There's a slightly smoother front fascia with blue accents on the less-powerful iX xDrive40 that'll be sold in other countries, but I don't think we got the short end of the stick here the xDrive50 looks better. On that note, I hope you like the more aggressive face of the iX xDrive50, because it's the only one BMW will offer in the US - well, for now. The Sophisto grey car pictured here is rolling on 22s, and like so many modern vehicles, the iX really needs big wheels to make the overall design work. In the US, the iX will come standard with 20-inch wheels and a range of 21- and 22-inch options will be available. At 195.0 inches long, 77.4 inches wide and 66.7 inches tall, the iX is about the size of a BMW X5 SUV, just a little shorter in height. It's hard to get a sense of how big the iX is, especially in photos. BMW says the self-healing effect takes about 24 hours when left at room temperature, but things like small rock chips and scrapes should quite literally fade away. Yes, the iX has that grille, but instead of focusing on its size or design, check this out instead: The grille has a polyurethane coating that makes it less susceptible to damage, and the surface can actually fix itself. Laid over that lightweight skeleton is the iX's smooth skin, with slim horizontal lighting elements, textured surfacing on the faux front air intakes and a Roundel logo that doubles as a windshield fluid port. I love that you can see the CFRP structure when you lift the hatch. Plus, it looks cool - lift the iX's hatch and you'll see the exposed CFRP shell along with inset taillights that illuminate when the tailgate is raised. Sound familiar? This is the same type of framework BMW used when building the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe, and just like those models, the iX's body structure is as light as it is strong. It all starts with a composite space frame made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics, aluminum and high-strength steel. It's unlike anything else in BMW's current portfolio.
But while the upcoming i4 is pretty much just a 4 Series Gran Coupe with an electric powertrain, the iX is a clean-sheet design from the ground up. This iX crossover SUV is one of two new EVs coming to the US from the German automaker in 2022, and it's the model the company has chosen to feature in its big Super Bowl LVI ad.
From its polarizing exterior design to the holy-smokes-that's-good interior to the onslaught of new onboard tech, there's a ton of stuff to pore over before you even hit the road. No doubt about it, the 2022 BMW iX makes a bold first impression. BMW's iX SUV should arrive at BMW dealers in early 2022.