This new interface, dubbed iDrive 8, marks a huge improvement over its predecessor, now with all the features you expect of a premium car such as this.Īugmented-reality navigation is one of the biggest additions to the iDrive portfolio for this year, and it worked flawlessly on German backroads and the many, many roundabouts we encountered. Speaking of Mercedes-Benz – it’s clear that BMW borrowed some inspiration from its neighbors to the northwest with the latest iteration of iDrive. Beyond that, the seats proved hugely comfortable over a long distance, with plenty of support and easy adjustability via the door-mounted seat controls, a la Mercedes-Benz. We spent time with our butts in the latter, which was great, but laying hands on the microfiber and fabric finish had us longing for those materials instead it’s a unique combination that feels high-quality and comes in a cool Stonegray finish. The seats come in three finishes: either a quilted microfiber and fabric combo, Sensatec faux leather, or quilted leather. The BMW iX has one of the best interiors the brand has ever concocted. On top of that, the steering wheel has a thin and squircular design that fits perfectly in hand, with simple embedded functions that are easy to use while driving. The gorgeous, high-quality pieces for the shifter and volume knob make otherwise basic functions – like putting the iX into drive and turning up the sound – feel like glamorous experiences.

BMW shed 50 percent of all knobs and dials over its previous interior design in pursuit of a sleeker look.Įverything within reach feels phenomenal.

And you won't find tactile buttons anywhere atop that glass. The focal point is that massive center screen the beautifully curved display houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen behind a single continuous piece of glass. It's crammed with high-end (and recycled) materials and features a stunning, minimalist design that extends from the dash to the second row. The 22-inch M Performance wheels on this M50 model give it a genuinely sporty appearance too, and the back end is sophisticated with its ultra-slim LED taillights – the thinnest on any production BMW – and two pronounced diffusers at each corner where exhaust tips would theoretically be.

Sharp body lines on the profile give it a tapered appearance, and the floating roof effect with an embossed “iX” logo is another subtle touch that we quite like. The in-your-face fascia notwithstanding, the BMW iX does look better in person than in pictures.

Idrive review bmw