Up close with 2022 BMW iX xDrive40 in Malaysia- Still hate that massive grille?

The BMW iX has been launched in Malaysia back in August 2021. Today, we had the chance to get up close with the BMW iX xDrive40 in Putrajaya, during JPJ’s demonstration of the VTA and homologation process.

With that being said, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

The BMW iX is about the size of a BMW X5, albeit with a much, much larger grille, making the car look smaller in relation (from a distance).

Shown in ‘Phytonic blue’ here, the iX xDrive40 sits on 21-inch wheels wrapped by 255/50R21 tyres.

A closer look at the car reveals the carbon cage that reinforces the chasis.

Although the iX may come across as too bold or obnoxious to some in terms of styling, its cabin still feels rather relevant in today’s day and age. Despite the futuristic design, it does not feel alien-like or too ahead of its time.

One thing to note about the BMW iX is that it doesn’t actually encourage you to open the hood. (Sorry car enthusiasts). The way to open it isn’t very obvious, and we’ll talk about that in another article.

Unfortunately, the BMW iX does not come with a ‘frunk’ like other electric cars built on a dedicated-EV platform.

The front seats of the BMW iX are decent, but the the back seats do feel like they lack thigh support. Nonetheless, there’s still plenty of legroom in the second row.

4 variants listed by BMW Malaysia with the “BMW iX xDrive40 Sport with Power Package” topping the range.

Prices start at RM 419,630 for teh BMW iX xDRive40 (wallbox not included), but do expect the recently announced tax-free incentives for EVs to bring prices of the BMW iX down.

BMW iX Malaysia variants

BMW iX xDrive40	RM 419,630.00
BMW iX xDrive40 Sport	RM 472,630.00
BMW iX xDrive40 with Power Package	RM 424,230.00
BMW iX xDrive40 Sport with Power Package	RM 477,230.00

Unfortunately, the BMW iX xDrive 50 (more powerful at 523 PS/765 Nm) has not yet arrived in Malaysia.

The iX xDrive 40 has a maximum power output of 326 PS and maximum torque of 630 Nm. Both iX xDrive 40 and iX xDrive50 have dual-motor AWD.

Battery sizes also differ as the 71-kWh battery pack in the xDrive40 gives 425 km of range while the 105.2-kWh battery pack in the xDrive50 gives a plentiful 630 km of range.

BMW iX XDrive 40 Specifications

Max. Power	326 PS
Max. Torque	630 Nm
0-100 km/h	6.1 s
Battery capacity (net)	71 kWh
Range (WLTP)	425 km
Drive train	Dual-motor AWD
AC charging rating	11 kW
AC charging (0%-100%)	7.25 hrs
DC fast charging rating	150 kW
DCFC (10%-80%)	31 minutes

The "Power Package" isn't more speed/range

BMW Malaysia is offering the “Power Package” for the iX xDrive40 which unfortunately doesn’t mean a bigger battery. What it is instead is a home charger package.

As for charging, the xDrive50 is capable of 200-kW DC Fast Charging (10-80% in 35 minutes for 105.2-kWh battery) while the xDrive 40 is capable of 150 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 31 minutes for 71-kWh battery pack).

What about the "Sport" package?

With a RM 53k premium, it sure adds a few things like:

22-inch wheels
BMW Laser Lights
Sport brake with blue calipers
Extra chrome trims
Sky Lounge panorama glass roof
18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Parking Assistant Plus
Driving Assistant Professional package

The BMW iX made its global debut in November 2020 and has already reached Thailand in the form of 20 limited units in July. In Thailand, it is only available in the “iX xDrive50 Sport” trim which is priced at 5,999,000 baht (RM793,400).

With its controversial big-EV grille, the BMW iX replaces the BMW i3 as the compact EV sold by BMW Malaysia. It was around August 2020 last when BMW Malaysia pulled the BMW i3 out of their official pricelist.

BMW iX XDrive40 Extended Warranty

5 years unlimited mileage warranty	RM 12,500
6 years unlimited mileage service package	RM 5,800
TOTAL	RM 18,300
Special combined price (12% discount)	RM 16,170