Does BMW Have a Tesla-Beater on Its Hands With the iX?
BMW is well-known for making some sporty and luxurious cars, but like many other automakers, BMW is making a pivot toward EVs. One of the first EVs in BMW’s electric lineup is the iX, an electric mid-size luxury SUV that’s competing in a growing and popular segment of electric SUVs.
In the world of EVs, Tesla is currently the champ, so here’s a look at whether or not the 2023 BMW iX can compete with Tesla’s SUVs.
How the 2023 BMW iX compares to the Tesla Model Y
According to U.S. News, it’s not really a close race between the iX and the Tesla Model Y. This shouldn’t be too surprising, since they’re not in the same segment. The BMW is a midsize SUV, while the Tesla is a compact SUV. As a result, the iX is larger than the Model Y, and that comes with a lot of advantages and some disadvantages.
One of the main disadvantages is price. The Model Y was envisioned as being a relatively affordable electric SUV, so its $66,000 price tag is cheaper than the iX’s $84,000 price tag.
The Beemer’s size advantage over the Tesla does mean that it has more passenger and cargo room. For instance, without folding any seats down, the iX has 35.5 cu. ft. of space compared to the Model Y’s 30.2 cu. ft.
In terms of powertrains, the base Model Y gets about 425 hp from its electric motors, while the iX gets 516 hp. They are fairly similar in terms of range, however. The Model Y has a max range of 330 miles, while the iX has a max range of 324 miles.
The 2023 BMW iX primarily competes against the Tesla Model X
The Model X, meanwhile, is a more worthy competitor to the iX. This is because the Model X is also in the midsize luxury SUV segment, so the Beemer doesn’t have any size advantages. For example, the two SUVs have similar passenger volumes, and the Model X has 37.1 cu. ft. of cargo space without any seats folded down. That’s more than the iX.
On top of that, since the Model X starts at over $120,000, it’s a very expensive EV just like the iX is. That high price tag also ensures that the Model X is loaded with high-tech features, just like the iX is.
Furthermore, Tesla gave the Model X a great powertrain that gets 670 hp and 348 miles of range as standard. Those specs are better than what the standard BMW gets, too.
The 2023 BMW iX is a very compelling option
BMW is known for being sporty, so the German luxury automaker gave the iX an optional powertrain that gets 610 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Beemer to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. That’s very fast, but Tesla outdid BMW here, as the Model X has the Plaid Trim. The Plaid Trim gives the Tesla 1,020 hp and that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
The Model X may be the faster EV, but BMW wins in terms of the interior. This is largely because the Model X’s interior isn’t that great for its six-figure price tag. Tesla gave the SUV a lot of high-tech features, but the cabin quality is far behind its peers.
BMW, meanwhile, also gave the iX a lot of high-tech features. In addition to those features, BMW gave the iX a classy and “breathtaking” interior design that uses a lot of high-quality materials. Overall, the iX is a great competitor to the Model X that is definitely worth considering.
