BMW iX xDrive50 Sport Test Drive In Klang Valley

August 22, 2023

86

Why did we not take the iX xDrive50 Sport for a long cross country drive

We know how almost every social media post about electric vehicles have a comment or two about the lack of charging infrastructure (in Malaysia) and the time it takes to charge up large EV batteries.

Yes, the charging stations and points are being developed as you read this and true it takes between 35 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes to charge up a large electric SUV (depending on battery level and type of charger).

Meanwhile, lets be ‘real’ about a few facts. Electric vehicles (EV) are currently a ‘fad’ for some rich people. EV buyers are enjoying the duty free status which has been accorded to all EV’s until December 2024 (next year). Nearly all EV’s buyers right now have at least a second and third vehicle in their garage which is petrol of diesel powered.

Drive around affluent neighborhoods in Klang Valley or the heart of the city and you will see a variety of EV’s from the Porsche Taycan to tis BMW iX to the humble BYD Atto3.

You hardly see an electric car on the open cross state PLUS highway and this is why we decided to see what’s it like to live with a luxury large EV in the city. Well, it’s like an other luxury vehicle.

This iX is like a petrol fed BMW X5. Large, imposing, luxurious and technology filled. Its fast, handles very well, comes to a complete stop without any fuss and is no longer unusual (or exclusive) to be seen on Malaysian roads.

Why? Well, since the first iX xDrive40 arrived with a price tag of RM420k in late 2021, its sales success has been better than all its rivals. Yes, there are so many running around in Klang Valley that its no longer an ‘unusual’ sight. In fact, the BMW X7 SAV is more exclusive.

Since the launch in January 2023, this iX xDrive50 Sport has been selling well, even with its RM546,800 selling price, which is a RM126k premium over the ix40. Well, its got much better power delivery and more features.

This BMW iX xDrive50 Sport variant comes equipped with large 22-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels 1021 multi-colour with a 3D polished buff and 17-inch brake calipers in Blue.

Included in the selling price of this BMW iX xDrive50 Sport is also the BMW Iconic Sounds Electric that creates a premium immersive atmosphere, demonstrating the immediate connection between sound and vehicle.

Step inside the large cabin and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional is ever-ready to welcome its driver, along with a curved 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch central display fitted as standard.

The driver sits high and even the height challenged driver gets a great view outwards as the dashboard sits low.

Comfort and convenience come in the form of multifunctional seats for the driver and it is further elevated with storage for wireless charging and automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control.

There is a Harman Kardon surround sound system for the New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport which provides HiFi quality sound delivery, more so with the well insulated cabin and minimal drivetrain noise.

Interestingly this BMW interior uses FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Recycled fishing nets are among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats.

The New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport combines fully electric driving pleasure, sportiness, complemented by a long range and outstanding efficiency. This EV has an output of 523hp, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.6 seconds.

With a maximum torque of 765Nm and an electronically limited top speed of 200km/h, this SAV is powered by a battery which packs a large capacity of 111.5kWh, allowing for a range of up to 630 kilometres (WLTP) per charge.

Arriving with the Flexible Charger Cable Mode 2 and Fast Charging Cable Mode 3, the New BMW iX xDrive50 Sport can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 35 minutes with the use of a DC Fast Charger, and 0 to 100 percent in 10 hours and 45 minutes with an 11kW AC Wallbox Charger.

You know who the immediate rivals are, so best you you visit a few showrooms and decide for yourself if this BMW is for you.