GM is ramping up its all-electric vehicle efforts, with plans to launch 30 new EVs globally by 2025. To that end, the Detroit-based automaker is also evaluating rival EVs on sale today, including the BMW iX crossover.
Our spies captured a BMW iX – a fully electric crossover from the Munich-based automaker – in the hands of GM’s competitive benchmarking team in the vicinity of the GM Milford Proving Ground.
Take note of the number “6” on the back and the roof-mounted CB antenna, with the latter likely being used to transmit signals per GM’s competitive intelligence requirements.
The BMW iX is BMW’s entry into the mid-size crossover EV segment. Measuring in at 195 inches in length, this all-electric crossover is BMW’s most high-tech electric crossover yet, and delivers a spacious cabin as well as nimble handling.
Highlights include a dual electric motor setup delivering 516 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration of just over four seconds, a large 14.9-inch infotainment center, and 290 miles of highway range at 75 mph.
GM’s direct rival to the BMW iX is the Cadillac Lyriq, particularly the Cadillac Lyriq AWD – which will launch in early 2023. This is likely the reason that GM is benchmarking this BMW EV.
The BMW iX has a starting price of $84,100, with an addition $995 in destination and handling fees, which is severely undercut by the $64,000 starting price tag of the Cadillac Lyriq AWD.
As a reminder, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is Cadillac’s first all-electric production vehicle. The 2023 Lyriq is currently available (albeit sold out) in the base Luxury trim level, but will be joined by the Lyriq Sport and Lyriq Premium Luxury for the 2024 model year, as per the marque’s Y trim level strategy. GM Authority brought you exclusive first photos of the Lyriq Sport in September.
The Cadillac Lyriq features GM Ultium battery technology and GM Ultium drive motor technology for motivation, with powertrain output coming in at 340 horsepower for RWD models and 500 horsepower for the AWD models. Range-per-charge is rated at more than 300 miles. Under the skin is the GM BEV3 platform, with production taking place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
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Comments
Not sure if it’s this same model, but I saw a new BMW the other day on the street in LA and boy was that one ugly SUV. Horrible angles and design. Terrible front end. Just one ugly vehicle. My exact thought at that moment was the Pontiac Aztec looked nice compared to it.
It seems that the design “in thing” is now polarization. Boy do I miss nice looking sedans with great lines and names and with interiors that are clean but elegant without all the screens.
Agree. That is one ugly mother f’er.
AMEN! I thought it was just me.
Why?
Does GM have the engineering resources to make a car that ugly? I’m not sure……
That’s one fugly car!
That front fascia looks like it has kidney disease.
I can respect BMW’s approach to an “In Your Face” design stance, but perhaps the overall Kidney Grille look needs to come to a close and instead, surprise everyone with a more sophisticated, One-Whole Grille approach for their ICE Models.