BMW’s flagship electric SUV has returned to the Indian market, and this time it’s packed with a longer range, faster charging, and a lot more power. The iX50 takes everything great about its predecessor, the iX40, and dials it up a notch. Not to mention, it can hit 0-100 kmph in a blistering 4.6 seconds—yes, you read that right, it’s an SUV with sportcar-like speed. Let’s dive into what this futuristic, eco-conscious beast brings to the table and see if it’s the right pick for you.
Design: Big, Bold, and a Bit Futuristic
At first glance, you might not notice much difference from the iX40, but that’s not a bad thing. The signature BMW kidney grille is still here—albeit in its electric version—and the wheels? Well, they’re massive 22-inch units with a star-shaped pattern that scream “future car.” You also get sleek, wrap-around LED tail lamps that give the rear a minimalist, yet unmistakable look. The badging may be minimal, but with the sheer size of this SUV, you’ll never be unsure of what you’re looking at. This all-electric vehicle ditches the gas-guzzler vibe entirely and gives us a glimpse into BMW’s future EV direction.
Inside the iX50: Minimalism Meets Technology
Step inside, and the first thing you’ll notice is the tech overload—but it’s all wrapped up in a clean, minimalist design. High-quality materials are everywhere, and as expected in the luxury world, most are recycled. The seats, dashboard, and all touchable surfaces exude luxury while being eco-friendly.
Space? Not an issue. Four people can fit comfortably with ample headroom, legroom, and even decent under-thigh support. The battery pack under the floor doesn’t eat up any space, making long journeys comfortable.
But here’s where things get a bit tricky. While the minimalistic design looks sleek, it may not always work in your favor. Most functions are now buried in the touchscreen, leaving you hunting for basic controls—especially if you’re toggling between BMW’s system and wireless phone mirroring. The steering wheel controls are also a bit finicky, with multi-functional buttons that may leave you scratching your head.
On the brighter side, the panoramic sunroof is a cool party trick. It doesn’t open but switches between opaque and transparent at the touch of a button, flooding the cabin with light and adding some futuristic flair.
Practicality: A Big Boot… with a Catch
The boot is spacious, but there’s one small hiccup—due to local regulations, a massive spare wheel is stashed in the floor, limiting your cargo space. However, since the iX50 runs on tubeless tyres, you might not even need the spare, freeing up space if necessary.
The Drive: Power and Precision
Now, here’s where the iX50 truly shines. With 523 bhp and 765 Nm of torque, this thing moves. The dual electric motors can propel this two-ton beast to 100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds, which is fast—like, really fast for an SUV. Switch to Sport mode, and the car transforms. The acceleration is instant and exhilarating, with sound effects to match the sudden surge of power.
Instead of calling them drive modes, BMW calls them “moods”—and depending on your mood, the car changes its throttle response. Even in the most relaxed setting, the car never feels sluggish. There’s always plenty of power on tap.
The steering? It’s a dream. Light and easy to handle at low speeds, but perfectly weighted when you pick up the pace. This is a large vehicle, yet it feels nimble and confidence-inspiring, even when making quick direction changes. And don’t worry about U-turns or parking—BMW’s got that covered with quick lock-to-lock steering action.
BMW has also nailed the ride quality. The air suspension ensures that you’re gliding over bumps and potholes, even with those massive wheels. Just be cautious on really rough roads—those 275/40 section tyres don’t love deep potholes.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the BMW iX50?
So, should you take the plunge? Let’s break it down:
• Yes, buy it if: You want a tech-laden, luxury electric SUV that’s fast, spacious, and loaded with features. The iX50 is a powerful statement on wheels, and if you’re ready to be part of the electric revolution, this is a solid choice.
• Maybe hold off if: You’re not ready to deal with India’s evolving EV infrastructure or can’t live with a touchscreen interface that’s more frustrating than intuitive.At the end of the day, the BMW iX50 is a bold step into the future. If you’re ready to join it, this SUV has plenty to offer.
