Pros and cons
BMW iX pros and cons — the honest buyer's verdict (2023)
3 min read·Last updated: 2023-01-01·By ev.care editorial team
TL;DR
4 pros, 4 cons. The BMW iX is best for buyers who want a futuristic luxury ev statement — within that envelope it is one of the strongest picks in its segment.
Every EV is a set of trade-offs. The BMW iX's 630 km range and BMW the country's segment position are the headlines — but the 4 pros and 4 cons below are what actually drive customer satisfaction one year in. This is a structured look at both columns.
BMW iX — the pros
The BMW iX has earned its strongest praise for these reasons. Strength 1 — Carbon-fibre body — lighter and stiffer. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 2 — 630 km range. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 3 — Bowers & Wilkins audio. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 4 — Most spacious BMW SUV. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Anchoring all of this: a 105.2 kWh battery, 630 km range, and a starting price that defines the BMW iX's value envelope.
BMW iX — the cons
On the other side, the BMW iX has these honest weaknesses you should price in. Weakness 1 — Hexagonal steering wheel takes adaptation. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 2 — iDrive 8 lag pre-firmware. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 3 — Frameless doors leak in monsoon. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 4 — Service costs are highest in BMW range. On the BMW iX specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. For a electric suv (flagship) weighing 0 kg with 200 km/h top speed, these trade-offs are within segment norms but worth pricing in.
Who the BMW iX is for
BMW pitches the BMW iX at "Buyers who want a futuristic luxury EV statement", and that framing holds up. If your driving fits that shape, the pros above land hardest and the cons fade fastest. 630 km of range is enough for most weekly profiles, and 10-80% in 35 min on 200kW of fast charging keep occasional long trips practical.
Practical next steps
If the cons all touch one part of your week (long highway runs, say, or boot space) — that's the dealbreaker. If they touch unrelated edges, the BMW iX is probably the right buy.
Related BMW EVs
If the cons above are dealbreakers, look at tesla model y, audi q8 e tron — each makes a different set of trade-offs. The BMW iX wins more often than not in its tier, but cross-shopping protects you from buying the wrong shape.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the biggest reason to choose the BMW iX?
- Pick the pro in the list above that most matches your weekly use. If it's range, value, charging speed, or feature set — whichever sits at the top for you — that's the buy signal.
- Can the cons be fixed with aftermarket changes?
- A few — wheels, tyres, interior comforts, dashcam, charging cables. Most cons in the list above are structural and not modifiable after purchase, so buy with eyes open.
- Does BMW address the cons in newer models?
- Some, not all. BMW has improved the BMW iX platform with each refresh — software updates close a few cons, hardware refresh cycles close more. But fundamental layout decisions (boot space, seating, charge port placement) are baked in for the life of the model.
- Is the BMW iX worth buying overall?
- For buyers who want a futuristic luxury ev statement, yes. The BMW iX's pros pay back week after week for that use case. For substantially different needs, you'll find better fits in other models.
In short: buyers who want a futuristic luxury ev statement is where the BMW iX shines. The cons matter, but they matter less every month as software and parts mature.