Compare the2022 Audi e-tronVS 2022 BMW iX

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Audi e-tron are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW iX doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

An active infrared night vision system optional on the e-tron helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera and near-infrared lights to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The iX doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the e-tron and the iX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available four-wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the e-tron its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 76 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The iX has not been tested, yet.

The e-tron S’ electric motors produce 153 lbs.-ft. more torque (717 vs. 564) than the iX xDrive50’s optional electric motors.

For better stopping power the e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the iX:

For better traction, the e-tron has larger standard tires than the iX (255/50R20 vs. 235/60R20).

The e-tron’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the iX’s standard 60 series tires.

The front and rear suspension of the e-tron uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the iX, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

For better maneuverability, the e-tron’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the iX’s (40 feet vs. 42.8 feet).

The e-tron has .6 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear legroom than the iX.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the iX, the e-tron Prestige has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The e-tron’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The iX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The e-tron has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the iX.