Like almost every carmaker in the world today, BMW is in the midst of an electric facelift.
Unlike most manufacturers in the world, BMW has a double-edged sword.
The non-BMW has gained a crowd of believers around the world when it and we treated it as the ultimate driving experience.
A brand that has built itself on the values of dynamic capability and leadership enjoyment.
Needless to say, on the verge of an era that completely changes what we know about such enjoyment, BMW must rediscover itself within the winding path on the road to the transport of the future.
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It's time to point out that she's starting this journey late compared to the other German premium brands. Audi has been there from the start, Mercedes has started a significant model momentum as well while BMW makes a slightly delayed impression. And if we squinted for a moment to the sides, one might wonder what its name is for the other two German brands, making it easier to make the necessary transition. If we look at the electric flagship cars of Audi and Mercedes it seems that the two have chosen a very natural path for them. Audi sends the GT to continue a lineage of powerful dual-propulsion cars into the electric age. Mercedes has been playing in a field it has dominated for decades with the EQS, an electric luxury car that is a natural continuation of the company's luxury car dynasty.
BMW has chosen to perform their capability display with a formidable recreational vehicle. While this is definitely the preferred vehicle configuration for most new car buyers around the world, it is not connected to any core value that has characterized BMW for generations. If we need to find the connection, we can look for it in the first X5. BMW's first recreational vehicle engraved on its banner the company's famous dynamic capability and certainly shone in this field ahead of its competitors.
Now face to face with the iX all these are soon forgotten. The eye tries to accommodate the size, the unconventional design, the first encounter with someone who is supposed to showcase everything BMW knows how to do today. If the size of the class is unclear, it can be referred to there. In BMW it is not customary to display cars without digits in the name. The iX is a rare example of this, and in fact will not become part of a model family, but rather mark a turning point, a mark for change that we are expected to see in the coming years. Back to the vehicle itself, the huge investment is noticeable. Starting with hints that indicate the widespread use of carbon fiber along the chassis, an opaque front grille that can heal itself from light scratches and a huge sunroof that can instantly darken and more.
Entering the cabin continues this impression, the feeling that we are at the dawn of a new era for society.
The materials here are all recycled, and surprisingly, it does not detract from the sense of quality and prestige.
If there are corners where dipping from recycled fishing nets is offered to you less than that of a fine Alcantara let’s say, then switches made of Swarovski stones for example, will divert your eye away.
The feel is fancy, on the verge of being sophisticated, but the bottom line is impressive, flattering to both passengers and the environment.
The engine array found in the launch vehicles is the most senior at the moment.
The fifty version we got means that the two engines, front and rear, produce a combined power of 523 hp and are supported by a huge battery with a capacity of 111 kW.
The official range declared here is no less than 630 km that will satisfy everyone's opinion.
Fast charging capability means that in ten minutes a range of about 150 km can be added.
Data that should alleviate range-related anxieties.
On the road this propulsion unit shows that with the right amount of power, it is possible to hide a fantastic weight figure almost completely.
The leap is fast, the speed accumulation is nonchalant and the oversized Beamer flies in the narrow launch paths.
Narrow and winding it should be noted, and despite the dimensions and the same weight, the feeling is not clumsy at all.
The air suspension, attach to the rear steering and the giant tires (on a 22-inch diameter rim) and draw precise arches in turns.
The feeling is quite natural and neutral, an achievement when it comes to two and a half tons of car.
In the same breath and despite the accuracy there is a clear sense of detachment and these things also describe the steering.
This BMW will do whatever is required of it, but it is clear at any moment, that the technology and engineering are the ones performing here, not the driver.
When it comes to comfort, both in terms of insulation and seats, also in terms of absorption and suspension, the result is no less excellent.
It is a pleasant and quiet car on every trip, on every type of road.
At the end of the driving day, the trip computer recorded a realistic range of about 603 km.
Absolutely handsome.
What was jarring to those who remember the origins of this brand, concentrated on the shape of the steering wheel. It seems that at the time of its design, decided to increase the diameter of its upper part. Perhaps to enable better viewing of digital indicators. The result is a steering wheel whose upper part has a larger diameter than the lower one and a shape that causes those who hold the steering wheel correctly to force their hands at an unnatural angle. The kind of things you would not expect to find in super-designed cars, certainly not those of BMW. On the other hand, to anticipate the advanced driving systems of the iX driving it with minimal driver intervention, a version makes us wonder who even holds the steering wheel properly in this age.
And that brings us back to the starting point.
The BMW iX is a very impressive purpose display.
Demonstration of an impressive set of capabilities available to BMW today in a bid to develop its future models.
But all of these do not solve the main problem facing BMW today, the one mentioned at the beginning of this article.
It embarks on this path after its two main competitors and unlike them, this path poses conflicts when it comes to the nature of its cars.
The technological capability is definitely here, but after a day of driving the iX it is impossible not to wonder, what makes such a powerful and impressive car, one that deserves to bear the logo of BMW.
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