All-new BMW iX EV xDrive50 SAV part 2

When I did my first production iX post about BMW's new sport activity vehicle, I used info from the international BMW site, since nothing seemed to be available at the US version. I was early I guess. The US media release gives us lots and lots of info that wasn't available elsewhere. (I used different pics of the same iX to give more exposure.) Firstly, the iX is scheduled to arrive in the US during the first quarter of 2022 (as a 2023 model?). Secondly, the iX xDrive50 is the model coming to the US with a starting price of $83k+ which is a lot more than I thought. I was guessing an iX xDrive40 would start here under $50k, but what do I know?  Since BMW utilizes groups and packages to allow customization and to drive up pricing I thought these newbies would be cheaper. Wrong. Size wise the iX may compete with more mid-sized EVs, the pricing puts the car in the luxury group like the Tesla Model Y, Jaguar i-Pace, and others. Depending on how they flesh-out the rest of their EV line-up (besides EV versions of regular models) will determine if BMW has made a mistake. BMW has been making EVs for years so it can't be all about recouping cost. On this issue there will be more...

One thing the new media release provides is much more information about the production version. In fact, it is one of the longest media releases I've seen in a long time and it's all there after the "read more" jump. Highlights include the new iDrive system with over-the-air updates, an adjustable roof that can be clear or opaque, available 5G and eSIM, a curved display with a heads-up feature, all-wheel-drive, and lots more, Range is still estimated at 300 miles with 516 hp and fast charging. Zero to sixty mph is estimated at just over 4.5 seconds. Remember that the iX xDrive50 is the first iteration we'll get in the US with others following like the high-performance iX xDrive 60 with 600+ hp and the more reasonably priced iX xDrive40. Personally, I like the styling and the front end doesn't bother me especially when you read about the tech that is housed there. (PS: I still like the dark metallic red on this car) Since I live in an area that has lots of EVs and BMWs, I can't wait to see these out on the road. BTW: BMW is partnering with EVGo to provide sustainable charging and to improve the EV infrastructure. Read on and enjoy the videos as well.

Source - BMW USA - Media release: pics, videos (2) and spec chart after the "read more" jump. Really first post,