Summary
- Winter has arrived in New York with temperatures dropping below zero and snow on the ground
- The BMW iX SUV has received new all-weather tires from Nokian for testing, improving grip in snowy conditions
- Despite some road noise, the Nokian tires provide predictable grip, especially in deep snow and ice
- The iX experienced issues with tire pressure warnings after changing tire sizes and an app glitch that caused it to disappear and then reappear
- The car’s efficiency decreased in colder temperatures, dropping to 2.3 mi/kWh at -10 degrees Fahrenheit, around 25% less than the EPA rating of 307 miles range
Article
Winter has arrived in New York, with temperatures below zero and snow on the ground, making it the perfect time to test out the BMW iX with new all-weather tires. The iX has generally been a great vehicle for the reviewer, but lacked confidence in inclement weather conditions. By switching to Nokian Remedy WRG5 tires, there was a noticeable improvement in grip and performance on snow and ice. While there was a slight increase in road noise, efficiency was not impacted, and the car offered consistent, predictable grip in challenging conditions.
Although the all-weather tires provided better performance in snow, they did not fit the car perfectly, leading to a constant tire pressure warning on the dashboard. Despite this minor issue, the overall driving experience in winter conditions was greatly improved, allowing the reviewer to enjoy driving the iX in the snow without hesitation. The grip provided by the Nokian tires, while not as good as dedicated winter tires, was sufficient for navigating steep driveways and snowy roads, meeting the reviewer’s requirements.
The reviewer also experienced an issue with the BMW app, where the car disappeared from the My BMW App for a few weeks, restricting access to trip information and car preconditioning. However, after some time, the car reappeared in the app, allowing normal access to all features. In addition, after some software issues and a manual reboot, the app has been working flawlessly, enabling remote requests and control of the vehicle’s features with a higher success rate.
In terms of practicality, the BMW iX demonstrated its cargo capability by accommodating a 7.5-foot Christmas tree with ease, showcasing its versatility and spacious interior. As the temperatures dropped, the car’s efficiency also declined, with a significant decrease in miles per kilowatt-hour as the weather got colder. Despite the drop in efficiency, the iX still performed above its EPA rating in milder temperatures but experienced a notable decrease in range in extremely cold conditions, indicating the impact of weather on electric vehicle performance.
As the reviewer continues to track the iX’s performance in winter conditions and approaches 15,000 miles, the focus remains on assessing the car’s capabilities and limitations in challenging weather. With the improved grip provided by the all-weather tires and the resolved issues with the BMW app, the overall experience with the iX during the winter has been positive. The car’s efficiency may fluctuate with temperature changes, but it continues to meet expectations in terms of range and performance, making it a reliable and versatile option for navigating winter conditions in New York.
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