BMW’s electric SUV iX (hereinafter referred to as iX) was selected as the “Car of the Year” in 2022. It stands out of 19 models of 10 brands that have been reviewed. It is the first time in 13 years of COTY history that an electric car has topped the list. I heard that iX received high scores in all categories including performance, design, and usability. Let’s take a look at why.

The iX has so-called “shy tech” applied throughout the vehicle. Shy Tech is usually hidden It’s a technology that works when you need it. Like the freak cars in spy movies. A radar sensor that measures the distance from the vehicle ahead is hidden in the front of the “kidney” grill, which is like a BMW symbol. Not only this, but also heat lines to remove snow or frost that interfere with sensor operation are hidden. The BMW emblem even has a lens cleaning device. Don’t be surprised. Light scratches (scratches) even have self-restore themselves.

Koo Sang, a professor at Hongik University and Jeong Yeon-woo, a professor at UNIST, gave iX the highest score. Professor Chung said in the review, “It is the essence of a combination of minimalism and naturalistic design.” Professor Chung countered that it was “because I’m not familiar with it” to some views of “ugly.” I guess it’s always lonely to be ahead of the times.

iX has applied air suspension. It doesn’t fluctuate much on the bump either. It helps you stay strong enough to forget your big and tall car even on a sharp curve. The height can also be adjusted as needed.

The iXxDrive50 that you took a picture of has a 447km mileage when fully charged. Two electric motors can produce a maximum output of 523 horsepower. The zero-back (the time it takes to speed up from 0km/h to 100km/h) is 4.6 seconds. For your information, the zero-back of the Tycan 4S, an electric Porsche sports car that generates 530 horsepower, is 4 seconds. During the screening process, it was praised as “more intense than the BMW M3, a high-performance sedan.” It’s more like a family car on the outside.

Unexpectedly, the washer fluid filler is located on the front of the bonnet. This is because the bonnet cannot be opened. BMW has prevented end users from opening the iX’s bonnet. Only experienced engineers in the official center can open it. It is a conservative decision made for the safety of the customer, not because of laws or regulations.

BMW first attached a hexagonal handle to the iX. To create a futuristic interior atmosphere. A curved display consisting of two screens, 12.3″ and 14.9″ also contributes to this atmosphere. Press the start button to hear a unique sound made in collaboration with movie music master Hans Zimmer. It makes different sounds depending on the speed and driving mode of the vehicle, and the sound that comes down as if it’s flying a spaceship in an SF movie. The exhaust sound throws a fresh shock to the hungry electric vehicle drivers.

iX is a running music listening room. It has a Bower & Wilkins surround system with a total of 30 speakers. By adding the “4D audio” function, you can also feel the sound and vibration that resemble a concert hall surrounding your entire body. Thanks to the speakers built into the seat.

It also has excellent athletic performance to the point where professional drivers praise it. “We used carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (carbon) in the main frame of the car,” BMW said. “Thanks to this, we have reduced the weight, which is a weakness of electric cars, so we can implement more agile driving.”

We also applied eco-friendly interior materials generously. The center console uses certified wood from the International Council for Forest Management (FSC) to create a natural feel, and the sheets are made of veggie tanned leather using olive leaves. In addition, 20% of the thermoplastic parts used throughout the vehicle are recycled. Various dials are made of crystal and given points.

The BMW ixxDrive 50 costs 146.3 million won. It’s a little convincing considering the state-of-the-art features, driving performance on par with supercars, high-end interior design, and carbon materials applied throughout the vehicle. Compare that to the same company’s eight-cylinder gasoline SUV, the X5 M50i (140 million won) When you start the engine, will you get on the back of a beast that makes a “Growl”? Will you be on Hans Zimmer’s spaceship? The choice is yours.