Is It Worth Buying the Electric BMW iX Despite Its Weird Face?
BMW is moving fast toward an era of electrification. Starting in 2025, all BMWs will have the Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform. In the next few years, BMW will roll out many electric vehicles. While BMW already offers the electric i3 small hatchback, it didn’t sell very well in the United States. BMW changed course and created its most ambitious electric car so far — the 2022 BMW iX crossover SUV. There are many things to like about the new iX, and it could be a strong competitor of the Tesla Model X. However, it’s difficult to get over the strange face and grille on the iX. Is it worth buying the BMW iX despite its weird face and grille?
2022 BMW iX face and grille: Ugly or a brave new design?
First things first — let’s talk about the face and grille of the BMW iX. Plenty of digital ink has already been spilled about its face and grille. On social media, countless people commented on it. The vast majority of it is negative. Combine the massive twin-kidney grille with the headlights that look like narrow robot eyes, and you get something that looks like a menacing cyborg from a post-apocalyptic universe.
The kidney grille on the BMW iX can self-heal
The question that begs an answer is why even have a grille on an electric car? Beyond a design aesthetic, the kidney grille on the BMW iX is self-healing. Do you know what else is self-healing? Kidneys in humans. The iX kidney grille has a protective polyurethane coating, which minimizes damage. Its self-healing properties can repair minor scratches in only five minutes when exposed to warm air or 24 hours at room temperature. There you go. The new grille isn’t all bad, isn’t it?
If you are a BMW enthusiast and have major reservations about the new face and grille of the iX, then you better get used to it. BMW plans to use a similar design theme for many of its models. The BMW M3 and M4 already have a variation of the new face and grille.
Reasons to buy the BMW iX
Now that we finished talking about the controversial face and grille of the iX, let’s address some of the positive attributes of the electric crossover. First off, the BMW iX boasts excellent performance and driving dynamics. Its two electric motors generate an impressive output of 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time of the iX is 4.6 seconds. The iX drives very smoothly — and it’s so quiet you can almost hear your heartbeat.
A common concern of electric vehicles is range anxiety — or the fear of running out of battery power before arriving back home or reaching a charging station. BMW lists the range of the iX as a respectable 300 miles. However, in reviews, drivers reported an even higher range than this.
Another thing going for the BMW iX is its technologically sophisticated interior. The panoramic moonroof features thousands of liquid crystals, which provide a unique electrochromatic shading effect. The Intelligent Digital Assistant responds to natural dialogue, identifies individuals in the vehicle, and even gauge reactions. Also, with Maneuver Assistant, the iX records how you park it and then can repeat the same maneuver on command.
When can I buy the 2022 BMW iX?
BMW is taking orders for the 2022 BMW iX right now. During fall 2021, BMW dealers will get in touch with customers to finalize pre-order details. Deliveries of the iX will start in spring 2022.
The face and grille of the 2022 BMW iX is a highly questionable design choice by BMW. However, if it doesn’t bother you too much, then the iX may be worth purchasing. It could be a good alternative to the Tesla Model X or the electric Porsche Macan. However, the BMW iX is not cheap. With a starting price of $82,300, it will cost you a lot of money.
