Even though these two high-end electric SUVs have already met, the iX is back with greater power and range. Is it now more difficult to choose between them?
When we last examined these large luxury electric SUVs, precisely a year ago, the BMW iX in its xDrive40 configuration was the least expensive in its class and very close to the top in terms of comfort and driving enjoyment. It was unable to match the Mercedes EQE's range and performance, however. However, BMW quickly replaced it with the xDrive50, which completed the package by having a bigger battery, more powerful motors, and a healthier stated range. However, the improvement increased the price by Rs 18 lakh, making it identical to the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at Rs 1.39 crore ex-showroom. A rematch is in order.
BMW iX50 vs. Mercedes EQE SUV design
Although these vehicles are priced similarly and are in the same market class, they have very different personalities. Even if it may be too extreme for some, the BMW's unabashedly aggressive appearance attracts attention, and those who want to stand out in a crowd are likely to choose the iX. Because of its smaller size and cleaner, more fluid design language, the iX seems to dwarf the EQE. It is more subtle in look than the other one. The EQE has a crossover appeal, whilst the iX has a more butch and SUV-like appearance.
The inside of the Mercedes EQE SUV and the BMW iX50
The BMW's simple interior appeals to a wider audience than its divisive design. The frameless windows and soft-closing doors heighten the feeling of occasion. The black-brown color scheme, champagne-colored and crystalline-effect trimmings, curved displays, and an unusually shaped steering wheel are all well done. The shortcut keys around the rotary drive selection are not as intuitive to use as the selector itself. Although they make it simple to access the infotainment menus, it is not pleasant that pressing a single key causes the whole panel to move, which lacks a luxury feel. Additionally, the touchscreen's interface is complicated and may overwhelm some users because to its abundance of options and sub-menus, some of which are hidden deep inside.
Because of its higher seat, flat hood that is fully in your line of sight, and unusually low dash, the iX seems more "SUV" from the driver's seat. The back seat offers a distinct comfort advantage over the front seats, despite the latter having several choices and modifications for comfort. It is spacious enough for three persons and has a totally level floor and sheer cabin capacity. The rear bench is low-set, the fixed backrest is rather erect, and window blinds—whether motorized or not—are absent, despite the decent cushioning and support. Therefore, it does not fully capture the luxurious feeling of being chauffeured.
However, the EQE's rear seat is a little less comfortable due to its tilted seat base, short squab, upright backrest, and firm cushioning. However, the "wow" aspect is where this cabin shines. Its ultra-premium Hyperscreen dashboard, which consists of three panels nested in one pane to create the illusion of a single, enormous device, is the showpiece. Compared to the BMW, the center touchscreen is more easier to operate and has a more organized UI. Although there is a third passenger screen, it seems unnecessary and has little practical purpose. Although the white inside really makes the cabin seem more luxurious, cleaning it will need more work; you may also have it black. The controls on the steering wheel are difficult to operate. Some of them are touch-sensitive, while others have buttons that move the whole panel, like in the BMW. It doesn't have a pleasant physical sensation.
BMW iX50 vs. Mercedes EQE SUV: battery and range comparison
The BMW has plenty of power thanks to its new engines, which produce 523 horsepower and 765 Nm. The answers seem a little too sensitive for a high-end EV. With forceful inputs, its four wheels struggle for traction as it charges ahead like a scalded cat. Acceleration times are undoubtedly faster; it takes 4.46 seconds to get from 0 to 100 kph. With a time of 4.8 seconds, the EQE isn't far behind, however, and feels almost as fast as the iX in real life.
This is because the EQE's motors produce an incredible 858 Nm of torque, although only producing 408 horsepower, giving this Mercedes EV a lot of power. Its more linear power delivery and more controlled reactions to pedal inputs, however, make acceleration more comfortable for both the driver and passengers.
Aerodynamics is a key component of all of Merc's larger EQ EVs, and the EQE's slick design contributed to its overall efficiency of 5.3 km/kWh, whereas the boxy iX only achieved 4.8 km/kWh in our real-world range test. However, the iX's total range increases to 504 km as it has a bigger 105.2kWh battery. When fully charged, the EQE's 90.56kWh battery can go up to 480 kilometers.
Although these vehicles are priced similarly and are in the same market class, they have very different personalities. Even if it may be too extreme for some, the BMW's unabashedly aggressive appearance attracts attention, and those who want to stand out in a crowd are likely to choose the iX. Because of its smaller size and cleaner, more fluid design language, the iX seems to dwarf the EQE. It is more subtle in look than the other one. The EQE has a crossover appeal, whilst the iX has a more butch and SUV-like appearance.
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