BMW iX M60 Review: Potent Electric SUV Performance

The BMW iX M60 rockets to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, pinning you back like a sports car half its size yet its EPA range drops to 285 miles, a full 56 miles short of the base iX xDrive50. I spent two weeks blasting this beast through mountain passes and city grids, and that power surge is addictive, but the efficiency hit stings on long hauls. If you’re chasing thrills in an SUV that seats five comfortably, this could be your jam; just don’t expect it to outlast a Tesla on cross-country trips.

This top-trim electric SUV from BMW targets affluent drivers who crave luxury with a side of adrenaline, positioning itself as the performance pinnacle of the iX lineup against softer rivals like the Audi Q8 e-tron. At around $110,000 starting, it undercuts hypercars while offering family-hauling practicality. What sets it apart? Those massive 22-inch wheels grip like glue, but they amplify every road imperfection into your spine.

One detail most reviews gloss over: the adaptive air suspension in Sport mode transforms highway cruising into a silent glide, damping out potholes so effectively I forgot I was in a 6,000-pound rig during a 200-mile test loop.

Overview

The 2023 BMW iX M60 is BMW’s flagship electric SUV, blending futuristic design with M-division performance tweaks for those who want zero-emission speed without ditching luxury. Built on BMW’s CLAR platform adapted for EVs, it packs dual motors and a 111.5 kWh battery, aimed squarely at executives and enthusiasts tired of gas-guzzling X5s. Key specs include 610 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a premium interior loaded with sustainable materials like recycled plastics perfect for urbanites upgrading from sedans who need space for kids, gear, and grocery runs.

Key Features

Adaptive M Suspension with air springs adjusts firmness on the fly, delivering Porsche-like handling in corners while softening for commutes. During a rainy canyon run, it kept the iX planted at 70 mph where my buddy’s Rivian R1S fishtailed. BMW downplays it, but it’s the unsung hero for daily drivers who hit twisties.

Curved Display Dashboard merges a 12.3-inch driver screen and 14.9-inch central touchscreen into one seamless 30-inch panorama, running iDrive 8.5 with zero-lag navigation. I plotted a 150-mile route mid-traffic, and voice commands rerouted around construction in seconds no fumbling like on Tesla’s single pane.

Highway Assistant Level 2+ autonomy handles hands-free driving up to 85 mph with eye-tracking cameras. On a four-hour interstate slog, it nailed lane changes and adaptive cruise flawlessly, though it nags for attention every 15 minutes. Underrated for podcasters who hate steering wheel gripes.

360-Degree Cameras with 3D view make parking this 195-inch whale effortless, projecting bird’s-eye clarity even in tight garages. One con: the system glitches in heavy rain, forcing manual backup.

Performance

Launch that iX M60 in Sport+ mode, and 811 lb-ft of instant torque catapults you forward 0-60 in 3.6 seconds feels visceral, outpacing a Porsche Macan GTS off the line despite double the weight. Real-world: I averaged 270 miles of mixed driving (80% highway, 20% aggressive launches), sipping just 32 kWh/100 miles before needing a top-up. DC fast-charging hits 195 kW, adding 80% in 35 minutes faster than the base iX’s 150 kW.

Against the Tesla Model X Plaid, it loses on straight-line range (Model X pushes 326 miles), but wins in chassis composure; Tesla wallows where the BMW carves apexes. Battery preconditioning for charging is a game-changer I preheated en route to a station and gained 20% extra speed versus cold starts. Contrarian take: the M60’s “performance” edge evaporates above 70 mph due to aero drag from those bluff looks, making it less ideal for autobahn warriors than advertised.

Design & Build

The iX M60’s kidney-grille facade polarizes bold and illuminated, it screams presence but gathers bugs like a net. Inside, Merino leather and open-pore wood feel Bentley plush, with door panels that thunk satisfyingly shut. At 6,062 pounds, it rides low thanks to the battery skid plate, but wind noise creeps in above 80 mph, muffled by active ANC.

Ergonomics shine: seats hug like gloves with 18-way adjustments, perfect for my 6-hour drive to Big Sur where lumbar support prevented back fatigue. Annoyance? The glossy black console fingerprints instantly, and cupholders are awkwardly shallow for tumblers. In a crowded mall lot, the frameless doors swing wide confidently, revealing that unexpected insight vegan “leather” accents smell faintly chemical at first, fading after 500 miles.

Compared to Rivals

Versus Tesla Model X Plaid: M60 wins on build quality and analog controls no phantom braking or screen overload but loses range and Supercharger speed, with Tesla adding 200 miles versus BMW’s 285.

Against Rivian R1S Launch Edition: BMW edges in luxury refinement and faster charging, but Rivian crushes off-road capability with 14 inches of ground clearance to iX’s 8.8, plus superior software updates.

Audi Q8 e-tron falls short: iX M60’s power doubles Audi’s 402 hp for quicker overtakes, but Audi’s quattro grip and 300-mile range make it the smarter daily hauler.

Value for Money

Starting at $109,500, the iX M60 delivers M-car thrills in SUV form, but factor $15,000-$25,000 for desirable options like 23-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio or laser headlights. At this price, you get official BMW specs matching a Cayenne Turbo, outvaluing Rivian’s $105K equivalent with better resale (BMW holds 55% after three years per iSeeCars data). Verdict: Overpriced for efficiency seekers, a bargain for speed demons who prioritize drive over distance.

Who Should Buy It

Buy if you’re a luxury suburbanite craving sports-car shove for canyon carving, with home charging to offset range. Performance junkies upgrading from X5M will love the silent savagery. Tech-forward families need its cavernous cargo for soccer gear and fast UI.

Skip if long-distance touring is key the Lucid Air Sapphire stretches farther at similar cash. Daily pothole warriors should grab the softer Genesis Electrified GV70 for compliant ride and value.

Final Verdict

Where to Buy

You can find the 2023 BMW iX M60 on the official product page. Current pricing starts at $110,000 starting.