I Lived With The BMW iX For 3,000 Miles - Here's What I Love & Hate About This Electric SUV 

You’re welcome for not filming the exterior view for the intro 😊

I completely agree with you on the air conditioned seats, they are just not that effective. Also on the seats if I could get the old 7series seats from the mid 2000s series 7 short wheel base coupe for my IX I probably would never get out of it. I got lucky and got the Bowers and Wilkins stereo in my IX 50. Absolutely the best system and audio I have ever had in a vehicle. Rumor has it on the forums, that BMW is allowing you to configure it now in the 2023 builds.

I'll tell what a steal is. An iX xDrive50, with 1500 miles, leather interior, bowers&wilkins, glass controls, soft close doors, laser lights, traffic jam assist, and more.... For $75-$80k

Your videos - generally, not just this one - are the most informative and useful I’ve seen and all done with a level headed approach. Thank you. This is the second time I’ve watched this one. The first time it helped nudge me to ordering an iX50 and I thought I’d watch it agai because I’m now expecting the car in the next two or three weeks (once they sort out their current Stop Sale due to a driver’s side airbag issue!). Fortunately I can charge at home but I do hope the charging infrastructure improves because before long I want to go on a longer trip! 0:10

Great series on the ix. I watched all of them . Greetings from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . Test drive done 👍 . See how things go!

Bowers & Wilkins is now available on the xDrive50. It's a $3400 add-on with the Premium Package.

Very good and balanced review!

Hi kyle, if you had to choose this car or the 580 suv for long road trips in Europe with a dog and family, what one would you choose? Thanks

This is by far the best iX review i have seen. Lots of small but very legitimate criticisms. The 50 is all you need. Overall, a fantastic vehicle with a state of the art operating system. I’ve had mine for a month. Charging loses about 10% in cold weather. I wish I had ordered the upgraded audio and the 22 inch wheels. Great $ Value. Be sure to lease it. In 3 years the range improvements will obsolete anything under 500 miles.

Got the IX50. Thanks for reinforcing that it's a great decision :)

Tiny update: Bowers and Wilkins is again available to order on a new xDrive 50 models. Kyle, standing back, your videos are A+++. I watch them all. Thanks for all you greatly add to the EV community!

Tried the X and the BMW with my mindset on buying mode. I ended up buying a loaded IX. No way to compare, one is a fancy car and the other one is a real car.

Love your reviews. Went from Ioniq 5 sel to BMW ix 50 on a whim. I love this car. Doing my first road trip from Florida to Baltimore in June should be interesting.

Picking my m50 next week. It is one of those early models with the B&W. Only a handful to be found now.

What's your thoughts on the xdrive40? Worth buying for the lesser range?

Hey Kyle, saw you mentioned wanting to test the assisted driving tech more in the iX 50, just wanted to volunteer my iX if you ever happen to be in SoCal!

Just picked up my iX50 xdrive two weeks ago in Munich at BMW. What a great car! I love it. ❤

Just saw this now. I have a 2019 e-tron. I went to a BMW event around April and got to test drive the iX 50. It had the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. I found the steering too light in its tightest setting and the screen with all the buttons overwhelming. But otherwise it was very nice. Best sound system I’ve ever heard in a car. But outside of that, I actually prefer the e-tron. But it’s a very personal thing. Just prefer its steering and solid feel. Can’t fault the iX too much. If I could afford one, I’d definitely consider it. My e-tron I got 2nd hand for a steal.

Tried to design a rivian today. A lot of features gray’d out including the gear shuttle. Maybe getting rid of it along with the camp kitchen?

Brilliant and most enjoyable review Kyle! I have huge respect for Tesla and have been so disappointed with the rhetoric coming from the legacy automakers, including BMW whose cars I have driven for forty years, so I had a broad smile on my face listening to what you had to say about the iX. Geoff

Hey Kyle, When will you do a review of the Cadillac Lyriq?

Just bought the iX XDrive 50 after watching this and a few other reviews on RU-vid. Thanks for the thorough review. Traded my 22 Tesla Model 3 and I love it

Kyle now that you've driven the EQS SUV 580 and the IX M60. Which would you buy? I'm looking for comfort and range. I have both on order and will have to make a choice soon.

Why Is has no frunk? what about all the hoses and stuff when you open the hood,?

This thing may be an electronics liability for me down the road. After two months, It had a malfunctional camera, a dead computer, and digital key not working. Thankfully, all these happened in my garage. It self recovered each time, which scared me even more. I will just enjoy it before I can't.

You can option the xDrive50 with the Bowers & Wilkins system again right now.

I'm surprised to see you harping on the throttle harshness so much. I still miss cable throttle systems and really appreciate it every time I get in one, very few modern drive by wire ICE vehicle really feel great, or they require using sport modes to cut out all the lag which unnecessary hold revs way higher than you'd want to for normal driving so you can't really use it day to day. (Obviously I've not driven the system being reviewed here though).

Kyle, you mentioned that the Edrive 50 is great, but for 2024 the air suspension and rear wheel steering is not available, if you get a chance to drive one can you comment on the suspension? Many are trying to buy one but believe air suspension is a must

Drove the ix last week and agree with most of this review. The deal breakers for us were the agressive throttle (way too much) and the firm ride. Seemed like we would be micro-managing the accelerator pedal and where's the joy in that!? Drove the i4x40 and enjoyed the driving much more. Of course, the i4 is a sedan w/lift back, so lower than suv. The vehicle that met our needs/wants is the electrified gv70 from Genesis. Powerful, smooth, comfortable, and lovely interior.

Looked at my options between Tesla Model Y, '23 Mach-E, '24 Cadillac Lyriq and '24 BMW iX. I ended up picking the iX maybe slight bias since I had an almost fully loaded 2019 X3 but I was open to other companies and wanted to give all a try. I'm just kind of over seeing so many Teslas now it is "boring" to me but was technically the most affordable. I really liked the Mach E but the dealership was being slow at making decisions if they wanted to actually lease the car properly (they wanted +$6k down with $700/mo 36mo- bye!). I was very surprised by the Lyriq but then read about all the many problems and backed off from a killer deal ($3500 down with $700/mo payment 24mo). Now the iX was the most expensive option out of these cars but dang... BMW shows how much they care for this car and I know it may look a little "strange" but my Blue Ridge Mountain color of choice catches so many eyes and it is not as common of a car to see on the streets either. Quiet as can be and while it weighs like a tank it feels so nimble and fast. I think an update video is needed because there has been significant changes in iDrive 8.5 as Kyle pointed out the heated seats situation but I am pretty sure I saw in the settings you can now control how much of the back and bottom can be heated or distributed (maybe that is my radiant package allowing it). iDrive 8.5 has refined alot of menu issues people had and it is so easy to use now. Thanks Kyle for one pushing me towards an '24 iX and reassuring me how great this car is because it truly is. :D

I test drove the ix, it is comfortable feels higher than my X. Has slightly more body roll. I like how it doesn’t have the tunnel in front so my legs feel like it has more room but you lose some storage. I much prefer the tesla UI. I like it but it’s a huge premium to pay over like a X5. It costs more than an X7. The lack of frunk sucks too. I got my X plaid for 120k but if I couldn’t this would be a better buy than an X if you can live without the supercharger network.

I have the 50 and love it

@kyleConner Now that you can get a Model X Plaid for $89k would you still recommend this ?

How does the Volvo XC40 Recharge compare?

I loath mixed control systems. My 2008 Cadillac goes back and forth from hard buttons and then randomly requires me to press the screen to do something. Sometimes you can get into something with a hard button but you can’t get out without the screen. It should be there one way or the other. if I press the button to get into something I should be able to press a button to get out but there isn’t any way to do it. For better or worse it’s the best thing about Tesla is it utterly consistent

B&W audio system is available again in IX M50!!

How would you compare the iX M60 versus the X7 M60i? I know they are very different cars, but what would you choose if it was your money? I would love to know your thoughts as I am about to order one of the two. Thanks!

I just traded in my Tesla MYP for an iX M60 and 3 days later I love it!

Why can't they make something like an E91 or the following model with normal controls??

Re: The phone holder at the beginning of the video - I love that the Rivian has a similar slot in similar place. The only downside is that the Rivian's cup holders are also *PERFECTLY* placed for me - with my elbow on the armrest, I can take my hand off the wheel, and over to the cup holder, and my elbow doesn't have to move. But putting a phone in the slot breaks that line. I usually leave the phone on the loosey-goosey Qi charger instead, though.

Love mine

The current iX with the new OS8.5 has Plug&Charge and also climate controls that are more user friendly

Lack of thigh extension support for those seats and the frameless doors( make them feel less robust) are the most annoying features… They need to trim the crazy amount of apps on the screen

Anyone else disappointed that a vehicle called the IX has its navigation system dismissed out of hand... no, only me then? The navigators guild will be pleased. 😁

Any chance you could put one of these through it's paces in the Colorado snow, both mountain driving and sleet/midwest crap winter roads? Seems like an amazing vehicle, but I wonder how some of these EVs will work in the winter with their ground clearance, meaning will the AWD be hindered by having corolla like clearance and small drifts of snow causing big issues?

Wifey and I tested the base iX and agree with many of the positive comments, but the interior quality didn’t match the near $100K price. Lots of mid-range plastic, including the center console around the iDrive controller that was clad in fingerprint black. The up-optioned version has garish touches like the faceted glass controls that felt a bit too Mar-a-Lago for us. It’s a very big car with surprisingly modest cargo space and the lack of a physical shade for the glass roof was also disappointing. We ended up ordering an e40 M-Sport that was so much fun to drive.

Okay video but I am disappointed you didn't talk about the diamond stereo system. The stereo system is sick and you didn't even mention it.

Our neighbour got one. So ugly from the front. Technically, quality, etc, top notch!

LOL, I feel the opposite of you. I own a 2021 X3 M and drive it in sport mode most of the time, except freeway cruising. I test drove an iX M50 followed by the M60. I found the M50's suspension to be too soft and nondescript after the X3M. It just bounced around too much for my liking. The acceleration was fine but nothing spectacular. Next I tried a fully loaded M60 and I was so impressed I ordered one. I loved the aggressive acceleration and stiff suspension. It felt more like the X3M in sport mode but even more. The steering wheel, yeah I agree with you. Really damn stupid trying to get like Tesla. Luxury package adds the crystal buttons, so don'y order that crap and save $1500 and put this on 22s and Very High Performance tires.

You can't get the ventilation on the blue microfiber seats anyways, so who cares? 😂 No seriously, those are by far the best looking seats! I do love how cheap the appearance options are. You can get loads of paint colors for free. Loads of interior colors for free or a small upcharge. (Not counting the leather) The 21" wheels are only $1k. The 22" wheels are only $2k. The only negative about this thing is when you select the premium package, you can no longer get rid of the crystal controls. BMW should completely get rid of the crystal controls and replace them with a high quality darker grain wood, maintaining that warm Scandinavian lounge feel. Glad to see they've replaced that silly 'ultimate package' with more options variety in the xDrive 50 AND added back the B&W sound system. That was such a weird thing for them to have removed. Very good value for this vehicle compared to the direct competitors IMO, and unlike the rest of the world I don't think the front looks bad. The circus mirror side panels and the front cup holder location on the other hand... those are something that BMW really needs to resolve. The side panels almost look like they're dented at certain angles.

I see thousands of those in Timbuktu before Christmass. We'll save this planet dudes.

The throttle response gets a bit smoother in efficient mode. It's a pity you (still?) can't get it to start in that mode. I would have preferred a much smoother effect curve. Let the power come much later.

Double screen on this video should be done on every video

Compared to the Audi e tron, how is the cabin noise and ride quality? I'm looking for the more serene, luxury cruiser in my next EV. Currently have a 22 Model S, but it's a bit too noisy and harsh on long rides.

Twice the price of a Model 3?

14:40 looking at these because it didnt hold its value lol. seeing some in the $50k-$60k range

If you love the phone holder as the top spot, the bar is set pretty low.

Base model X is $120K not $130K. So the difference isn't as great as you stated. and the Range plus super charger network is better with Tesla. Neither look great though. I'll wait for the Polestar 3, which looks better than both and cheaper too.

It really is an amazing car, I personally even like the looks (in black ofc). The only thing I don't like is it's not an 800V system

Tesla pretty much wins when it comes to charging infrastructure, interior room space plus frunk and looks department (MY and MX look tons better than IX which looks like X5 and a minivan had sex and out came the IX). With recent price drops, Tesla show rooms are busy as heck. Went to 2 BMW dealers and they were begging me to buy a IX at discounts...lol.

Haha, only 113 k! Change out my pocket:) 3 i-pace instead?

Hey Kyle - can you do a nice comparison video between the EQS SUV and the IX.. thanks

Wtf. It is 160k in Belgium near Germany. Why?

In Canada it's sitting on the lots, they're not selling. Feel bad for people who has to wait months to get it. Too expensive for the market especially nowadays with I inflation and market crash. Over 100k is ridiculous.

113K? what a steal. i'm going to buy 2 .

I D LOVVE VMW M 60,

Fingers crossed the looks kill the value and I can pick up a used one in a few years

Tesla heard you and they dropped the price of the X 😂

Complaining aby an "M" car being too "M?"

how you complaining about it being too responsive, that makes no sense. If anything the more responsive the better!?

Model X now $79,990 before $7,500 tax credit. Awesome value when you consider the Tesla seamless integration of the in car tech/your phone/charging network.

What's really stupid about this car's design is that it borrowed so much from Tesla but all of those are particular bad designs. Like the all glass sunroof, lack of physical buttons and lack of physical door openers. Even the wired shape of the steering wheel. Bad, bad designs that already proven to be annoying. Drivers would have been very happy with most of BMW's traditional designs. Why the heck you have to change them when the changes make zero sense whatsoever?

I've had my iX for 2 years now, I can honestly say that it is the WORST car I've ever had - This is all down to the Driver Assistance, which in Europe can not be fully switched off. This car will try to kill you. It is at its worst on motorways with narrow lanes in roadworks -- where it never knows what line to follow and gets really stressy about cars that are close.

Considered the ix based on range and handling but ruled it out because of its look. Can’t find an angle that looks half decent

Model x is 121k not 130k.

I got as far as the throttle and had to stop watching. INFURIATING! I literally sold my F10 535 because the throttle was SO poorly programmed I could never pull away from a stop smoothly. Either you had small lag followed by an abrupt lurch or worse, a HUGE lag followed by an enormous throttle dump. It was awful. I’ve driven so many modern BMW’s with such laggy throttle, I don’t understand what they are thinking. It’s not turbo lag, either, the pedal literally does nothing. Shame to see in a dedicated EV it still has something similar.

Its bad but good. Its not good but buy it.

Funny how the automated cruise control keeps messing up through the entire video

Would smoke everything on Hogback? At 13:48 it just kicks you out of hands free with no warning lol. Oops

BMW stopped being the ultimate driving machine decades ago.

he is WAY off on his prices quoted for tesla, just quote a quote today for an X PLAID for 118K Out the door with all taxes and fee and before the 7500 rebate and 1000 referral discount. He said 130K entry...

eh well BMW charges for every bloody thing so the price is without anything that you do get in Tesla. Try to configure it to the same level and BMW ends up very much higher.

“Love the phone holder”. Yup- definitely worth the $…

I’ve never seen a car review without actually seeing what the exterior of the car looks like! Annoying split screen!!

Pretending to sound like a F1 driver.

I checked in because I like your videos. But this just confirms my general dislike for BMWs, period -- on every front. I'd take an EV6 any day over a BMW, if they were the same price.

it's a $100K+ it should be excellent for that money, but Air suspension is all over the place. doesn't feel planted.

You’re too much to your preferences you’re supposed to be test driving a car for us not you

Wow, T junk so expensive? Well, having enough dumb fanboys parting their cash...

IX 50 starts at MSRP 83,200! Do you seen that ugly grill on that vehicle. A disaster to clean! They put a 111.5 kwh battery to match the Model Y LR 81 kwh battery range. Ix50 is 5659 lbs. Why would you want to lug around all that weight, it's like buying a gas guzzler SUV with 19mpg. It's going to cost you more in electricity to charge. Don't forget, everything is extra cost, but you can spec one out at about $95,000! Good luck with opening the hood as it has no cargo space and you can't even open it!

I DO VIDEOS TO

IDrive 8 sucks

I had no idea Tesla was MORE expensive than this in the US. What an absolute rip off. Why on earth would you Americans buy that shit when it costs more? Here in Australia the Tesla makes sense because it's CHEAPER than all German manufacturers who price themselves higher in Australia than in EU and US

I think 'RU-vidrs' constantly forget their 'core' audience. MOST people cannot reasonably afford a $100k car. You are speaking to a few thousand 'subscribers' in Relation to MILLIONS of hard working Americans who may switch to EV's to get away from exorbitant Gas prices.