A year after BMW debuted its iX electric sport utility vehicle, it one-upped itself. For 2023, BMW iX M60 joins the two-car stable. It has the same interior beauty, superior performance and front grille resembling a set of flared nostrils.
Competition at the high end of the electric SUV segment includes the Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS, Audi e-Tron, Cadillac Lyriq and the Rivian R1S. The Polestar 3 is scheduled for a 2024 debut. The BMW is the only vehicle in the group without third-row seating, but that distinction is a minor inconvenience considering the M60’s upside.
The new iX features 610 horsepower and 811 foot-pounds of torque. Standard also are a 1-speed direct drive transmission and all-wheel drive. Both vehicles are propelled with liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries located under the floor. According to BMW, DC fast charging from 10% to 80% can be completed in 35 minutes, and 90 miles of range can be charged in 10 minutes. With an 11-kilowatt home system, a full charge takes slightly longer than 10 hours.
Advanced technology complements the BMW’s mechanics. The infotainment system, called iDrive 8, is offered on a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Driving conveniences include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and a remote parking function.
Acceleration, braking and steady, comfortable driving are the iX M60’s fortes. The sub-four-second power allows confidence in all traffic scenarios. Need to maneuver through traffic? It’s never an issue.
The signature BMW trait is highway speed driving. The flagship SUV complies, with a caveat. The vehicle advances so smoothly that cruising far above the speed limit is an unintentional likelihood. It takes a determined effort to keep the car’s wont to power down the road in check.
Air suspension is standard, further adding to the SUV’s superior maneuvering around traffic, when negotiating corners and in all other driving situations.
One-pedal driving is increasingly available on high-end vehicles, and it’s included on the BMW iX M60. The braking system has three levels of energy regeneration; ease off the throttle and the vehicle slows. The feel requires an adjustment from conventional braking. But driving without having to remove your right foot to brake unless it’s suddenly needed is a welcomed, simplified process.
The 2023 BMW iX M60 has a plush, simple interior design that complements the SUV’s superior driving traits. The dash, console, hexagonal steering wheel and overall cabin areas are attractively stark—the exceptions being the glass seating levers located on the door panels. It has a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. Brake calipers are painted the well-known BMW blue. The seat belts match. For audiophiles’ pleasure, the Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system is top-line with its 30-speaker/1,615-watt presentation.
Back-seat passengers have 38.9 inches of legroom. Behind the 40/20/40 split/folding rear seats are 35.5 cubic feet for cargo. With the seats folded, the cargo volume extends to 77.9 cubic feet.
Quiet, smooth, powerful driving in a simple, posh environment catapults the new BMW to the top of the carmaker’s offerings. Brand enthusiasts will further praise the manufacturer, while new owners will rejoice at their first-time purchase.
Nothing BMW does comes cheap. But for new car buyers with budgets approaching $110,000, this new electric SUV is a high-end value.
Facts & figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 3.6 seconds
Airbags: 8
Fuel economy: 77 mpg equivalent
Range: 288 miles
Horsepower: 610
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $105,100
Manufacturer’s website: bmwusa.com
Price as tested: $109,270
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Electric components, 8 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance, maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles
