The 2022 BMW iX will have one of the longest driving ranges with all variants rated over 300 miles. With the standard 20-inch alloy wheels, the iX is rated at 324 miles. Oddly, the optional 21-inch alloy wheels cut the range down the most to 305 miles while examples equipped with the 22-inch units travel farther at 315 miles.
Available initially in xDrive50 guise, the 2022 BMW iX features two electric motors for a combined output of 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. They are backed by a 111.5-kWh lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 105.2 kWh. It can DC charge at a peak rate of 195 kW, enabling it to go from 10 to 80 percent in under 40 minutes. The 11-kW onboard charger gets you a full charge in 10.25 hours using a level 2 AC charger. However, on a slower charger that maxes out at 9.6 kW, that time increases to 12.25 hours.
The closest competitor to the BMW iX is the Tesla Model X. Long Range variants are EPA-rated at 348 miles per charge. Plaid models are good for 333 miles when equipped with 20-inch wheels or 311 miles if you go for the 22-inch units. Newer examples of the Model X are also able to DC charge at peak rates of 250 kW. A second close competitor is the Jaguar I-Pace, which is EPA-rated for 234 miles per charge. However, it’s less powerful at 394 hp and 512 lb-ft. It also DC charges slower, peaking at only 100 kW. The I-Pace’s coupe-like exterior also limits interior space and practicality.
Audi’s e-tron SUV and Sportback models are also close competitors but they’re less powerful and don’t travel as far. The SUV is good for 222 miles while the Sportback checks in at 218 miles. If you go for the more powerful e-tron S with its three electric motors, you get even less range. With the 20-inch wheels, the e-tron SUV is good for 208 miles per charge while the Sportback can travel 212 miles. Go for the optional 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels with summer tires and the driving range drops farther to 181 miles for the SUV and 185 miles in the Sportback. The e-tron’s peak charging rates are also lower than the iX’s at 150 kW.
More competitors are coming in 2022 with the arrival of the Cadillac Lyriq, which will have over 300 miles of range but less power. Mercedes-Benz will introduce the EQS SUV on its dedicated battery-electric vehicle platform that’s already in use on the EQS sedan. Audi will eventually replace the e-tron SUV and Sportback with the Q6 e-tron, which will be on the PPE architecture shared with the upcoming all-electric Porsche Macan.
The 2022 BMW iX will get a high-performance variant later this year. Called the iX M60, it reportedly has 600 hp and will be the first M Performance all-electric crossover. Like many higher-end BMW models, the iX makes extensive use of aluminum body structure to increase rigidity without increasing weight. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics and high-performance thermoplastics are also used in combination with high-strength steel and aluminum components. Alongside the i4 Gran Coupe, the iX will be part of an all-electric lineup that will eventually include the i5 and i7 sedans, and an all-electric X1. Pricing for the iX starts at $84,195.
