Before we talk about the iX, let's talk about the i3. Debuting way back in 2013, the i3 was BMW's first dedicated fully electric car, and it was (and still is) unlike anything else on the road. It was funky and controversial, but had truly fascinating design and engineering baked in. Driving it felt special because it was so unique, and it was chock full of charm and good ideas. Then, after releasing that car, BMW strangely waited a full decade to introduce their 2nd dedicated EV model.
This iX is that model, and while it's a much bigger breadbox than the i3, we believe it to be the spiritual successor. Like the i3, the iX uses really innovative materials that look great, save weight and improve sustainability. Like the i3, the iX is funky to the point of feeling special, boldly avant garde. Like the i3, the iX has polarizing styling, but we think it looks pretty good, and, like the i3, will likely get better with age. Finally, both cars were unveiled at a price point that gave pause. The i3 was an urban runabout priced like a large luxury car, and the iX carries an eye-watering MSRP in the ballpark of lightly used supercars.
So what do you get for all of that money? Well there's good news and bad news. We'll start with the good - you get an absolutely lovely interior that feels serene and premium and exquisitely built. You get the option of one of the best audio systems in any car at any price in the world. You get surprisingly great driving dynamics for the form factor. There are some downsides, however. This iX is using aging battery tech, meaning it won't have stats as impressive as some of its rivals, which feels important at this price range. It compensates by adding a bigger battery, which adds weight and makes your charge times longer - up to 40 minutes to reach 80% on the fastest compatible charger. So it's a curious thing, this iX. Charming, flawed, funky. Honestly, we kind of love it, we just can't afford it.
