by But German brands are clapping for demanding what’s theirs: the driveways of America’s dentists, doctors, and financiers.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
To that end, BMW recently launched the iX, a large, luxury family transporter that serves as the first all-electric SUV for US customers.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
I have to use the new model and I’m here to give you a full tour.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
From the outside, the iX is absolutely stunning. Whether this is for good or bad reasons is up to you to decide.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
The iX, the divider, caught the heat for the beavertooth grill. But discard all the insults you want – it’s made of a self-healing plastic from any nicks and scratches.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
I wouldn’t say the iX is traditionally attractive, but it definitely has a presence and a drama that’s hard to look at.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
Like so many EVs these days, the iX has slim, futuristic LED lights on the front and back.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
From nose to tail, it’s almost exactly as big as BMW’s gas-powered X5 SUV.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
The nice option iX xDrive50 that BMW lent me came out for $96,000. A basic 2023 model will run you around $84,000.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
It came with flashy, golden highlights scattered throughout the exterior and interior.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
All you hear is the tires hitting the pavement and the driving sounds composed by Hans Zimmer being pumped into the cabin.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
And surprisingly fast. Press the accelerator with a little too much enthusiasm and the iX kicks forward with a surprising amount of power, especially for a 6,000-pound SUV.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
It claims to reach 60 mph in just over four seconds.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
Its range rating of 524 miles from the Environmental Protection Agency puts it near the top of the market and in the same league as Tesla’s Model X.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
The real star of the iX is its interior, a luxury lounge that feels extremely elegant and delightful to spend time in.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
Everything from the various buttons to the turn signals felt solid and high-end tactile.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
There’s a solid and satisfying-to-use glass dial that controls the infotainment system.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
And there are lots of nice touches that set the iX apart from your standard e-SUV.
2022 BMW iX xDrive60.
Tim Levin / Insider
The digital instrument cluster and main touchscreen are contained in a single panel that hangs elegantly above the instrument cluster.
2022 BMW iX xDrive50.
Tim Levin / Insider
