windscreen. I would never have suspected that this unspeakable thing is beautiful. Thanks for letting me know.

[@updlate4756]

Base Model X is $105k and isn't eligible for the tax credit. Base iX with no paid options starts at $84,800 before tax credit. (Includes dynamic handling package that can't be unselected) So $77,300 after credit, or about $30,000 less than a model X after paying the extra sales taxes on the higher price. A fully loaded iX with every option selected, including the pointless ones like the luxury package, Titanium package, $2500 leather seats, $2k paint option, and $1k larger rims is $106k and is still eligible for the $7500 tax credit, putting it at $98,500. Many of the options in the BMW aren't critical. I'd probably get the Convenience package, Driving assistance package, Front ventilated seats, and radiant heating package which is $83,750 after credit. I think the unpaid paint options look better on this car. The zero cost wheel options are a bit blah, so maybe I'd upgrade those to the black 21" wheels for $950 as well. Not a great looking car, but if you can get over the looks, it seems to be a decent value versus the competition.

[@slavko321]

But being ugly: priceless.

[@oariv]

The design is absolutely beautiful even the kidney grill ............... very well designed.

[@PigMan9080]

Oh you can’t go on the highway at CES anymore? I was at the M event a few years ago, flooring from stop to hwy was great

[@lanewwpc]

Kyle, it seems you had limited time with the iX relative to the week you spent with the Rivian. As a preorder holder for both the iX and a R1S, I’m curious to know which you would prefer between the two. Unfortunately I only plan to keep one (and don’t plan to flip for profit). Thanks!

[@noorghani5053]

Pre ordered and now impatiently waiting ugh 😩

[@tommays56]

I can see it’s gonna be a LONG TIME until I can afford and electric pickup as 45k for the gas 5.3 was a stretch

[@paulwinter9672]

Historically the more controversial the styling the larger the sale numbers for BMW. Think 2002 BMW 7 series, Media, Customers & just about everyone trashed the styling but guess what, Sales went through the roof. BMW buyers, by & large, want teck & distinctive styling. The IX ticks all of those boxes. They will sell all they can produce, just watch.😀

[@FundierteForelle]

Or the e60 5 series! Still tons of those on the road

[@jimc5696]

Hey Kyle - I have been a Rivian reservation holder for 3 years - so will have an opportunity to buy an R1T in a few months - however I am in a X5 now and thinking about going for the iX50 instead of the R1T. You have driven both and would REALLY be interested in your thoughts between the two. Clearly one is a truck and one is a SUV - but I think the buyers of each vehicle will come from the same pool. Rivian seems more bent on Off-road than I originally thought it would be - but maybe that is just what the reviews have focused on. I am after a great driving experience, quiet, etc... mostly on the road. Live in Minnesota - so need all-weather tough, have a dog, ride a mountain bike all the time...

[@jhui4620]

thank you for your detailed driving review covering all aspects of the car that potential buyers would want to see.

[@B4R0N.]

They absolutely nailed everything on this car... and then they asked a blind man to design the front, with his dominant hand tied in his back.

[@evtorque4378]

Looks like an awesome car and that console - wow, huge!

[@johnhennessy6755]

This is the review I've been waiting for.

[@davidbaker9943]

As long the charging curve is good I will buy one of these. The only video I can find of the charge curve so far shows that it gets 197kw but the tester maxed out the voltage of the charger so it could possibly have gone higher. So far I’ll be buying these depending on more reviews of the charge curve

[@carlyeremian]

I don’t understand what all the talk is about the front end. So what about the big kidney grill. It’s BMW, the M3 and M4 has the same giant grill. Get over it. This seems like the perfect electric SUV. I’m impressed actually.

[@munkymind]

Since you are a Tesla owner, I wonder if you would be willing to comment on the magnitude of current Tesla QC and Service issues. I am considering buying a Tesla Y LR but the many negative comments on initial QC and subsequent service are giving me pause. What is your opinion? Thanks.

[@cnfusd]

I think it looks great! It definitely has a future vibe.

[@CityWideRentals]

Design is such a personal preference. I enjoy every bit of it.

[@DustinDustin00]

"In Moses Lake, Washington" ... ... okaaaaay, that's an... interesting location choice.

[@AlbertLamarque]

Notice how the wood is around the iDrive controller and nowhere else? Focus on that, and then try to unsee it. Should have been repeated somewhere, or changed to the bronze accents found everywhere. And again: try adaptive recuperation. It's worth it.

[@dimaa6_abc201]

Pulling the bottom lock to open CCS socket is common for German EV. Mercedes GLE 350de has the same feature.

[@PetetheCanuck]

I know I am late watching this video but holy crap the interior looks amazing!!

[@theredmonkey]

I was really interested until I heard the price. I got BMW taste on a Mach-E budget.

[@Jstars200]

Then Q4 is probably the best choice - luxury at affordable price

[@kkgolf5371]

@@Jstars200 I thought so until they don't have power seats and rear brake drums. They cut corners with Q4 Etron

[@joshuatrexler9431]

Nice review Kyle! I think the black or sophisto gray is less ugly, i wonder if there will be a black accent front bumper kit offered to make even less ugly soon? Also i think its really silly to not be able to open the hood outside of a dealer. What about when you wash the car? I always wipe my e tron down wiping up water spots and occasionally cleaning out some leaves or acorns out of the drain track ducts. Is the hood completely sealed so debris won't accumulate? Cross shopping this vs cross turismo vs waiting for refreshed e tron or wait for new PHEV Range Rover or wait for the full electric one in 2 years.

[@windowman9665]

Kinda weird the co pilot was on his phone a bunch. I’ve never ever seen that on any car review

[@scottbreseke716]

Price: $83,200. Acceleration: 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Range: 300 miles.

[@sirgardensalot]

The range of the IX and what you get with the car I think I can quite easily ignore different and I've seen it at a charging station and I was surprised it doesn't look that bad at all but when you said on video and pictures it just looks really bad for some reason and you can get them at a good use price with low mileage

[@mattleistner313]

I like the exterior Design very much to be honest.😄

[@Wow_wow1]

Amazing this guy can keep talking without hesitation.

[@aynrandfan7454]

I only got the ix40 since im poor ...in Canada but at least only 1 more week to wait for delivery lol

[@rdk3996]

Nice review, thank you!

[@jhmcd2]

Honestly, I don't think there is a thing wrong with the front, I like it. I still find it ironic who people complained for a decade that cars all looked the same, and now that car companies are taking risk, they are all the sudden like "Well...." But that isn't what would drive me from this car (or rather has, I was really interested in it at first). Its the freaking price. If this was 60 or maybe even 70, okay, that's something you can bend for. The tax credits, the gas and MX savings would probably save you the money to make it affordable. However, STARTING AT $83k, then well equipped in the low $90's? I get the tech is pricey but, that's just not affordable. Other than that, this is a beautiful car...look forward to it landing on the after lease market. If its like any other BMW it should be in the $40's at that point.

[@AstonVantage8]

I needed to upgrade my current EV and the ix would have been an easy choice if it doesn’t look so messy. The thought of having to look at it everyday for the next 3 yrs made it an easy decision for me. BMWs used to be desirable because of how it looks. Now I wonder how many buy BMWs in spite of its look.

[@rationalistinanev]

The grill is UG and LY. Why dd they offer a fob, that seems like an old fashioned thing to do. Not a very high L3 charging rate for 2021.

[@someguyonaguitar]

The look and price will ensure this is a niche car. Guess they don't want to lose too many ice car sales too fast

[@fordy6351]

Really enjoyed this review (follow your road trips from here in UK) and although I suspected it might take a Tesla driver a while to say it (30 mins) into the review and yes, this is all the car you will ever need and yes it does tick all the boxes. Having ‘found’ BMW 15 years ago, I currently run an 840d Convertible and X7 40d Pure Excellence and I think the only electric car currently on the market that will make me give up on those is a ix60M!!! I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see one of these on the channel more regularly in future. Lets face it, when your driving it you can’t see that front grille/beaver tooth!!!

[@muazsaif6326]

Was the drive smooth on these 21 inch tires? I've already pre-ordered one, but still debating between the 21' vs 22' tires

[@scottbreseke716]

Wow. Kyle doesn't like the BMW steering wheel, but he's ok with the Tesla yoke?

[@weir_family]

Dude, what’s so wrong with the hood/front grill? I feel like I actually really like it! I think it looks wonderful!!!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I think it looks great. I even don't care about the "nostrils." The interior is terrific. I like it best in blue, blue/black. Another big EV from a Euro automaker is coming later in the Polestar 3 and Volvo XC90 sized SUV later this year.

[@R56Cooper]

Yes, design looks great! The large "nostrils" aren't meant to be pretty. They look menacing and intimidating in the rear view!

[@someguyonaguitar]

It looks like the drunk uncle to the i3. EVs don't have to look this weird. The ice version doesn't

[@R56Cooper]

@@someguyonaguitar just saw my first few Rivians on the road-- they look great!

[@someguyonaguitar]

@@R56Cooper rivian is attractive. New BMW evs .... Not so much

[@R56Cooper]

@@someguyonaguitar + better price value and better ride height/ground clearance--

[@allenbaylus3378]

Thank you for saying that $100,000 was a lot for a car.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Yeah I haven’t seen one but I may have an extra somewhere if you can’t find yours and wanna buy one at a discount

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

That's a great surprise Kyle - if you say so it's a good car. Regarding the Sensor Shield in the front ? Self healing and heated, great for snowy areas, the sensors keep on working! Just call it NCC-1701 - B and we should move on. Best EV-SUV on the market for me, hands down - today! It's quirky - it stands out, it standout - its a Kyle-mobil!

[@carperdiem8754]

Can I actually get one of these this year? My Model X order is coming soon. Can't really wait past spring time.

[@lordfluxington]

This goes for AU$200k in Australia... it better be wonderful for that price.

[@MrIbernie]

Well that pretty much kills the lucid air. The only benefit to lucid is long range.

[@someguyonaguitar]

Not at all. Ppl who want a nice looking car will skip right over this beaver tooth frunkless monster

[@hassanger8128]

@@someguyonaguitar initial sales numbers say otherwise

[@someguyonaguitar]

@@hassanger8128 what are they?

[@EVPaddy]

Because you didn't mention it: The BMWs are also surprisingly efficient.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Damm, that’s a sexy interior. You had me at orifice crystal, lol

[@Chrisb8s]

some little things bug me.. the cup holder location in the front seats.. I would spill my Starbucks refresher, I just know it. The Tesla Model Y is so simple, but everything seems to be in the right places.. amazing headroom and the seats in the back are so spacious. I love that 2 phones can be charged on the center console.. I know that those are little things, but I didn't like the Polestar 2 (only 1 cupholder in the center console ) and it's something I would use everyday.

[@BERNIEO4]

When are going to get to drive the Genesis GV60 ?

[@Necrotron]

The rear reminds me of the i3. Feels like they glued an SUV, and the ass of an i3 together

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

So the front hood doesn't open So if you get bumped ! You have to replace the whole front end ?

[@MrEboogy2009]

It opens, but you have to take it to the dealer to have it open.

[@godrescues]

I'm not a BMW fan but I love the speed of the 5 series, and this time I want to sell all I have for this.

[@AGADKNY]

Is there a reason that they cant use buttons when cars become electric?

[@SoyElDiabloRojo]

Another review, another confirmation that I have exactly opposing taste in aesthethics! This thing looks great! So does the Model 3, dag nabbit!

[@fdb4233]

So there is no frunk access?

[@maxant4285]

I remember when Kyle trash-talked BMW while passing by their U.S. headquarters in his Tesla.

[@yaseene4095]

As an iX owner I will have to say this car is amazing, it really ticks all the boxes in an EV. I totally agree that it does look much better in person than it does in photos.

[@noorghani678]

I love this car! Can't wait to order one when my wife approves ugh. Laugh Out Loud 😂 The car is so stylish.

[@steffenkirsamer4688]

Which one you likef more i4 50 M or IX 50?

[@gochovin]

As you guys said in the video, “it looks ugly but once you are inside is fine”…😂 Still prefer the X since I love road trips and I don’t want to worry about finding a place to charge or a working charger, I also really like the tech in Tesla cars. It’s a shame that Tesla don’t have BMW, Audi or Mercedes’ quality. I guess you can’t have it all!!

[@gochovin]

@@excelrobot electric cars don’t have too many things that can break but I agree it will probably cost you a lot more than to repair a Tesla.

[@jamviator]

I don't know why BMW, after making these amazing cars, always shoots themselves in the foot with these ridiculous designs.

[@David34981]

BMW evidently knows how to make cars. However this is so expensive and big it's very far from being a car for the masses. I'm curious to see how much they will produce and sell.

[@andreh.dupuis8475]

This is a flagship, 50 and 60 series are not for the masses $$$, other more affordable will come out iX1 and iX3, depending of country..

[@Mildern]

Kyle, how do you feel about these "electrified" versions of ICE vehicles as opposed to the ground up EV's that you've driven? I have an ID.4 and was all set for an Ioniq 5 but now I'm seriously debating waiting on the "electrified" Genesis GV70. Just wondering if they feel like hackey afterthoughts compared to ground up designed EV's.

[@FundierteForelle]

This is a ground up EV

[@usalife1935]

The car is hot! Exterior especially.

[@Horseyman17]

Wow 3 adverts in 7 minutes. Crazy

[@DuulHomes]

Did it feel more quiet than the EQS?

[@adamfitzgibbon702]

Jordan topped that Video off for me, “it’s a little ugly but it is what’s on the inside that counts” what a channel Kyle!!!

[@actgeoj]

The iX does not have the most handsome face but then again neither does the Tesla Model X. Can’t wait to see this thing in the flesh.

[@robp3431]

Screen appears to be a fingerprint magnet, but I like the vehicle !

[@RellupNorth]

It looks so gooood damn

[@peterrabbit2719]

The question is do you lease or buy? The majority of BMW lease due to the expensive repairs after the warranty expires. BMW administration and engineers always put into the manufacturing cost of the short life expectancy of parts.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Saying sustainably grown eucalyptus is like saying sustainably grown dandelions

[@thewaygokid3135]

No frunk, disappointing. I don’t mind the grill. At least they did something. I still don’t like the flat space on the front of model 3/Y where some faux grill should be.

[@markmcintosh7095]

I know I'm in the minority but the front looks good to me.

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

it’s sad that Porsche Taycan have put all other EV to shame. All because of you abhaha

[@Jstars200]

Would you buy this or Q4?

[@rdk3996]

Thanks for the info! Seems very impressive SUV ev! Enough so that I requested a production order slot from my BMW dealer. Hoping for 4Q delivery. PS, love the design too, no issues with me.

[@adithyachennamadhavuni6155]

Only if the grill was useful for grilling!

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

How can a big car like this have such small trunk space?!

[@vintagedesmo2658]

Funny, I think the grill is the best looking part of the car - the rest of it looks like a Pontiac Aztek from the 80's... Luckily, I was able to drive one at my dealership and I absolutely loved it -and I'm a ICE guy! The sound is sublime and I couldn't get enough of it, but the build quality and driving experience was really beyond anything out there right now. The car is amazing. Alas - its far too ugly and the style is important to me. I like the new big BMW grills the old style grill now looks dated to me.

[@juliusperseus8612]

Insisting on the style is quite annoying. I can decide by myself if i like it or not.

[@realMysta]

Dang, now i want one