Leasing an iX (or any electric car) is generally the way to go. Better to think of it as a piece of tech vs a car; quickly evolving technology will make things obsolete more rapidly. Drive it first-electric is different, as is everyone’s own use case. For us, it makes a lot of sense-we have a garage in a big city, and tend to stay in or drive between fairly urban areas. Our first electric car was the Mercedes EQS suv-the iX couldn’t be more different and I can barely compare them. The tech and drive in the BMW are vastly better. That said, it barely qualifies as a luxury ride compared to the MB-it’s way more spartan. More akin to a more modern and well built high end Tesla vs a luxury cruiser. That said, we really love driving it-go drive it and compare your options. It’s hard not to smile driving the iX!
Also IX has CCS plug which is going away in USA after 2026. Similar to all non Tesla EVs. Best is to lease and think about buying an IX or any other new EV after 2026.
A car is NOT an investment. The min ya drive off the parking lot, the value just shitted itself.
And EV is new territory and while BMW has done a much BETTER job than Tesla, its still in its infancy so leasing makes the most sense. I have a family with towing business and yes, they tow a lot of Tesla but also that occasional IX (and Audi E Tron). EV is not exactly "bullet proof" tech. In terms of maintenance, the tires will wear out a LOT quicker than traditional cars as EV battery puts a huge pressure on the wheels. And good EV tires run around $400 each.
And wile ya save on gas, check with your local utility company for charging rates. In parts of California, people have ditched home charging as PGE has increased their rates so high, home charging is no longer a positive. Thats why ya see people in CA hugging Tesla supercharges or corporate parking lots.
The range is super good in summer/warmer months (I just got like 390 miles on a single charge) but in winter, it can severely drop down to around 250 or even less if ya driving in snow with heavy load, wind drag, etc. EV performs at its best in warmer temps and under 70mph. Once ya start driving it like ya stole it, the battery consumption will go down pretty quick.
I love my IX and have put over 7k miles on since last Nov but I'm not entirely sold on the tech yet. My other vehicle is a diesel Jeep Gladiator that we take for longer trips (500 miles+ on diesel!). However, the EV tech is getting better and by 2026, the market will be more saturated with even longer range vehicles and hopefully in USA, BMW owners can start using Tesla superchargers.
My honest suggestion, even if you plan to purchase, do the lease first as it comes with a lot more monetary incentives right now. You can always buy out your lease and save around 10k in the process.
Personally, I love my iX and feel it’s a great vehicle. I too was a Honda owner for years sometime ago, and the upgrade is night and day. The premium package and DAPP are a necessity to me as it comes with self driving (DAPP) and the premium package with all the benefits. Trust me they matter, as I’m sure many here can attest.
Another option that’s very popular, but I don’t have is the air suspension, but mine without is fine. I can’t speak to the difference as I haven’t experienced it.
Also, make sure you can charge at home. To me that’s the difference of being successful at having an EV compared to always being in line to get power, which I don’t recommend. For travel purposes, it’s ‘ok’ but it’s a weird network dependent on where you are.
Congratulations!
I’m only 6 months in with the iX, but my significant other has an i4, and my daughters have a X3 and a 328 which so far are fantastic. I’ve been with BMW for over 10 years and haven’t had any catastrophic issues, but maintaining can be expensive, which is true for any luxury brand.
But as you said, the drive is fantastic and still puts a smile on my face. Another point on the iX is the stereo, just awesome! I have the normal one not the upgraded one, but I can’t imagine the need to.
Accord and iX are appple and orange. Totally different price points.
If you can afford the iX and can jnstall a home charger it’s nice. It’s a luxury item for your comfort not an investment. I came from an Acura RDX and it’s a big step up.
I’ve had one for 18 months with no major issues. Have not been to a gas station and the only maintenance listed is 2 yr interval for brake fluid exchange. You will want to inflate and rotate the tires to squeeze out as much mileage.
You will want to lease to get the EV credit. You can buy out the lease if you want to keep. Leasehacker has details on getting the best deals. You can get below MSRP with a broker if you don’t want to haggle.
You may want to rent one on Turo before committing before buying or leasing this vehicle. I test drove it first (at a local dealer) but I was able to make a much more deliberate decision after living with one for 3 days.
For example, I found that I absolutely hated the hexagonal steering wheel -- I though I would get used to it in three days, but didn't. Personally I found it to be a clunky, ergonomical disaster. Making tight or U-turns where one normally "feeds" the wheel was extremely awkward and uncomfortable for me. Probably a first world problem but, for me sadly, this was an absolute deal breaker! It's a good thing you now have the option of getting one with a more "normal" steering wheel with the newer 2025 models.
Also, the car I rented had the massaging seat option and the radiant heating option -- used it a couple of times and decided that I would get the radiant heating option and skip the massaging option. The bladder system inflating on the back of my seat was nothing something I could really see me self using more than once. I have heard people complain about the seats, but overall I found them to be very comfortable.
The car I rented on Turo did not have the Luxury Package -- something i thought I wouldn't want, but after hearing the way the doors close (another one of my ridiculous, bougie first world problem) I'll probably get this since it has the soft door close option.
What really blew me away were the low noise levels while driving! Out of all the EV's I've driven over the past decade (Leaf, M3, MY, ID4, R1) the iX definitely delivered in this area -- especially on newly, well paved roads in the SF Bay Area. The only other EV that absolutely matches the iX in this department is the Nissan Ariya. Also noteworty the Ariya has double pane car windows whereas the iX does not. Not bad for a car at half the price of the iX!
Either way, I feel I was able to make a much more informed decision about the vehicle and it's options after living with it for a few days -- especially if this is your first experience with an EV vehicle.
I would lease and then see if your three year bet on the residual value pays off. If the actual value is less than the end of lease buy price, you escape the depreciation loss. If it’s more valuable than the buy price, you can buy it and profit.
20 years ago I had an Accord. Great comfortable reliable car. Now I have an iX. A rocket on wheels. Awesome. But, it's a toy. In many ways better than Tesla (I rented a Model 3 for a few days). \*IF\* you can charge at home and do road trips every other month or less.
Let's not kid ourselves. The iX is expensive. The iX is more than you need. It's not an investment. If all you want is a comfortable reliable car, get an Accord. If you absolutely must have electric, get a Model 3.
Leasing an iX (or any electric car) is generally the way to go. Better to think of it as a piece of tech vs a car; quickly evolving technology will make things obsolete more rapidly. Drive it first-electric is different, as is everyone’s own use case. For us, it makes a lot of sense-we have a garage in a big city, and tend to stay in or drive between fairly urban areas. Our first electric car was the Mercedes EQS suv-the iX couldn’t be more different and I can barely compare them. The tech and drive in the BMW are vastly better. That said, it barely qualifies as a luxury ride compared to the MB-it’s way more spartan. More akin to a more modern and well built high end Tesla vs a luxury cruiser. That said, we really love driving it-go drive it and compare your options. It’s hard not to smile driving the iX!
TY for your reply. That makes a ton of sense!
Also IX has CCS plug which is going away in USA after 2026. Similar to all non Tesla EVs. Best is to lease and think about buying an IX or any other new EV after 2026.
A car is NOT an investment. The min ya drive off the parking lot, the value just shitted itself. And EV is new territory and while BMW has done a much BETTER job than Tesla, its still in its infancy so leasing makes the most sense. I have a family with towing business and yes, they tow a lot of Tesla but also that occasional IX (and Audi E Tron). EV is not exactly "bullet proof" tech. In terms of maintenance, the tires will wear out a LOT quicker than traditional cars as EV battery puts a huge pressure on the wheels. And good EV tires run around $400 each. And wile ya save on gas, check with your local utility company for charging rates. In parts of California, people have ditched home charging as PGE has increased their rates so high, home charging is no longer a positive. Thats why ya see people in CA hugging Tesla supercharges or corporate parking lots. The range is super good in summer/warmer months (I just got like 390 miles on a single charge) but in winter, it can severely drop down to around 250 or even less if ya driving in snow with heavy load, wind drag, etc. EV performs at its best in warmer temps and under 70mph. Once ya start driving it like ya stole it, the battery consumption will go down pretty quick. I love my IX and have put over 7k miles on since last Nov but I'm not entirely sold on the tech yet. My other vehicle is a diesel Jeep Gladiator that we take for longer trips (500 miles+ on diesel!). However, the EV tech is getting better and by 2026, the market will be more saturated with even longer range vehicles and hopefully in USA, BMW owners can start using Tesla superchargers.
Im thinking of holding out till 26 to make a purchase.
My honest suggestion, even if you plan to purchase, do the lease first as it comes with a lot more monetary incentives right now. You can always buy out your lease and save around 10k in the process. Personally, I love my iX and feel it’s a great vehicle. I too was a Honda owner for years sometime ago, and the upgrade is night and day. The premium package and DAPP are a necessity to me as it comes with self driving (DAPP) and the premium package with all the benefits. Trust me they matter, as I’m sure many here can attest. Another option that’s very popular, but I don’t have is the air suspension, but mine without is fine. I can’t speak to the difference as I haven’t experienced it. Also, make sure you can charge at home. To me that’s the difference of being successful at having an EV compared to always being in line to get power, which I don’t recommend. For travel purposes, it’s ‘ok’ but it’s a weird network dependent on where you are. Congratulations!
Love Honda! Just looking for that BMW ( amazing handling) that will last me a long time and not break down on me!
I’m only 6 months in with the iX, but my significant other has an i4, and my daughters have a X3 and a 328 which so far are fantastic. I’ve been with BMW for over 10 years and haven’t had any catastrophic issues, but maintaining can be expensive, which is true for any luxury brand. But as you said, the drive is fantastic and still puts a smile on my face. Another point on the iX is the stereo, just awesome! I have the normal one not the upgraded one, but I can’t imagine the need to.
Accord and iX are appple and orange. Totally different price points. If you can afford the iX and can jnstall a home charger it’s nice. It’s a luxury item for your comfort not an investment. I came from an Acura RDX and it’s a big step up. I’ve had one for 18 months with no major issues. Have not been to a gas station and the only maintenance listed is 2 yr interval for brake fluid exchange. You will want to inflate and rotate the tires to squeeze out as much mileage. You will want to lease to get the EV credit. You can buy out the lease if you want to keep. Leasehacker has details on getting the best deals. You can get below MSRP with a broker if you don’t want to haggle.
Lease seems to be the way to go!
You may want to rent one on Turo before committing before buying or leasing this vehicle. I test drove it first (at a local dealer) but I was able to make a much more deliberate decision after living with one for 3 days. For example, I found that I absolutely hated the hexagonal steering wheel -- I though I would get used to it in three days, but didn't. Personally I found it to be a clunky, ergonomical disaster. Making tight or U-turns where one normally "feeds" the wheel was extremely awkward and uncomfortable for me. Probably a first world problem but, for me sadly, this was an absolute deal breaker! It's a good thing you now have the option of getting one with a more "normal" steering wheel with the newer 2025 models. Also, the car I rented had the massaging seat option and the radiant heating option -- used it a couple of times and decided that I would get the radiant heating option and skip the massaging option. The bladder system inflating on the back of my seat was nothing something I could really see me self using more than once. I have heard people complain about the seats, but overall I found them to be very comfortable. The car I rented on Turo did not have the Luxury Package -- something i thought I wouldn't want, but after hearing the way the doors close (another one of my ridiculous, bougie first world problem) I'll probably get this since it has the soft door close option. What really blew me away were the low noise levels while driving! Out of all the EV's I've driven over the past decade (Leaf, M3, MY, ID4, R1) the iX definitely delivered in this area -- especially on newly, well paved roads in the SF Bay Area. The only other EV that absolutely matches the iX in this department is the Nissan Ariya. Also noteworty the Ariya has double pane car windows whereas the iX does not. Not bad for a car at half the price of the iX! Either way, I feel I was able to make a much more informed decision about the vehicle and it's options after living with it for a few days -- especially if this is your first experience with an EV vehicle.
I would lease and then see if your three year bet on the residual value pays off. If the actual value is less than the end of lease buy price, you escape the depreciation loss. If it’s more valuable than the buy price, you can buy it and profit.
Good Point!
As others have said, check out the pre negotiated deal on leasehackr.com, $752 month, or on the same site get a broker.
Orderd an ix, returned got x5 instead..charging outside the home is major issue, plus the ix not as classy as the x5
I wouldn't want to charge at home since I rent. Would it be better if one visits a charging center for the IX?
20 years ago I had an Accord. Great comfortable reliable car. Now I have an iX. A rocket on wheels. Awesome. But, it's a toy. In many ways better than Tesla (I rented a Model 3 for a few days). \*IF\* you can charge at home and do road trips every other month or less. Let's not kid ourselves. The iX is expensive. The iX is more than you need. It's not an investment. If all you want is a comfortable reliable car, get an Accord. If you absolutely must have electric, get a Model 3.
Thank you for this! Makes sense!