[SomeClown]

Greetings,

I have a fully-optioned 2022 X5 XDrive-45e, low-miles (6K) custom-ordered from the factory 1-year ago (last build week of 2022). It has everything I want on it, in the colors I want, etc. I am, however, strongly considering making the move to pure-EV and looking at the iX (either 50 or M60). That said, I have some concerns and questions, all of which may have been already answered here... if so, I apologize in advance.

I was getting my oil changed this morning and had the opportunity to look around an iX M60. That, combined with a lot of research and just general reading leads me to ask the following:

(1) What's the consensus on the seats? They certainly *look* cheap compared to the top-spec X5 seats, but I know looks can be deceiving, and a lot of online reviewers love them.

(2) The inside *feels* cheaper somehow. Like, less premium materials, more sparse, etc. I get that BMW is going for a futuristic, minimalistic look... but if I wanted a Tesla that's what I'd buy. Thoughts from current owners who have owned past BMWs?

(3) How does the overall experience of owning the iX compare to previous BMWs, especially X5 or X7 models? Not the electric drivetrain, as that's obviously different, but more around the overall fit/finish and general *feel* of the thing. Does it feel as premium as the price suggests?

As stated above, online reviewers have mostly gushed about the iX since it came out, with the possible exception of the front (which I don't really mind). I just want to make sure I don't give up what is, arguably, one of the best-looking and premium mid-sized SUVs (I know, highly subjective) for something more expensive and less premium.

Thanks for reading my rambling scribbles, and I look forward to any thoughts from the forum.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by SomeClown

(1) What's the consensus on the seats? They certainly *look* cheap compared to the top-spec X5 seats, but I know looks can be deceiving, and a lot of online reviewers love them.

They have less adjustments than the best seats in a X5 and are less sporty (i.e. less bucket like) in case you feel like you need your seat to really hold you in place (not that the X5 seats are comparable with true sports bucket seats but they are better than the iX in that regard). As for comfort, really you should sit in them and decide for yourself. Some of us find them more comfortable than the X5/X7 seats overall, some (probably more than half) feel that they aren't as comfortable. The biggest drawback is the dumb piece of hard plastic that shorter people tend to hit their head on and the massage function is not as good as in the X5 seats, which was not great to start with.

Originally Posted by SomeClown

(2) The inside *feels* cheaper somehow. Like, less premium materials, more sparse, etc. I get that BMW is going for a futuristic, minimalistic look... but if I wanted a Tesla that's what I'd buy. Thoughts from current owners who have owned past BMWs?

The look is different and more towards a minimalist design. The cabin feels much more open as a result, but they could have wrapped the underside of the center console with the same kind of material as the dashboard (i.e. leather if you have leather, cloth if you have cloth) or something more premium than the hard plastic. To me, that is the only real touchpoint that doesn't feel great, but the rest of the materials are comparable to a X5. For instance, the Amido leather in my car is as nice, if not nicer, to the touch than the Merino leather I had in my X5.

Originally Posted by SomeClown

(3) How does the overall experience of owning the iX compare to previous BMWs, especially X5 or X7 models? Not the electric drivetrain, as that's obviously different, but more around the overall fit/finish and general *feel* of the thing. Does it feel as premium as the price suggests?

Feels like a better luxury SUV than the X5 did to me. Rides better, smoother, quieter. I prefer how the auto climate works in ID8 which can also control heated seats, steering, ventilation, radiant heating and automatically turn them on and off based on your preferences, which makes it easy to hop in and drive without having to fiddle with the bad climate UI (compared to physical buttons).


Now honestly if the impression you get when sitting in the car is "cheap", I think it will be a constant uphill battle for you to change that impression. The interior design is hit or miss and will not be great for everyone and if you've already sat in it and felt it was cheap, you should probably look elsewhere as I doubt it will grow on you.

Cheers!

[ricerboi]

I generally agree with ggalanis 's sentiments.

I've had i3 BEV, i3s REX, and still have my F15 X5 50i so the iX basically seems like they all had a baby. The exterior is quirky but nothing I can't get used to.

I'm in the camp that the iX seats suck. The lack of side bolsters for the thighs and lack of thigh extensions make it less supportive and comfortable during spirited driving. The headrest (I have the old one) issue I "fixed" with a head cushion.

Yes, the interior "feels" cheaper coming from an X5, but obviously much better than the i3. I think the most annoying thing coming from the X5 is the much less usable (narrower and smaller) trunk space and much less interior storage space (door and center console).

Honestly the acceleration/handling/suspension (I have the air suspension) of the iX blows the X5 out of the water along with the DA/DAP. To be honest, I can mentally overlook the negatives when I'm enjoying the drive, so I'm ok with the iX as a daily until something like the iX7 comes out with a much better usable range (400-550 miles before a 30% winter range penalty) so that I can actually use it for road trips. Hopefully they figure out next gen battery tech for that, but for now, honestly iX isn't bad for a daily driver.

The biggest question you need to ask yourself coming from a X5 is how much storage you really need (trunk and interior) and how many road trips you're doing. The EA network is in shambles right now (you can see all the bickering on EA FB groups and all the EV groups that have free EA) so long trips absolutely suck if you're relying on the "free" EA. 4-5 hour road trips in the X5 will turn into 6-7 hours in the iX.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by ricerboi

I generally agree with ggalanis 's sentiments.

I've had i3 BEV, i3s REX, and still have my F15 X5 50i so the iX basically seems like they all had a baby. The exterior is quirky but nothing I can't get used to.

I'm in the camp that the iX seats suck. The lack of side bolsters for the thighs and lack of thigh extensions make it less supportive and comfortable during spirited driving. The headrest (I have the old one) issue I "fixed" with a head cushion.

Yes, the interior "feels" cheaper coming from an X5, but obviously much better than the i3. I think the most annoying thing coming from the X5 is the much less usable (narrower and smaller) trunk space and much less interior storage space (door and center console).

Honestly the acceleration/handling/suspension (I have the air suspension) of the iX blows the X5 out of the water along with the DA/DAP. To be honest, I can mentally overlook the negatives when I'm enjoying the drive, so I'm ok with the iX as a daily until something like the iX7 comes out with a much better usable range (400-550 miles before a 30% winter range penalty) so that I can actually use it for road trips. Hopefully they figure out next gen battery tech for that, but for now, honestly iX isn't bad for a daily driver.

The biggest question you need to ask yourself coming from a X5 is how much storage you really need (trunk and interior) and how many road trips you're doing. The EA network is in shambles right now (you can see all the bickering on EA FB groups and all the EV groups that have free EA) so long trips absolutely suck if you're relying on the "free" EA. 4-5 hour road trips in the X5 will turn into 6-7 hours in the iX.

Luckily, I don't really do road trips except for twice a year. And the twice a year I do is along major freeway routes where there are plenty of operational chargers (according to Plugshare). I'm well aware of the EA network's problems (well, most networks other than the Tesla Superchargers). I think if BMW announces a switch to NACs I'm probably a buyer at that point.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

They have less adjustments than the best seats in a X5 and are less sporty (i.e. less bucket like) in case you feel like you need your seat to really hold you in place (not that the X5 seats are comparable with true sports bucket seats but they are better than the iX in that regard). As for comfort, really you should sit in them and decide for yourself. Some of us find them more comfortable than the X5/X7 seats overall, some (probably more than half) feel that they aren't as comfortable. The biggest drawback is the dumb piece of hard plastic that shorter people tend to hit their head on and the massage function is not as good as in the X5 seats, which was not great to start with.


The look is different and more towards a minimalist design. The cabin feels much more open as a result, but they could have wrapped the underside of the center console with the same kind of material as the dashboard (i.e. leather if you have leather, cloth if you have cloth) or something more premium than the hard plastic. To me, that is the only real touchpoint that doesn't feel great, but the rest of the materials are comparable to a X5. For instance, the Amido leather in my car is as nice, if not nicer, to the touch than the Merino leather I had in my X5.



Feels like a better luxury SUV than the X5 did to me. Rides better, smoother, quieter. I prefer how the auto climate works in ID8 which can also control heated seats, steering, ventilation, radiant heating and automatically turn them on and off based on your preferences, which makes it easy to hop in and drive without having to fiddle with the bad climate UI (compared to physical buttons).


Now honestly if the impression you get when sitting in the car is "cheap", I think it will be a constant uphill battle for you to change that impression. The interior design is hit or miss and will not be great for everyone and if you've already sat in it and felt it was cheap, you should probably look elsewhere as I doubt it will grow on you.

Cheers!

To be honest, the one I sat in at the dealership was a minimally-optioned iX 50. I need to go to the other dealership in the area and look at a top-optioned M60 and see what I think. One of the biggest things I noticed was the door close feel, but maybe with soft-close that will fix the "cheap" feeling I got from the 50. I still need to take one for a drive as well, since we all know once you're behind the wheel the feeling can change.

Thanks for the feedback!

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by SomeClown

To be honest, the one I sat in at the dealership was a minimally-optioned iX 50. I need to go to the other dealership in the area and look at a top-optioned M60 and see what I think. One of the biggest things I noticed was the door close feel, but maybe with soft-close that will fix the "cheap" feeling I got from the 50. I still need to take one for a drive as well, since we all know once you're behind the wheel the feeling can change.

Thanks for the feedback!

The door thunk will not sound good. I honestly would have preferred if they didn't use frameless windows. It isn't as horrible as some people make it out to be (you will quickly stop noticing it most likely), nor would I qualify it as something truly important, but it is a difference people used to vault like door thuds do notice. Soft close only makes a difference if you go out of your way to use it (if you figure out a way to get other passengers to consistently use it, do let us know as most of us struggle with this). If you slam the door, it still doesn't sound as solid as in a X5. It isn't the chunky part of the door itself, but there seems to be too much play in the window.

[paulbazoV2]

I simplify things, if you want an EV SAV or crossover , the IX is the one to get.

I think you should decide that first , EV vs ICE.

[ricerboi]

Originally Posted by paulbazoV2

I simplify things, if you want an EV SAV or crossover , the IX is the one to get.

I think you should decide that first , EV vs ICE.

Agreed. I participated in an EV SUV "study" apparently sponsored by Audi where we were asked extensive design/functionality questions and got to road test 4 vehicles: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX50, MB EQE350+ SUV, and Rivian R1S.

In summary, Q8 is too small/slow. iX was just right (obviously) but it was a base interior model so it felt "cheap" compared to my fully optioned iX50. EQE350's interior felt the most high-end, but it was SLOW and the regen/friction braking transition was weird. EQE SUV is obviously small so EQS SUV would be the correct comparison. Rivian R1S was exactly what I expected it to be which was really quick, functional, and spacious, but driving dynamics and suspension were not sorted out well.

The correct choice (like mine) was between the iX and the EQS SUV. EQS SUV is way overpriced and honestly at this point, iX is the only real choice for the luxury EV SUV segment. If you go downmarket a little bit you can consider the Kia EV9 or Rivian R1S but since we all seem to be BMW brand loyalists, I think you will be happy with an iX.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by ricerboi

Agreed. I participated in an EV SUV "study" apparently sponsored by Audi where we were asked extensive design/functionality questions and got to road test 4 vehicles: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX50, MB EQE350+ SUV, and Rivian R1S.

In summary, Q8 is too small/slow. iX was just right (obviously) but it was a base interior model so it felt "cheap" compared to my fully optioned iX50. EQE350's interior felt the most high-end, but it was SLOW and the regen/friction braking transition was weird. EQE SUV is obviously small so EQS SUV would be the correct comparison. Rivian R1S was exactly what I expected it to be which was really quick, functional, and spacious, but driving dynamics and suspension were not sorted out well.

The correct choice (like mine) was between the iX and the EQS SUV. EQS SUV is way overpriced and honestly at this point, iX is the only real choice for the luxury EV SUV segment. If you go downmarket a little bit you can consider the Kia EV9 or Rivian R1S but since we all seem to be BMW brand loyalists, I think you will be happy with an iX.

Yeah, the decision for me is easy in the sense that the only other luxury EV I'd consider is the EQS, and it's just too overpriced at this point. I really need to get in and see a fully-optioned 50 or M60 to get a better sense of the interior quality. At this point, due to the IAS and air suspension being gone (well, I know air is back) on the 50, I'd probably go for the M60. I'd pull the trigger if BMW announces a planned switch to NACs and just go for a model year 2024 or maybe wait for 2025 for native NACs port. Not sure. I'm happy with my X5, but I'm ready for an EV and I'm fairly certain the iX is the one.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by paulbazoV2

I simplify things, if you want an EV SAV or crossover , the IX is the one to get.

I think you should decide that first , EV vs ICE.

Easy choice for me in the sense that I'm ready for an EV. Just wanting to check a few boxes before plopping down the money (and losing a bit on my current X5 due to depreciation). The iX and EQS are the only two luxury EVs that appeal to me at this point.

[KRS_SN]

If you plopped a pure electric drivetrain and suspension of the ix into the x5 45e it would be perfect...it can't be done and the next best thing is the ix.

[Kief]

OP, my 2024 X5 50e order was just about to flip to status 150, when this morning I decided to pull the trigger on a 2024 iX50 instead. My wife and I love X5’s, and we were pleasantly impressed with the 50e added hp and EV mode range, but then we started to second guess going back to a ICE/PHEV (she currently drives a VW ID.4 and I drive an i4 M50), as our intention for the 50e was to drive it only in EV mode. However, once PA winters hit, that 40 EV range will drop considerably. We didn’t want to be anxious about the limited EV range, despite obviously having a backup ICE, if that makes sense. The opposite of range anxiety! Lol Sure I wish the iX looked more attractive/sporty like the X5, but it’s quirky looks have sorta grown on us.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by Kief

OP, my 2024 X5 50e order was just about to flip to status 150, when this morning I decided to pull the trigger on a 2024 iX50 instead. My wife and I love X5’s, and we were pleasantly impressed with the 50e added hp and EV mode range, but then we started to second guess going back to a ICE/PHEV (she currently drives a VW ID.4 and I drive an i4 M50), as our intention for the 50e was to drive it only in EV mode. However, once PA winters hit, that 40 EV range will drop considerably. We didn’t want to be anxious about the limited EV range, despite obviously having a backup ICE, if that makes sense. The opposite of range anxiety! Lol Sure I wish the iX looked more attractive/sporty like the X5, but it’s quirky looks have sorta grown on us.

Thanks for that perspective. Yeah, the looks are a little quirky in some ways (the front), but overall I like them. I just need to see one of the nicer-optioned versions in person before I pull the trigger. I also bought the 45e to sort of dip a toe in the water of EVs, but have since started watching and reading all sorts of podcasts and whatnot and am sort of kicking myself for not going all in on EVs already. So, will probably take a bit of a depreciation hit for the privilege of switching, but I think in the long run it'll be worth it.

Thanks to everyone else who has commented here, by the way, this has all been very helpful.

[Jeff661]

I had a 2021 45e that I custom ordered and it was fully loaded. I only had 11k miles when I traded it for a fully loaded 2023 x50. I don’t feel like the iX feels any less luxury than an X5. My 45e had Merino leather, I think the iX leather is better. Super soft. I love the interior door open button. It takes a few times to get used to it but now it’s second nature. I had an X5 S40 loaner last week and found drive not linear and responsive, the suspension was harsh, and it was loud. The loaner was stripped down but ugh. It reminded me of how much improvement electrification brings. The 45e is a big step up from that loaner but the iX goes further. It is so smooth and quiet. I also find the space feels more open. The position compared to windows and everything just give a brighter open feeling. But, I agree about the seats. I’m 5’6” 145 and the bolstering isn’t good enough for me. I slide around on the seat and have to reposition myself after a hard turn. Other than the lack of bolstering I can adjust the seats so that they are comfortable.

[Garycoral]

Well SomeClown, I may have one of the more informed opinions on this topic... My wife had a fully loaded '21 45e and now 15 mos in her '22 fully loaded MSport 45e - I took delivery of a well equipped iX50 last July and then traded for what I really wanted a fully loaded M60 in December... We share one level 2 charger and it works very well.

All that said - I'm now trying to persuade my wife to give up her 45e for an iX50 because it just drives so much better than the 45e - Yes, the seats aren't as adjustable or stitched as fancy, but the driving is just so much easier, quieter, smoother and when wanted it's a rocket. On the topic of Lux - One of the main reasons I moved to the M60 was that I wanted the Castanea leather and crystal bling - If you go iX and want a premium feel you'll have to get one loaded up to get that feel - My original iX50 was a little minivan-ish with the senstec. Still nice, but not as special as it should be for the $97K MSRP.

[darylp310]

I also came to the iX after driving X5's for the past 10 years. I'm 6’3 and over 300 pounds and I must say I find the iX seats extremely comfortable. I love the extra leg room I get and think the padding is quite cushy. I can easily do 4-5 hour trips non-stop between LA and Vegas and I don't get tired or feel any stress on my legs or back at all. I think the seats are best for "cruising", but not the best for twisty mountain roads. They don't hug as much as the X5, so they aren't optimized for spirited driving, but they are perfect for freeways and long straight highway stretches.

[SGiXers]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

The door thunk will not sound good. I honestly would have preferred if they didn't use frameless windows. Soft close only makes a difference if you go out of your way to use it (if you figure out a way to get other passengers to consistently use it, do let us know as most of us struggle with this). If you slam the door, it still doesn't sound as solid as in a X5. It isn't the chunky part of the door itself, but there seems to be too much play in the window.

For me it's a smaller concern of the frameless window making the door closing less of a solid thud. Though frameless window does looks sexy and high tech. I am a bit more concerned the constant shutting of doors(hard) might loosen something inside the window mechanism in the door. The slapping of the window onto the rubber seals around the door wouldn't help either in longevity or wear(subjective) Hence I'm Retrofitting soft close doors with my dealership soon. In our market this soft closing feature was removed and we don't have the option of buying iX with it even new.

Originally Posted by ricerboi

Agreed. I participated in an EV SUV "study" apparently sponsored by Audi where we were asked extensive design/functionality questions and got to road test 4 vehicles: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX50, MB EQE350+ SUV, and Rivian R1S.

I would love to participate in such study. I'll definitely have lots to say and share. Do you find the EQE SUV air suspension wallowy and tipsy? Yes feedback was the brake pedal feel wasn't natural. As for the Audi Q8 etron, i didn't expect much from it as it's a cut and copy
from Etron suv an then paste it over on Q8 etron, somewhat.

I hope BMW will consider extending or continuing the iX EV platform beyond just this present one., future iX
The sales number worldwide might sway BMW to rethink?

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by Garycoral

Well SomeClown, I may have one of the more informed opinions on this topic... My wife had a fully loaded '21 45e and now 15 mos in her '22 fully loaded MSport 45e - I took delivery of a well equipped iX50 last July and then traded for what I really wanted a fully loaded M60 in December... We share one level 2 charger and it works very well.

All that said - I'm now trying to persuade my wife to give up her 45e for an iX50 because it just drives so much better than the 45e - Yes, the seats aren't as adjustable or stitched as fancy, but the driving is just so much easier, quieter, smoother and when wanted it's a rocket. On the topic of Lux - One of the main reasons I moved to the M60 was that I wanted the Castanea leather and crystal bling - If you go iX and want a premium feel you'll have to get one loaded up to get that feel - My original iX50 was a little minivan-ish with the senstec. Still nice, but not as special as it should be for the $97K MSRP.

Feeling like a minivan is the best description I've seen yet for what the lower-spec iX50 at the dealership felt like. Not that minivans are all bad; I've been in some damned nice ones. I probably got a false sense of the thing just based on the trim level.

[SomeClown]

Originally Posted by darylp310

I also came to the iX after driving X5's for the past 10 years. I'm 6’3 and over 300 pounds and I must say I find the iX seats extremely comfortable. I love the extra leg room I get and think the padding is quite cushy. I can easily do 4-5 hour trips non-stop between LA and Vegas and I don't get tired or feel any stress on my legs or back at all. I think the seats are best for "cruising", but not the best for twisty mountain roads. They don't hug as much as the X5, so they aren't optimized for spirited driving, but they are perfect for freeways and long straight highway stretches.

Well, that's good news, then. I'm fairly tall myself so maybe the nicer seats will feel good to me. I'm not worried about spirited driving (gave that up when I sold the STI years ago), at least not in an X5 or iX. I think the thigh extension is what I'll miss the most, but I'm sure I can get past that if the rest of the seat is great.

[ricerboi]

Originally Posted by SGiXers

I would love to participate in such study. I'll definitely have lots to say and share. Do you find the EQE SUV air suspension wallowy and tipsy? Yes feedback was the brake pedal feel wasn't natural. As for the Audi Q8 etron, i didn't expect much from it as it's a cut and copy
from Etron suv an then paste it over on Q8 etron, somewhat.

I hope BMW will consider extending or continuing the iX EV platform beyond just this present one., future iX
The sales number worldwide might sway BMW to rethink?

The EQE SUV they had was clearly not specked with air suspension so the base suspension was terrible.

[NotASheepRB]

[QUOTE=ricerboi;30421042]Agreed. I participated in an EV SUV "study" apparently sponsored by Audi where we were asked extensive design/functionality questions and got to road test 4 vehicles: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX50, MB EQE350+ SUV, and Rivian R1S.


Interesting…. I too participated in this “study” in Long Beach/Carson last Sunday. And I went into the study hoping to find something better than the iX, but 5 1/2 hours later, my choice of the iX was validated.

I was surprised how slow the EQE and Q8 e-trim felt, and the Rivian had horrible build quality and felt like an off-road truck with a rocket engine.

The EQE’s interior was definitely more luxurious than iX, though.

[ok31]

I too struggled with which of these to get and having had a X5 50i with dhp 3 years ago I couldn’t imagine getting into something other than an X5 or X7. Then the summer deals kicked in, I got a call from a local dealer and 2 days later without seeing or driving the iX50 came home with one. It’s not as specd out as I’d have liked, no sport and only convenience but comparing the additional spend for the value there was no incentive. That being said I am IMPRESSED with how well this drives and handles. We took it on a 400+ mile round trip and the family of 4 of us was comfortable (save for the stupid front seat cut out) and fit everything we needed. Yes the cargo is smaller than X5 but my old X5 trunk liner fit perfectly and even the from driver and rear weather tech liners fit near perfect. The front passenger foot well is definitely smaller as evident by the liner there but it’s still ages better in the front. Not having the whole center take up space my wife finally has a spot for her bag without it being at her feet. The seats, smooth ride and quiet all make a very pleasant experience and the fast effortless pickup brings a smile.

I considered the 45e or now the 50e but for the price it wasn’t enough and the value wasn’t there. After the 30mi range you’re lugging dead weight which counters the whole EV benefit.

The cheap feel I can potentially see since I do have the slightly higher than base version but let’s be honest, BMW save for the 7 has never been known for their fit and finish. MB blows it out of the water standing still, Audi isn’t bad either and can’t comment on some other lux brands. Compare that to an Acura (not same league) and then you’ll think it’s a Bentley by comparison so it’s all relative.

Charging with EA on the trip up the east coast was effortless. I’ve gone to 3 across 3 states and have yet to have an issue. Is there a potential, sure but as they roll more out it will get better.

Overall I can’t say or be happier with the decision and the looks grow on you. The rest melts away as you flawlessly glide (that’s right) down the road.