The Ultimate Driving Machine is moving to the future with all-electric vehicles, and the iX SUV looks to carry on the tradition that BMW has earned with a luxury people-mover that’s happy-having fun.
The new BMW iX M60 looks to draw in buyers that want an SUV with space for five people but that can also be a blast to drive. The iX packs plenty of power — 610 hp — to help get the blood flowing when you mash the pedal. I was surprised just how fast this big ride is. Sports cars: Beware when this pulls next to you at a light.
The vehicle also handles much better than you would expect for a big luxury ride.
“It drives as BMW should,” said one iX driver, who has owned multiple gas BMW models over the years, as we chatted over some free charging.
On the road, the iX is comfortable and hushed with a range that can make it from D.C. to Pittsburgh on a single charge. However, the big performance on iX M60 comes at a price — about $20,000 more than the iX50, which has less power, sport and goes further on a charge than the top-of-the-line version.
The iX sports a futuristic look compared to other BMW gas models. Tall kidney grills take up most of the middle of the front end of this BMW and there are stylish laser headlights that add to the modern look.
The iX M60 also sports some flashy 22-inch wheels that showcase larger brakes with blue calipers and an M badge that signals the vehicle will stop quickly. The body has less SUV styling than most of the competition, with no hint of off-road ability. The ground clearance is more than a car, but less than most SUVs on the road. You can’t help but notice when you open the doors that this isn’t a normal SUV — you’ll see exposed carbon fiber, usually reserved for high-dollar sports cars.
The inside of the iX M60 is open and airy, with a more modern look and feel compared to previous BMW models. You can choose different materials for your seats, including cloth, microfiber and even leather. I drove the model with a leather interior, plus real wood trim and glass bejeweled switches for seat controls and NAV knob.
The heated and ventilated seats are comfortable for at least six hours on the road. Even the arm rests are heated. Back seat riders will find heated outboard seats — and no kid complained in the 350-mile journey.
The driver is greeted with screens that take up half the dash and contain loads of information. You can also choose a theme or unique, “My Modes Design,” which changes the sound of the car. The display has cool designs that are more than just the normal screen you are used to seeing.
Cost: $111,500; as tested $120,395
MPG: 81 mpge; in 689 miles of mixed driving
Safety: Active cruise control with braking function; dynamic stability control; active driving assistant pro with active blind spot detection; active park distance control & parking assistant plus; head-up display; adaptive full LED lighting & auto high beams; surround view with 3D view; extended traffic jam assistant; highway assistant; front & rear head protection system; automatic high beams.
Options: $950 22″ aero bicolor wheels; $3,500 perforated leather; $2,300 driving assistance package; $700 luxury package; $995 destination charge.
Things to know: The BMW iX M60 is fast like a sports car but comfortable for the whole family in this all-electric SUV.
Pros:
- All-electric SUV with tons of power offers sports car speeds
- Free high-speed charging for two years at Electrify America
- The luxurious and spacious surroundings live up to the premium price tag
Cons:
- Learning curve for the infotainment system
- Gets pricey when you choose the top-of-the-line iX M60 model
- Only seating for five with no third row available
